The Crafty Garden

The Crafty Garden Shop Is Closing

2012-01-31T11:12:00.003Z

Just to let everyone know that I have decided to close the shop, hopefully by the end of March. I am commencing a closing down sale as from 1st February where the majority of stock will be reduced by 25%.

The decision has nothing to do with poor trade or excessive business costs it is purely that I need to be available to spend more time with my lovely little grandson and cannot afford the time to be tied to the shop and shop business as much as I have been of late.

This has been an easy decision to make except for telling my lovely customers, which is so hard. I have made some lovely friends who I hope I will be able to keep in touch with once I become a lady of leisure.

I am so looking forward to more time with Finley and to be able to go back to baking, gardening, housekeeping and most of all crafting and blogging. I know it is the right decision for me which is totally selfish and goes against my usual character but we only live once don't we.

To all my customers who read my blog I hope you will continue to do so I value every follower and hope to give you much more content to look at soon.

Please help this lovely lady

2012-01-30T10:29:00.003Z

Please follow this link to Karens blog, she's doing a wonderful thing & trying to raise money for a lovely lady called Ruth who needs every bit of help we can give.

I've donated a set of Nestabilities (classic scalloped ovals small) and 10 Promarkers (Cyan, Sky Blue, Canary, Gold, Dusky and Cocktail Pink, Sandstone, Tan, Burnt Orange and Oatmeal) to
the raffle & I would love to feel that my blogging friends are able to help our with this really worthwhile cause and buy a ticket/make a donation - We're trying to raise £250!

Lili's Little Fairies Challenge - Week 3

2012-01-22T18:03:00.004Z

Lavender and Lace

Well I got there in the end, I started this creation at 5.30 this morning and have just finished it. To be honest it's an achievement in itself that I have actually managed to ink up one of the stamps I bought ages ago at Ali Pali and a miracle that I have actually found time and mojo to be able to take part in a challenge at last, and I loved it!

This has been coloured with Copics, papers are from the k & Co Watercolour Bouquet pad, dies used are Doo Hickey Butterfly, Nestabilities Picot Circles and Marianne D Creatables flower and as I didn't have any real lace I used the MS PATP border and I am sorry but I can't remember what it's called. It looks blue in the photo but it is lavenders and lilacs in real life, just poor lighting I'm afraid.

Look what postie just delivered

2012-01-18T10:54:00.003Z

I saw this being used on KittieKraft blog the other day (I absolutely love this blog) and just had to have it. So off I went to SimonsaysStamp.com to buy it online and it arrived today. 7 days delivery from USA absolutely fabulous.

I won't be able to play this morning as I am off to look after the lovely Finley while mummy goes into work and yes, that does mean I have had to close the shop for the day, can you see where this is going I wonder! Fin has to come first on grandma's list.

I'll be back to play later this afternoon.

Jackie
x

Couple more sample cards

2012-01-10T07:38:00.003Z

Die cut decoupage is not really my thing but I had to make up some more samples and these are the result. I hate making cards for men so these pyramage designs might do the job and reduced to half price they're a bargain.

I am so tempted to have a set of Labels 1 for the Grand Caliber, I love the shaped cards you can make with them.

Second Post of the New Year

2012-01-02T09:54:00.003Z

Not bad eh, but it is only 2nd January let's face it.

Just a quickie card I made this morning using some of the products which will go in the sale at the shop. It's time I made new samples so who knows what may appear on the blog in the next few days!!

Photos of our little grandson

2012-01-02T09:39:00.008Z

Firstly, just a few photos of our little bundle of deliciousness on Christmas Day. With mummy, this is the first photo we have of Mandy with Finley.Our little bundle all on his own, he looked too cute in his little elf suit, I just had to have an extra squeeze.

Another first photo for my collection with mummy and daddy
and finally, not a brilliant photo but I just thought it was a lovely moment to capture, I like to think of it as 'safe in the arms of grandad'Thanks for letting me share.

Tool Carousel

2011-12-16T15:19:00.006Z

Just had to show my new toy and I know a little craft shop that has them in stock at £24.99 each!

Spam

2011-12-08T07:29:00.002Z

Apologies to anyone on my email contact list, my account has been hacked and spam email sent out from it. I have changed all the account settings, password and security levels so it shouldn't happen again.

Please accept my apologies if you were a recipient of this spam attack.

Where did that go

2011-12-05T07:50:00.003Z

Another weekend gone and so little done towards Christmas.

We spent a lovely evening with my lovely Victoria and John on Saturday which launched us into the weekend perfectly.

We only have one day off a week together and it's just not long enough to fit in a visit with my lovely little grandson, Christmas shopping and crafting so I'm afraid the crafting is suffering again.

I coloured this image weeks ago and made the poinsettia's up before going to work on Saturday and have just grabbed a few minutes this morning to put this card together.

I will become a better blogger soon, I promise.

Apologies for the poor photo, everywhere is shadowy at this time of day.

Bit of a Mixed Bag

2011-11-20T13:33:00.004Z

First a card which has been made as a special order for a customer.

and a couple of photos of the new chicken house as promised for Liz. We had a spot of trouble with red mite in the old one so there was only one solution as far as I was concerned and it's this lovely little pink number. As you can see the girlies are quite happy with it and have found all the right places to sleep and lay their eggs.

What an Idiot ....

2011-11-13T18:06:00.004Z

.... I am

So after weeks of promising myself I am going to take part in more challenges and actually setting aside a bit of time today to do the Penny Black Challenge I produced this card. Unfortunately, in my little brain I had remembered silver and presants and of course when I go to add the links etc. what do I notice - IT'S GOLD & PRESENTS. Nuff said!

I thought I'd post it on my blog anyway.

I have found this wonderful blog called Kittiekraft where Kittie makes the most beautiful cards using the MS branch punch to great effect.

I will try to do better next time!

News on the Blog

2011-10-30T11:29:00.002Z

I have decided to make my blog all about my crafting and not put any more details from the shop on here.

