Goodbye My Faithful Friend

You may or may not have noticed that I have been absent the past few days

and I will be taking a few more days off to allow our family to re-group

And the reason for that is because we have been intensively nursing the youngest of our Geriatric West Highland White Terriers, Hamish

Hamish' Claim to Fame is that both his father, and grandfather were dogs used in the Cesar Dog Food Adverts

If you have followed my blog for some time, you will know that for the past 9 months, Hamish has been fighting a battle against a rare cancer that was invading his sinus cavity to the left side of his head.

He underwent intensive palliative radiotherapy with a few ups and downs that interrupted treatment.

Throughout all of this, he remained the cheeky chappy we have loved and cherished for the past 11 years. A true companion.

his recent post-treatment CT revealed no improvement in the stage of his cancer, and this meant his life expectancy was now short.

Sadly it has been shorter than we hoped, and has needed a lot of TLC following a couple of unrelated infections.

Over the weekend, the tumour eroded through the bridge of his nose, a completely unexpected event, and we made the decision that it is his time to find eternal peace.

We had the dreadful job of explaining this to our grandchildren when they visited yesterday.

My 8 year old Grandson, asked if I could help him to make a card so he could put it in Hamish's Casket, when he is eventually returned to us

The card above is the card that Alfie made

inside he wrote:

I hope you have lots of fun there, and if you find my cat, Charlie, you won't be alone.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep.

I could see that you were crying, You found it hard to sleep.

I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear,

"It's me, I haven't left you, I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here."

I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea,

You were thinking of the many times, your hands reached down to me.

I was with you at the shops today, Your arms were getting sore.

I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more.

I was with you at my grave today, You tend it with such care.

I want to re-assure you, that I'm not lying there.

I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key.

I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said " it's me."

You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair.

I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there.

It's possible for me, to be so near you everyday.

To say to you with certainty, "I never went away."

You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew...

In the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.

The day is over... I smile and watch you yawning

and say "good-night, God bless, I'll see you in the morning."

And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,

I'll rush across to greet you and we'll stand, side by side.

I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.

Be patient, live your journey out...then come home to be with me.

Author ~ Missing You poem By Colleen Fitzsimmons

GooGoodby My Faithful Friend, one day we'll meet again, for now it is au revoir 

RIP Hamish's Winter Celebration

I know you will always be by my side

22/10/2004 - 02.11/2015

Love & Sympathy Card

I needed a sympathy card to send to a gentleman friend and this is the design I came up with. I wanted something understated and serene whilst not being too flowery. I think I managed to achieve? I hope so anyway ...

We would love you to share with us your own Sympathy card makes.

You can email us your digital photo's with your details and we will post the pictures on this blog post:

stampinupatthewarren@hotmail.co.uk

Here are the products I used to make this card:

Love & Sympathy - Clear-Mount Stamp	Gorgeous Grunge	Papillon Potpourri	Elegant Butterfly Punch	Marina Mist Classic Stampin' Pad
Crumb Cake Classic Stampin' Pad	Vintage Faceted Designer Buttons	Whisper White A4 Card Stock	Tombow Multi-Purpose Adhesive	Sticky Strip
Stampin' Dimensionals

Table built using Product Table Builder by The Crafty Owl - Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator.

Don't forget you can now ORDER ONLINE via my Demonstrator website 

http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/stampinupatthewarren/

If you would like to talk about becoming a Demonstrator or order directly with me you can do so by:

Phone: 08432896848

Text: 07759587004

email: stampinupatthewarren@hotmail.co.uk

All images copyright Stampin Up!

Countdown to Christmas

So much news to share ….

 Firstly, you will be pleased to know that the upgrade of the workshop is now complete. We have re-organised the space, added some additional storage, and sorted through all shelving to declutter. Most importantly, the old raised platform on the floor is now gone which we hope will improve your experience when with us. The Gaz heater has been checked and in working order ready for the winter weather to ensure we all stay warm and toasty during classes.

The workroom has been labelled so you can easily find what you are looking for during classes. But let us know if you feel we could improve your crafting experience as we want you to have an enjoyable and relaxing time at The Warren.

We have lots of new and nearly new supplies, stamps, ink pads, tools and more for sale, so get in quick as we are taking much of it to Thaxted Craft Fair Saturday 19^th October. Come and join us for a great day and pick up some crafting bargains to boot. 

