Stampin' n Slimmin'

We've finally had a couple of nice days, hopefully that isn't Spring over and done with!  You should be joining me from Amanda's blog, if you missed it or are hopping backwards, here's the link: https://thecraftspa.blogspot.com/2018/04/07-treasure-those-memories-jems-blog-hop.html April - Treasure Those Memories Apologies, I've not been very well this week.  I planned to spend today crafting as my family had all gone to Alton Towers, but didn't feel up to it.  So, I have had to use a project I completed over Christmas. My amazing mum and her partner were away over Christmas, in Barbados (lucky things!).  So, as a Christmas present I framed a scrapbook page from the last time they went.  They now have it in pride of place in their living room, something to remind them until their next visit. Although  the background cardstock is not Stampin' Up! I'd had it for a while and really liked it.  Everything else used was Stampin' Up! t

March - Easter/Spring I'm not one for making/sending Easter cards, so I decided to go with the Spring theme.  My idea of spring is flowers and pastel colours.  It was my daughter's birthday yesterday, so she had a selection of pastel themed birthday cards. I know Georgie loves the Pop of Paradise stamp set (as she bought it!), so that featured in my first design.  I'm not a fan of fussy cutting, but decided to have a go, I don't think I did too bad.  I think the flamingo would look at least as good in Flirty Flamingo and the leaves in Emerald Envy, but as I was using pastels I went for Sweet Sugarplum (stamped off) and Lemon Lime Twist.  I love how it turned out! My next card also uses pastel colours along with the Sale-a-Bration Party Pandas stamp set.  I decided on a Lemon Lime Twist card base for this one and used some of the Sale-a-Bration memories and more cards.  It's quite a simple card, but I think it's effective.

Beautiful Peacock! I love this free stampset from Stampin' Up!s Sale-a-bration.  I finally managed to have a play this weekend.   For every £45 spend in either the Annual catalogue or Spring/Summer catalogue or both you can choose a free item.  Contact me for any catalogues or information.  Or, visit my Stampin' Up! online shop:  http://lynnsmith@stampinup.net I decided to use the set to make my mother-in-law's birthday card.  I'd seen lots of lovely designs on pinterest and was eager to have a play.  I love how it turned out!  What do you think?   Ingredients Inkpads:   Tranquil Tide Melon Mambo Berry Burst Lemon and Lime Twist Powder Pink Cardstock : Berry Burst Lemon Lime Twist Whisper White Stampsets :  Beautiful Peacock (SAB 2018) Thoughtful Banners Happy Birthday Gorgeous Thinlits:   Stitched Shapes Others :  Brights Sequins Assortment (retired) Nuvo glitter marker (non SU!)

February - Love! This month's blog hop has to be Love!  I've not been too good this month and have hardly done any crafting.  I almost pulled out of this hop, but then thought it will force me to craft, which may bring back my enthusiasm.  I need to make a card for my amazing hubby anyway, so at least it gets that done nice and early. I think I'm the first in the hop this month, so no previous hopper to link in.  But, in case you're hopping backward, here's the link for Julie:   https://createhandmadehappiness.blogspot.co.uk/... This year I decided to go for a simple card for Valentine's Day, with white on white.  I think it looks classy. I used Falling Petals embossing folder on Whisper White cardstock, mounted onto a Whisper White card base.  I then used the sentiment - 'You're My Valentine Every Single Day' from the Sure Do Love You stampset, finishing with Dazzling Diamonds glitter.  Simple and elegant! Next in

New Year - Fresh Start After a tough year last year I'm expecting another tough one.  In November I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia.  This wasn't unexpected, I thought I'd be okay with it, but I'm finding it difficult to adjust.  I also have another neurology appointment later this month, as there is a suspected neurological problem too.  I have had health issues on and off since uni, nearly 20 years now!  In some ways I am lucky as I am not as bad as some with the condition, but everyday life is very difficult at the moment.  My family are also finding it hard to deal with.  Anyway, after no more than 2 1/2 hours of sleep due to pain, unusually I am feeling quite positive today.  So, enough of the moaning and let's get on with the blog! Let's start with the Stampin' side of the blog: I've been a Stampin' Up! demo for almost a year now, but stayed as a hobby demo rather than a business one.  One of my resolutions for the year is to stop hidi

Jem's January Blog Hop - New Catalogue! (Spring/Summer) Happy New Year everyone.  Hope you all had a great Christmas. You should be joining me from Sarah's blog.  If you missed it or are hopping backwards, use the following link: https://theragbagbadger.blogspot.co.uk/... I've made a few resolutions this year, one of which is Stampin' Up! related. I'm planning to Blog more and try to evolve from a Hobby demo to running a small business. I only pre-ordered one bundle from the Spring/Summer catalogue, but I love it's versatility.  I ordered the Sure Do Love You stamp set and Lots to Love framelits.  I decided to go with the obvious Valentine's creations, although I stayed away from cards. I made the box first using the box die and 'Powder Pink' cardstock, I then cut out an aperture using the heart die.  Next I stamped the 'Sure Do Love You' using 'Berry Burst' ink and die cut that, attaching it to th