I have also had a major shift round in the craft room at home and have brought home most of my crafting goodies from the shop. I found I was too busy to craft at the shop and when I had time at home all my tools and equipment were at the shop which over the last few months has almost put a stop to my crafting. Take note turning a hobby into a business is bad news for the hobby!!

I am really hoping that I will be able to take part in more challenges and bloggy things now I have made the decision to separate work from play, this will also mean that I have time to visit my lovely bloggy friends who I have been neglecting lately.

I will be back with some cards soon, I promise.

Sunset

2011-10-09T18:41:00.003+01:00

What a perfect end to a beautiful day, this absolutely wonderful sunset.

2 years ago today we lost our dear Peggy (mum in law) and I like to think she is somewhere looking over us and with beautiful sunsets like this I am even more sure that she's there with my mum making sure us 'kids' are OK.
We've had a lovely day, Dan and Mandy came over for lunch with Finley and grandma got to take the lovely boy out for a walk after lunch. Dan and Mandy have only just left and would you believe it taken the lovely Finley with them, blooming cheek!

My Girls

2011-10-04T08:18:00.003+01:00

No crafting today, just a photo of my girls enjoying a seasonal corn on the cob, I'm waiting for the pumpkins to come into the supermarkets and then they'll have some fun.

Bluebell was in the nestbox laying an egg but she soon joined her sisters for some treats.

Not only winter

2011-09-20T18:47:00.003+01:00

I've been having another play with the Letrajet and this beautiful set of Andy Skinner stamps and this time have done summer.

Hope you like it.

Sample Cards

2011-09-15T12:30:00.005+01:00

Firstly, huge apologies as the photos are really badly shown, I have literally taken the photos where the cards stand in the shop so there is all sorts of other stuff in the background.

This is one of the Andy Skinner sets I have in, the image is coloured using the Letrajet and Promarkers from Letraset. The actual layout of the images on the card is cased from Andy Skinners blog which has some fantastic work on it. The sentiment is from Hobby Art Christmas Greetings stamp set, I can always find what I want on this set of stamps and they stamp so beautifully.

Stampendous Top Hat stamp - coloured with Promarkers

Tinchie stamp - love these little stamps, clean and simple

Stampendous Christmas Latern coloured with Promarkers and the background is done with Letrajet, I just love this new toy.

I can honestly say I have never used toppers to make cards but this little sample was in the Craft Creations catalogue and as I had the toppers in stock I thought I'd have a go, must say I am quite pleased with it.

Nothing to do with crafting but

2011-09-06T10:13:00.004+01:00

Hubby needed indulging and as he has always wanted a little MG sporty type car he has bought himself an MG TF (whatever one of those is). It's not a brand new one, that would have been too much indulging, apparently it's the same colour as my lovely BMW I used to have with a black leather and red suede interior, red soft top and black hard top for the winter, or wet summers. Victoria went with him to see it as it's not really my thing and she says its lovely. I am a bit worried about getting in and out of it, I am a lady of larger proportions and can see myself getting well and truly wedged and having to roll out sideways on to the pavement (secluded parking areas needed I can see). I'll post a piccy or two once he's got it home and we'll all be able to see what all the fuss has been about.

PS This should have posted yesterday but blogger was playing up. The car is fantastic!

So excited

2011-08-29T12:26:00.001+01:00

I have ordered a Promarker Air Brush gizmo, can't wait for it to come. I have already bought 2 tins of Airbrush Propellant so I can have a good old play without worrying about running out of air.

It's been such a long time since I did this.........

2011-08-29T12:13:00.005+01:00

... taken part in the Penny Black Saturday Challenge, I can't believe how long it has been.

This week it's Nat's sketch. hope I do all the linky things right as it's been such a long time I can't remember how do it the links but I'm sure it'll come back to me.

This is all I achieved

2011-08-14T16:31:00.003+01:00

Just the one card, but one is better than none I suppose.

I used my new LOTV stamps, MS border punch, lacey squares and lacey circle Nestabilities and all the die cutting was done on my lovely new Grand Caliber.

All Rosed Out

2011-08-14T12:45:00.003+01:00

Definately, no more rose cards for the time being. These are two customer specials I was asked to make but I am really rosed out now.

I was up at 4.30 this morning making the second card as it was worrying me and I couldn't sleep. Mick had to go to our favourite craft shop to get more papers because I hadn't bought enough home with me, how lucky am I to have a 24/7 craft shop at my disposal.

Now, I'm off to have a play with my Lilli of the Valley stamps that I've had for weeks and never used.

Dan, Amanda and Finley coming for a roast dinner tonight so I will only get a couple of hours to play and that's if the early morning doesn't kick in and I have to have an afternoon nap!!

Open Today

2011-08-11T08:30:00.002+01:00

I am opening the shop today, my back is a little less painful so with the help of a few painkillers I hope I will be OK.

Still Closed

2011-08-10T08:13:00.002+01:00

Sorry, still closed. I am sure I have a kidney stone, have had them before and the pain is excrutiating after I drink, so it's just a case of keep drinking until the stone gets through then the pain will stop. If all else fails Victoria has said she will open on Saturday for me but I really hope to be back way before then.

Apologies

2011-08-09T09:14:00.002+01:00

To anyone calling at the shop today, it's closed. I have a bad back and have been trying to work through the pain but I think I need to rest it, so plan to spend today doing absolutely nothing and resting it with a hot water bottle.

I am really sorry to let my lovely customers down but as I'm on my own there I have no alternative, I don't take sick time lightly as I don't like letting people down.

Will be there again tomorrow, back pain or no back pain!!

Yesterday didn't go as planned

2011-08-05T10:55:00.001+01:00

The shop was really busy so I didn't get much of a chance to craft at all, customers coupled with deliveries of new goodies kept me well busy.

My customer has just picked up her daughter's wedding card and loved it, I am so pleased, and my lovely daughter in law has asked me to make one for a friend of hers who is getting married in a couple of weeks, so it must be OK.

Might be back later depending on how busy it gets.

Well I guess that was it

2011-08-04T11:41:00.002+01:00

I think we may just have had our summer, and what a glorious two days it was, although to be honest it was a bit too hot for me.

Just thought I'd pop on to give a glimpse of a card I have made for a customer's daughter and future son in law.

Off to do some colouring in, I think it's the right sort of day, the shop will be quiet today so it's an indulgent craft day for me.

A leftover

2011-07-17T18:38:00.002+01:00

I bought this little stamp at Clairs yesterday and the papers etc. are from one of kits that I didn't get finished so I used them to create this little card. I must say, Clair has really got me back into decorating the insides of my cards again, I think it really finishes them off.Hope you like

Just Finished

2011-07-17T08:19:00.004+01:00

a few of the cards from yesterday, I have now done 7 of the 10. I know Clair will be posting images on her blog but I was just so chuffed with my finished batch that I had to take photos.

Clair is such a talented crafter, I don't know where she gets the idea for so many cards in one go but thankfully she does, they were all beautiful.

Victoria has already told me to put my name down if Clair has another cardmaking bonanza, can't wait, but I think I will need to take a few cans of Red Bull with me to stop me from flagging.

Great Day

2011-07-16T18:47:00.005+01:00

I have just got back from the most fantastic day of cardmaking at Clair's mum, there was a group of 16 of us and Clair put so much hard work into making up 160 different kits for the day, there were 10 lovely cards to make in all and I only managed to make 3, but I had a fantastic time and will make the rest up tomorrow, we got to bring our unused kits home and I took photos of the finished cards which Clair says she will put on her blog when she has time.

Straight from the horses mouth

2011-07-11T10:00:00.001+01:00

so to speak - I wanted to know for sure which is the best way to store our Promarkers so I have contacted Letraset and am told that we can store them flat or upright, it doesn't matter which but ~Aquamarkers must be stored flat. I am now off to order a CD case from Tesco or Amazon so I can create a holder as seen on the internet.

Another Adorable

2011-07-10T09:37:00.004+01:00

I have promised myself a day of colouring in today and this is the first of the day. I hope Bev doesn't mind but I have used the same colours for the little girl with brolly as she used, I'm not usually daring enough to use so much red because it bleeds to badly but because these are cut out it doesn't matter if it bleeds slightly outside the line, I also found the ultra fine nibs for the Promarkers helped with the bleeding out on the tiny areas like her hairband. I have used my new Nellie Snellen punched and embossed flower punches (in stock at the shop).

These new stamps have given me the confidence to do a bit more with blending of colours, I don't know why perhaps it's because they are such fun to use.

I hope to be back later with some more cards, they will all be simple because I've left the Cuttlebug at the shop so no fancy shapes I'm afraid but Mick has made me a new bowmaker like the one on Amazing Paper Grace's blog, it's huge and takes up a load of space but you can really do some fantastic bows with

PROMARKER ULTRA FINE NIBS

2011-07-09T14:36:00.002+01:00

Just to let those of you who might be interested know that the Promarker Ultra Fine Nib Attachments have arrived and are fantastic, they are £1.99 for 3 nibs and we have loads in stock.

A couple of Adorables

2011-06-30T15:56:00.002+01:00

I am hooked and have just spent the majority of the day making up these two little projects. Chris and I had a colouring afternoon yesterday and both coloured a donkey and a little lad, today I made the card up and coloured the little girl on the hanging plaque.

They really are beautiful images to colour and they are so easy to cut out and place on your background (mine have both been chalked and the images have been coloured using Promarkers). The images have really been thought out so there are no difficult little whispy bits to cut around.

These two are from the seaside sets 'Special Friend' and 'By the Sea'. I'm off to have a go with a couple of rainy day sets now, will be back later.

NEW IN

2011-06-25T07:44:00.003+01:00

Just as I was watching the launch show for Jayne Nestorenko's Adorables Summer Collection on the computer in the shop and thinking that it would be days before my stock arrived, the door opened and in came the delivery man with a box from Crafters Companion.

These stamps are the most beautiful little images. I spent all yesterday evening mounting 10 sets on to Kling On and this morning I have stamped out every image and I LOVE THEM. They are just the cutest little characters and I can't wait to make up some samples for the shop and the blog.

Rainy day today so I will probably get loads of time to stamp and colour in between customers.

Fusion with a difference

2011-06-21T10:10:00.003+01:00

Sheena's Poppies, the lovely Lizzie, a customer, gave me this idea for the Fusion Poppies. Loved making the card and had so many comments about it. Card size is 8x8 which I don't usually tackle but with these stamps it was so easy.

Papers are all Craft Creations (in stock at the shop) and the border punch is Martha Stewart Garden Rail (also in stock).
and Daisies as well, the ribbon platting is as demonstrated by Sue Wilson on C&C using the Floral Doily Accent Spellbinder dies (available in the shop of course) with Creative Expressions Vintage Ribbon (also in stock at the shop)

I am now looking at the other Fusion stamps in the shop to see how I can use them.

Fusion with a difference

2011-06-21T10:10:00.000+01:00

New Baby Card

2011-06-12T17:40:00.003+01:00

Just a quickie to show you the card I made when our lovely Finley was born.

It's been a Hougie sort of day

2011-06-08T16:11:00.006+01:00

I've been playing with the Hougie board using the Everyone Needs a Hougie book and I have to say I love the result, this is the art deco card.

Back to the spotty papers again, I'm afraid, I just love them. The roses are made from the Woodware 6 petal flower punch and the fronds are a Martha Stewart punch.

Hope you like!

This weekends efforts

2011-05-31T12:05:00.003+01:00

Well the weather wasn't up to much so on Saturday evening we loaded up the car with all my crafting bits from the shop and I got settled in for a couple of days crafting.

Nothing much got done on Sunday I just wanted to veg out infront of the tv, naughty I know but having so few days off now I figured that I deserved it.

Yesterday I was up just after 6 to let the girls out and then went straight into the craft room.

I had these stamps ready to make some samples for the shop (stock expected soon) and I just loved colouring them in with my Promarkers. You know sometimes things just come together for you and others they don't, well everything was flowing yesterday and I managed to make these three cards and also a couple of wedding invitations samples for the shop as well.

Thanks for looking.

New Arrival

2011-05-23T21:23:00.006+01:00

Our lovely grandson Finley Joseph arrived today at about 2pm. A photo overload follows and I make no apologies, he's just so cute.

POLKADOODLES

2011-05-05T19:07:00.002+01:00

I have never really been a CD crafter, well except for my Pink Petticoat backing papers, however all that has changed now that I have discovered Polkadoodles CD's. I love the digital images all ready to print off and use with my Promarkers and the ease of using the CD images is just fantastic.

This is my first card using the backing papers, ditties and black and white digital images

I thoroughly enjoyed doing something a bit different and am now officially hooked.

Jackie

Some Cards

2011-04-28T12:08:00.002+01:00

Had to share this one

2011-03-21T10:18:00.003Z

This is my dear hubby's attempt at a bit of Paint Fusion.

We spent a lovely morning and most of the afternoon playing with the stamps, paints etc. Watching a little bit of Sheena's DVD and then trying to replicate something that resembled what she'd done. I was rubbish but this is Mick's second attempt at the berries and leaves and I have to say I am very impressed, especially as he's a leftie and I thought he might have a bit of trouble with the technique, but no he was brilliant at it and he even made the background.

I distressed it, edged it in brass embossing powder and put it on the card base but everything else is down to my very talented hubby.

My Paint Fusion Wall

2011-03-18T11:36:00.003Z

or section of wall. I am so tempted and cannot see myself lasting the week without the extra three sets of stamps I need and the four sets of paints. I already have the DVD, 3 sets of stamps and the brushes. I am by no means a painter but this is so relaxing, even if I'm just sitting trying to get the strokes right and not actually working on the stamped image. I have to say that Sheena's DVD is the best craft DVD I have ever seen, she's a natural.

Here are a couple of attempts at the technique, a long way from perfect but it was fun having a go.

Popcorn 'Smile' Set

2011-03-01T16:38:00.003Z

I have never used Popcorn stamps before but I have to say that now I have tried them I love them (apologies for the poor lighting of the photo).

I reverted back to my watercolouring with Distress Ink colouring method and really enjoyed it, I find it much more effective for bears, must admit I struggled with the Promarkers on this one so gave up.

I love the cutie images of the lovely little bear and his friend Souffle. At the moment they are £5.99 each or 2 for £10.99 in my shop.

More Cards

2011-02-24T14:35:00.002Z

Today we have a couple more sample cards from the shop, the first is a Sugar Nellie Love A Latte, coloured with Promarkers and using Trimcraft Back to Basics papers.

and also a Sarah Kay image which is Rose's Garden, again coloured with Promarkers, background paper is Craft Creations, embossing folder is Craft Concepts and the oval die is one of the Grand Nestabilities.

I have ordered new stamps from Stampavie so hopefully they will arrive soon, also Debbi Moore Paris stamps and Bella Stamp Sheets.

A few new cards

2011-02-15T10:27:00.003Z

Just a few new makes.

Sugar Nellie Painting Rainbows coloured with Promarkers, papers are Dovecraft Back to Basics

Another Sugar Nellie this time Goosey Gander, coloured with Promarkers, swirls are Marianne D and the heart border is Martha Stewart all backed with Dovecraft Back to Basics papers. Thanks to Chris for finally helping me to get the blending right on the hair.
This is Cookie from the new Heltz Cuppleditch 'Make a Wish' Cling Stamps, coloured with Promarkers and backed on Craft Creations gingham , sorry he's a bit blurred - I think!

This is the cake stamp from the same set, both the Heltz Cuppleditch have been done by my lovely girlie Victoria.

A quick Easter card

2011-02-03T10:19:00.003Z

Just a quick card using an old, old Sarah Kay image. Since discovering how much I like Promarkers I am revisiting all the old stamps just to see how they turn out.

I have cut this card from a 6x6 card blank using the smallest Grand Nestabilities Circle and Scalloped Circle, I think the smallest 3 or 4 go through my Cuttlebug with no problem.

Busy, busy

2011-02-02T07:51:00.004Z

The shop has been busy so far this week, I hope it continues.

We have had new deliveries from Trimcraft, lovely 6x6 paper packs with co-ordinating papers and Heltz Cuppleditch stamps also the new Martha Stewart punches have arrived and the Circle Scissor cutter and glass cutting mats, oh and mustn't forget the beautiful glamour dust. Still waiting on new Hobby Art stamps which should be in today and Creative Expressions embossing folders, also due in, some new designs of EK success punches. My problem is finding room for everything.

Iwill be ordering from Crafters Companion this week to just try and keep everything fresh and new.

Hi

2011-01-26T16:42:00.005Z

I love this Sugar Nellie Fairy stamp. She is coloured with Promarkers, my new passion, I have glamour dusted her wings (should be in stock any day at the shop) and used the lovely Martha Stewart Doily Lace punch on the background papers, the dotty paper is Craft Creations. I am sorry the photograph is so bad, there's just no good light about at the moment.

Not having such a good time of it at the moment, the shop is dead and it just seems to be a miserable time of year. Our lovely neighbour died last weekend, my sis has hurt her back and is suffering big time and I just want the lighter evenings and warmer days to be here, anyone feeling the same?

Wow- stands back in amazement

2011-01-12T10:11:00.003Z

I have actually managed to make a couple of cards - wonders will never cease.

I have just received a few Sugar Nellie stamps into stock for the shop and just had to make up a couple of samples of these two lovelies.

I already had the Country Style stamp and Goth Girl was a little pressie to myself.

The idea for layout and design for Goth Girl came from my internet browsing but I can't remember the exact blog or gallery I found it in, so if it is yours thank you so much for the inspiration.

The shop is still busy and I am keenly scanning for new stock ideas all the time. I would love to be able to track down some different stamps (hence the Sugar Nellies). I have just received the Grand Calibur (£99.99)and Grand Nesties (£36.99) and am awaiting new Martha Stewart punches. I also have a clearance on Clarity and Penny Blacks with up to 30% off original price, sadly they just didn't work out for me, such a shame as I love both companies and love working with their products.

Must be off, window to change and more sample cards to make up.

Take care all.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T09:51:00.002Z

Just signing in to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and special good wishes to all those of you who have visited my little craft shop, your visits are very much appreciated.

I have just packed up my bags of goodies to take home for the holiday and unfortunately have had to pack up all my accounts work to take home as well, the VAT return and all my accounts need to be updated while I'm off. I am so looking forward to making up some new card samples for the shop in lovely spring colours.

Only a couple more hours of work and then off for 10 glorious days, Victoria is coming in to do the 11-1 stint in the shop while I go off and do some last minute shopping.

So here's wishing you all a great Christmas.

Nearly There

2010-12-21T12:23:00.002Z

Well we have nearly made it through to Christmas. The shop is quiet now as everyone is thinking about food and drinks for the big day but we have had a very successful few months since opening and have had more sales than I would ever had hoped and more importantly I have met the most wonderful customers and made some great friends.

I will be closing the shop up for the holiday on Friday at 1pm and re-opening on 4th January. I am racing towards a glorious week off with loads of crafting time built into the schedule and loads of accounts work to do as well.

I have already done all the reductions for my New Year Sale as I have had to clear a space for 1 metre unit of haberdashery, unfortunately the stamps had too much room for the number of sales they were generating and I have been sending people into Eastbourne for needles and thread which seemed a bit ridiculous. I am desperately looking for something different in the stamp line to stock, Penny Black and Hero Arts just don't sell well enough to warrant the space put over to them, Clarity turned out to be another mistake, while people love them they are too expensive for the stampers of Seaford which is such a shame.

For now I would like to wish everyone a Happy Christmas and a Fantastic New Year. I must now concentrate on what we will be eating as I have one empty fridge, no turkey and no vegetables, we have plenty of dog and chicken food though!!

My word it's cold

2010-11-16T13:30:00.004Z

I am absolutely freezing today. I have two heaters on in the shop and I'm still cold, the customers tell me it's warm when you come in from outside but I'm not so sure.

Anyway, enough of me and my moaning, here's a couple of cards we made at our class on Saturday. It was just a cozy class with me and three others but I think a good time was had by all and even though we didn't get both cards finished they took all the components away so they could finish the snow couple off at home.

Thanks for visiting.

A Few more makes

2010-11-10T16:05:00.002Z

Busy, busy and no time for proper blogging I'm afraid but I have uploaded a couple of cards and another box, (I love boxes).

Coloured with distress inks

Coloured with Promarkers (I think I'm getting to grips with blending at last)

An update

2010-10-19T14:47:00.003+01:00

I know I've said it before many times but I am truly sorry that I haven't updated for so long. I have been so busy at the shop I just don't get much time for crafting anymore.

We have just taken delivery of the stand of lovelies, and I have promised that I won't have one of each just for me - well not yet anyway! Some gaps still but I am waiting for stock to arrive.

and now for a few cards we have made for the shop
first this lovely Laurence Collection image, coloured with Promarkers, the sentiment is from the Christmas Hobby Art Message set

a bit of quilling, something I haven't done for ages and I must say I struggled with the old eyesight being less than perfect nowadays.

The next two are cards we made at Julies 'Labels' workshop. We had a great time got really messy and I even joined in, these were the cards made by Julie.

Sorry it's not much I won't say I'll be back soon with more updates because with the best will in the world I know it probably won't happen.

Take care all

New Cards

2010-09-28T11:12:00.003+01:00

Here's just a few cards we've made for the shop to show the new stamp designs off.

ALLY PALLY

2010-09-26T17:09:00.002+01:00

Spent yesterday at the Ally Pally, well a couple of hours. I knew exactly what I was there for and kept to my list. Friends had asked me to get them some Lavinia stamps, absolutely beautiful sample cards on their stand but I resisted and didn't buy any for myself.

I was not able to resist the Lilli of the Valley stamps and came back with several, some for me and some as a pressie for my lovely Victoria who looked after the shop for me for the day. I've tried to have a play today but wasn't really in the mood. I don't like using stamps in the shop that I don't stock but hey it won't hurt for once I'm sure so I'll have a play tomorrow and then hopefully post some piccies.

Allsorts Challenge Week 66

2010-08-25T11:31:00.003+01:00

Miniature 3"

At last I've had a chance to complete a challenge, this little box is just over 2" square. How lovely to be able to join in with something other than work for a change.

As anyone who visits the shop will tell you I am very much into boxes and roses at the moment so this little miniature was right up my street.

Where is the time going

2010-08-25T11:19:00.005+01:00

I didn't realise it had been so long since my last post, I have been busy, busy with stock orders and deliveries and there seems to be no time for updating my blog.

Here's a card I made using the Marianne D Poinsettia dies and one of the new Koetie images coloured with Promarkers (Victoria did this one)

and finally a little post it note holder decorated with a House Mouse stamp.

Our First Evening Workshop

2010-07-26T19:51:00.004+01:00

We've just had our first evening workshop, working with Distress Inks. Julie did the workshop for me and everyone appears to have had a good time experimenting with a new technique.

2010-07-22T14:09:00.003+01:00

Just a few photos of the shop with some of the new ranges. Since opening I have added some Clarity Stamps, Creative Expressions and Joanna Sheen and have increased some of the ranges from other suppliers. We are doing OK a few more customers would be nice but word is still getting round and every week I have new people in.
Hope you like the piccies

Jackie

Photos at Last

2010-07-22T13:52:00.004+01:00

At last I have remembered to bring my camera into the shop so I have taken some photos of a few of the new cards I have made to show off the new House Mouse stamps from Joanna Sheen that I have in stock and also a couple of decoupage cards I have made for the shop.

I Have Been Such a Bad Blogger

2010-07-04T16:26:00.002+01:00

and I am very sorry. Things have been so hectic at the shop, it's been pretty busy so lots of ordering and deliveries to do, then sample cards for new stamps etc. and that has all meant no time for challenges or blogging. I do visit all the blogs I follow each time they post but I have been bad and not left comments.

I have now said to Mick that I need another set of crafting stuff at home because Sunday is the only day I get to do anything and my craft stuff is mainly at the shop he of course has said 'yes' not realising how much it could cost him!

I desperately want to join in all the challenges I used to do and catch up with my old bloggy buddies and I'm going to make sure I do.

If I can remember to take my camera to the shop tomorrow I will take some photos of some of the cards I've made and post them.

Just a quick post

2010-06-12T18:24:00.006+01:00

Just had to post a piccie of my Rooney getting ready to watch the match tonight.

I had a good week at the shop this week, lots of lovely customers coming in and still lots of them were finding us for the first time, so I am encouraged by this.

We also had our first class today everyone took a lovely card away with them that they had made, I really hope everyone enjoyed themselves. It's such a responsibility when people pay good money for a class and I want them to go away having had a good time.

I haven't had much time for cardmaking myself but I hope next week will bring me a little more time to sit and craft in the shop.

I'm off to the Craft Barn tomorrow with my friends Julie and Cheryl, I am really looking forward to having a day of craft that I have absolutely no stress over.

Jackie

Couple of new cards

2010-06-01T16:12:00.002+01:00

Just a quick post to show off a couple of new cards I have made using decoupage, I don't love decoupage the way I love stamping but these are very good for quick cards.

Love these stamps

2010-05-25T18:32:00.005+01:00

I just love these Scene-It stamps from Hobby Art, I can't draw a matchstick man so these give me a bit of help, well no actually they give me a lot of help.

It's been so nice to have time to do some crafting at last.

and finally, some of you know that I lost four of my chooks in a month, three of them in two days. It was touch and go whether Rosie would survive, but survive she did and here are the two lovely girls fully recovered and enjoying the sun.

We have booked four new girlies for the 6th June rehoming so hopefully we will be lucky.

Beautiful Day

2010-05-23T16:27:00.003+01:00

What a lovely day, we have finally made it into the garden having done my accounts for the week and putting the letters on a new sign Mick has made to go outside the shop.

It's fantastic to be out in the fresh air, the great tits have fledged from the box in the garden and we can hear them calling out to each other in the trees around the garden, the birds are singing the sky is as blue as blue, Mick's having a little nap and I'm doing a bit of catching up blog hopping, that's until the battery dies on the old laptop.

Apologies once again for being such a bad blogger, I really do want to join in with so many challenges at the moment but I am just too tired once I have finished for the day. I love so many of the beautiful creations you are coming up with and although I don't always leave a comment I do visit the blogs in my favourites quite often, how else would I do my market research as to what all you lovely ladies are using.

Had an absolutely fantastic day in the shop yesterday and met some great crafters, I thought the day was going to be dead because of the fantastic weather but it turned out to be my best day so far and I even sold a Cuttlebug!!!!

Off to carry on bloghopping and then have a read, just starting to read Hard Girls by Martina Cole and I know once I start reading it I won't be able to put it down.

Take care all, enjoy the rest of the day in this beautiful weather.

What a Week!

2010-05-21T16:45:00.002+01:00

Busy, busy, not necessarily with customers but just things to do.

Clarity Stamps arrived on Monday and I just had to make this card especially once the Crystal swirls arrived the two just fitted together, I thought so anyway.

I have ordered Scene It stamps from Hobby Art and they are due in next week.

Julie had a fantastic demo yesterday afternoon and although only a few people turned up they were all very interested and excited about the shop being here, which is good.

Sales are a bit hit and miss but with this gorgeous weather we're having I'm not surprised, let's hope it continues into Sunday when I get my one day a week off.

Catch up again soon.

Fantastic Day

2010-05-16T19:16:00.004+01:00

Started off the day at 6am letting the chooks out, I thought it was only fair to let Mick has a lie in for a change, I then went back to bed and had a read and about 8 o'clock Mick got up and brought us bacon sarnies in bed mmmmmm.

After shopping we went with Victoria and our doggies for a walk in the beautiful bluebell woods at Arlington, the bluebells were breathtaking.

I just have to show you the lovely photos I took, shame Dan, Amanda and John weren't with us but hopefully we will be able to do it again when they can come.

My fantastic hubby

Hubby again with Rooney

Mick with Victoria and my boys Woody and Rooney

Thanks for looking

Great Demo Day

2010-05-15T21:01:00.002+01:00

We had a great demo today with Gaynor White, lots of people came in to see her special way of doing decoupage and really liked it, she's also very nifty with Martha Stewart PATP and demo'd how they worked for me, all in all it made for a very good day.

Clarity stamps should arrive on Monday hopefully, can't wait!!

All's quiet

2010-05-13T07:51:00.003+01:00

in the world of The Crafty Garden at the moment, trade has really slowed since the election last week, I'm just hoping it will pick up again soon.

At least I am getting time to do some crafting while it's quiet but I have to say I'd rather have customers even if it's only for the occasional chat.

Our first class on the 15th June 'Introduction to Stamping' is now fully booked and I have Gaynor White demonstrating for me this Saturday from 10.30, so if you're in the area please pop in to see us.

Lovely new Clarity Stamps due in and some lovely crystals and pearls ordered, hopefully they will be with me soon.

Penny Black Week 99

2010-05-04T19:29:00.003+01:00

At last I've found the time to join in with a challenge. I have really missed being part of the 'active' blogging community.

This weeks challenge over at Penny Black is LET'S GET PUNCHY, so here goes. I have used MS PATP which I love.

Sorry it's such a bad photo, the light is really odd tonight.

Still Nothing I'm Afraid

2010-04-30T15:13:00.002+01:00

The shop has been really busy which is great but this is being overshadowed with the problems we're having with the chooks. We have lost 3 this week and are now down to 2, full story on my hen blog. I'm afraid this has left me a little deflated , hopefully we will get through today and everything will be OK in the Hen Pen.

Thanks to all of my followers who have visited the shop it is so lovely to meet you all.

What a Day

2010-04-27T19:56:00.002+01:00

I've had a fabulous day in the shop today, Clair from Valentine's came over with some of her workshop ladies, it was so lovely to meet them all and to receive the seal of approval from some true crafters.

I haven't been well for the last week or so, been bogged down with a dreadful cold and cough, I suppose I've come into contact with germs in the last few weeks that I haven't encountered for a long time and it means I've picked this up and can't seem to shake it off. Of course I've had to go into the shop every day as there's been no one else to look after it, I spent all day Sunday in bed and Mick has been an absolute gem.

As soon as I'm back to 100% I promise to post some photos.

Hi Everyone

2010-04-19T10:25:00.004+01:00

Here's a couple of bits I've made for displays in the shop. The first is using the fantastic Martha Stewart Scoreboard to make the box and the second is a really simple little plaque using MS PATP double loops (this plaque has sold so many MS punches for me it's unbelievable).

Sorry I've not posted for a while, I have been struggling with a 6 day week and keeping on top of paperwork and accounts.

I have finally got my credit card machine installed so now feel like a proper shop.

The shop could be a little busier but saying that I am more than happy with trade for the first 8 days.

Another Quickie

2010-04-14T12:54:00.001+01:00

Sorry, can't put any photos on at the moment as my daughter has made off with my digital camera.

I just wanted to say that I am meeting some wonderful people, aren't us crafters a friendly old bunch.

Be back as soon as the camera is returned.

News from the Crafty Garden

2010-04-13T08:10:00.003+01:00

Things seem to be going fairly well, the credit card machine arrived yesterday so hopefully that may encourage people to have a bit of a spend up, everyone is counting up the change in their purse before making their purchases at the moment, but I am happy with what I am taking but any improvement would be welcome.

I am getting lots of positive comments from customers about the stock and how happy they are to have a craft shop in Seaford at last.

My Sarah Kay stamps arrived yesterday and I hope to make up some cards today with them, it would be rude not to choose a couple for myself wouldn't it, I am being so good, but to be honest I am too tired to do anything other than put my feet up when I get home so I can only see me crafting while I'm in the shop.

Hopefully be back later with some cards to show you.

A Good Day

2010-04-09T20:08:00.001+01:00

I'm worn out but it has been a good day, if every day is like today I will have a successful business although I have to remember it was opening day with good weather, it won't be like this everyday I know.

Off for a rest now.

Just to Let You Know

2010-04-09T11:58:00.002+01:00

That The Crafty Garden has opened it doors and has had it's first three customers!

I'll update you later on what sort of day it's been.

Thanks for all your good wishes, I really appreciate them.

Some Photos of the Almost Finished Shop

2010-04-07T19:47:00.004+01:00

We're almost there, both absolutely exhausted but it's been worth it - I hope.

My friends Dorothy and Julie have both helped with setting the stock out and my lovely daughter and son in law have spent their time off helping out.

Dan helped Mick put the sign up tonight and was well impressed with the shop.

I have tomorrow off and hope to open some time on Friday albeit without credit card facilities to start with, they should be with me early next week along with my Stampavie stamps and hopefully the new Distress Ink Colours and some Big and Juicy ink pads.

More Samples

2010-03-30T10:55:00.002+01:00

Just a couple of sample cards, this time using Flower Soft Stamp 'Man of the Match' and Flower Soft to create a bouquet of blossoms.

This is It

2010-03-28T18:32:00.003+01:00

so far. We're getting there, hope to start putting some stock in next week.

Mick has had to custom make the three gondola stands, I'm so lucky that he's a carpenter and has done shopfitting before. The carpet has arrived and will go down some time this week.

The shop is small but it will be merchandised to within an inch of it's life. I have so many offers of help from the 'A Team' where I worked before I think we may be falling over ourselves.

A couple of samples

2010-03-23T08:20:00.003Z

As well as being so busy trying to sort out stock, credit cards, programme tills etc. etc. I am trying to get some samples done for the shop. I am only using products that I will be stocking in the shop and as most of the papers are packed away at the bottom of the pile of stock it's proving to be a bit difficult.

Here's a couple of attempts:-

Sleepy Head

2010-03-23T08:15:00.004Z

First, I had to post a photo of Woody as I found him this morning when I came down, such a little sleepy head and he'd tucked himself up so cozy in his bed, bless him.

Not Enough Stock!!

2010-03-13T05:13:00.004Z

Well that was my worry until this lot turned up and now I think we may need some sky hooks.

Up until yesterday I kept worrying if I had enough stock, I had to have Martha Stewart, Nesties, Stampavie, Cuttlebug etc. etc. not to mention all the foam pads, double sided tapes, ribbons, ink pads the list goes on and on, but everything kept turning up in little boxes and I was thinking that I was going to have room for a song and dance in this very small craft shop. Yesterday Woodware and Stix2 arrived and somehow took over the dining room. I still have Penny Black, Pinflair, Stampavie and a fair sized Personal Impressions order to come oh and Craftwork Cards.

Me thinks me needs to wake Mick up and get him down that shop working!

I have to admit to being a little worried about the whole venture but then that's just me. We have a lot tied up in this and after two years at home I am going to have to give up precious time with my doggies and my house and go back to working 6 days a week. I know it will all be worth it but now I really need to get that shop door open and hopefully see a few customers coming in.

Thanks for reading the ramblings of a nutty insomniac.

Butterflies

2010-03-11T09:27:00.002Z

Don't you just love these Hero Arts butterflies from the Antique Engravings set. Coloured with distress inks and the background just distressed a little.

Sorry dreadful photo, all on the skew.

Exciting Update

2010-03-10T16:30:00.004Z

Well everyone tells me I should be excited, today I have signed the lease on my new shop 'The Crafty Garden'. Subject to the landlord signing up I will be opening a small but what I hope will be beautifully formed craft shop in Seaford within the next month.

I have been busy for the last few months opening trade accounts and choosing stock some of which is being delivered into my dining room already for pricing. I have budgeted and re-budgeted just to make sure of my figures and providing I get some customers each week fingers crossed things will work out.

I will have to concentrate on the bricks and mortar shop first but I already have someone looking at building a website for me.

We should complete tomorrow or Friday and then I will be busy arranging credit card terminals, tills, telephones etc. etc. just as well I've done it all before and have some clue of what I'm hoping to achieve. I am very lucky that hubby and son are both carpenters and have done loads of shopfitting for a local book and stationery chain, so the shopfitting had better be right on the button, nephew is an electrician so I will be getting myself into debt on the favours front.

Will be back with more news soon.

Just Playing & Saturday Spotlight Challenge

2010-02-27T09:22:00.006Z

I've just become the lucky owner of some new Martha Stewart punches and thought I'd have a play to see what I could come up with using only punches.

I really love the way these punches are so precise and easy to use.

This is double loops punch around the page, glassine butterfly and lace scallop heart.

I am entering this for this weeks Saturday Spotlight Challenge which is Clean it Up.

Inspired by 'Sir Tim' and Allsorts Challenge

2010-02-25T10:40:00.009Z

Now those of you who know me, and probably those who don't but follow my blog, know that I don't do grungy (not even sure I can spell it properly) but I watched Tim Holtz on QVC on Tuesday and was well inspired to do something with my Distress Inks other than use them to watercolour images, and this is the result:-

I loved getting all inky, didn't have any grungy stamps but utilised my Hero Arts dandelion stamp and then made some of Brenda's lovely roses with distressed and stamped papers. I didn't have Perfect Pearls but found some other mica powders in the back of my embossing powder drawer.

I think I will enter this into Allsorts Challenge this week which has been set by my buddy Jules.

I know, I know

2010-02-19T17:38:00.005Z

I've been away for ever, I hope to remedy that soon. I've been tied up with crafty things for months now but haven't actually made anything until today..

I have used the new Sarah Kay decoupage and have made some roses (sorry I can't remember for the life of me where I saw the tutorial but it was on someone's blog and it was great.

The Most Fantastic Candy

2010-02-02T08:36:00.002Z

Jacque has the most amazing candy on her blog, hope over and take a look at her candy post.

Yay I'm Back

2010-01-20T09:42:00.004Z

At last I have found some time to actually make a card. My daughter in law came over at the weekend and asked me to make two cards for her so I just had to get the crafting goodies out and have a go.

I have been so busy with other things and this coupled with the fact that I moved my craft room around and it's not so easy to actually craft in at the moment didn't help. You know what it's like when you have a move round and have to think about where everything is instead of just being able to reach out and lay hands on it.

I must settle back into it as I have loads of cards to make for my new project that I hope to be able to tell you about in about 4 weeks time.

Hope to be back often now I've made the effort.

The Year in Review

2010-01-01T06:44:00.008Z

I notice a few of my bloggy buddies have put a selection of cards, one for each month, on their blogs. Here are some of my favourites, and I hope yours as well.

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

JULY

NOTHING FOR AUGUST I'M AFRAID

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

Hope you enjoyed that little review.

********HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL********

Just wanted to wish you

2009-12-31T06:58:00.002Z

all a HAPPY NEW YEAR.

I've not been around much lately, so very busy with my new project, I will tell you all about it as soon as I can. It's taking up hours of computer time and giving me sleepless nights when a new idea comes into my mind.

I hope to get a bit of crafting done today unless the project/computer takes over again.

Anyway, I just wanted to wish you all a Happy New Year and thank you for being with me during a difficult 2009, I hope 2010 is a great year for all of us.

Early Christmas Wishes

2009-12-20T17:56:00.005Z

I don't know how so many of you are organised enough to be able to update your blogs with such beautiful creations at such a busy time. I'm afraid my crafting has suffered at the hands of a horrible chesty cough and cold and I've also been very busy with my hush hush project that I hope to be able to tell you all about soon.

My project is taking an awful lot of research and time consuming trawling of the internet but it has to be done as preparation will be the key to success - I hope!

Anyway to the point of my post, I'm sorry for being such a bad blogger at the moment, I can't see things improving over the next week or so but hopefully the New Year will be a better time for blogging and crafting. So if I don't get back before the holidays I hope everyone who visits my blog has a Wonderful Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

Another First

2009-12-10T09:22:00.004Z

Haven't taken part in this challenge before so here goes. This weeks Stamptacular Sunday Challenge is

'Let it Shine'

Can you tell I'm in the 'pink' at the moment. I don't think the gloomy conditions of my craft room have picked up the glittered snow very well, but I hope you can see it well enough for this to qualify.

Penny Black 78

2009-12-10T08:30:00.005Z

'Christmas for the Girls'

I haven't used these PB images nearly enough this Christmas, thought I was tired of the little hedgies but how could I possibly have thought that, they are such fun to create with and I know just the girlie for this card to go to, she just loves pink!

Introducing Koetie

2009-12-09T18:43:00.004Z

Isn't she a sweetie and I've only just found her.

I've got something exciting going on at the moment which is very hush hush, but I promise as soon as I can I will let you all know what I'm hoping to get up to!! Unfortunately, it has kept me away from my crafting for a few days but I just had to have a play with this little beautie.

Off to ESK tomorrow night for a lesson on brayering with Gaynor, I bet I get in a right old mess, I don't think it's going to be for me - but who knows. I might be back tomorrow night with my creation, depending of course on how it goes.