Our new season Christmas and Halloween cards will be on sale too.  

We are now accepting Orders for our Handmade  Halloween and Christmas Cards & gift ideas.

Reviewed Class schedules ….

christmas stamp camps

In the run up to Christmas, we are pleased announce a series of Dates to help you get the heads up on Christmas. Choose Wednesday or Saturday sessions.

We are offering the following sessions to run over 3 weeks:

·         Christmas Cards

·         Gift & Gift Packaging Ideas

·         Advent Calender

Wednesday sessions – 30 October; 6 November; 13 November 10:30am to 4pm

Saturday Sessions - 2 November; 9^th November; 16 November 10:30 am to 4pm

£15:00 per session or £40 for 3 sessions

Places limited to 6 per session, so book your place today!

Introduction to My Digital Studio Laptop sessons

MDS Holiday Ornaments Card

MDS Merry Little Christmas Card

Did you know that you can get one months free trail download of My Digital Studio? Well you can. If you are wondering what role an electronic card and scrapbooking digital programme has in today’s world? Well the answer is lots! I use it for most of my class preparations, none of the digital stamps are retired, and you can resize your stamps, punches etc to the size for your project, which you cannot do with the real thing! If I still haven’t sold it, then book a taster session with us, and download the programme on a free 30 day trial basis just before your leson, and you can bring along your tablet or laptop and play with me in real time … I am even considering running ‘virtual’ MDS workshops in the new year so you do not have to come to me, but we communicate via the internet instead! You can read more about MDS at the My Digital Studio Website

Stamp Clubs

Our new stamp clubs run on a monthly basis and require a commitment from you to place a minimum order from the current Annual or Seasonal Stampin Up catalogue each month. The amount you commit to depends on the amount of months you wish to commit to. Our commitment to these classes is to demonstrate a wide range of cardcraft techniques, products, supporting you as individuals and as a group, allow you to work at your own pace, and most of all, help you to have FUN and hopefully leave us feeling relaxed and refreshed.

Stampin Club 5

The club runs over 5 months with a maximum of 5 places. Each attendee will be allocated a month where they are the designated Hostess when they join the club, so you, or your club/group gain from the Hostess Benefits.  Each attendee commits to order a minimum of £25.00 of products from the current Stampin Up catalogues each month whether or not you are able to attend class.

Stampin Club 7

The club runs over 7 months with a maximum of 6 places. Each attendee will be allocated a month where they are the designated Hostess when they join the club, so you, or your club/group gain from the Hostess Benefits. The Hostess of the 7^th Month will be the result of a raffle at the end of the final session. Each attendee commits to order a minimum of £18.00 of products from the current Stampin Up catalogues each month whether or not you are able to attend class.

Stampin Club 10

The club runs over 10 months with a maximum of 5 places. Each attendee will be allocated a month where they are the designated Hostess when they join the club, so you, or your club/group gain from the Hostess Benefits. Each attendee commits to order a minimum of £12.50 of products from the current Stampin Up catalogues each month whether or not you are able to attend class.

MDS Scrapbook page

scrapin classes

If you love scrapbooking, then come and join us on Friday evenings for a weekly template challenge, and learn new techniques, try out Stampin up products, and just have fun whilst building a fantastic record of your life or the life of someone or something you love … places limited to 6 per session.  Ad Hoc or one to one classes can be arranged or, if you prefer, on a regular basis in one of the other sessions available in our schedule. We are sure to offer a time that is right for you. £10 per session.

Never tried scrapbooking? or not sure what it is all about? then book a trial session today.

memory keeper & memory Maker 

scrapin classes

These classes are very close to our hearts. They are aimed at helping to create or keep memories through scrapbooking when life gets tough. The Memory Maker classes are aimed at individuals living with life limiting conditions to make memories, creating a lasting legacy for their family and friends, and for themselves when the going gets extra tough.

Memory Keeper scrapbookin classes are aimed at the bereaved, allowing individuals to keep the memories of their loved ones alive through scrapbooks. It is a therapeutic, if emotional way, of documenting the life of their loved one. Our quiet semi-rural surroundings allow you to work at your own pace, and if needed, take time out, in a supportive environment. These sessions are run on an ad hoc basis to try and fit in around treatments, appointments, lethargy, etc. We are happy to work with small family/friend groups (up to 6 people), or on a one to one basis. £10 per session. If you are experiencing financial hardship, please talk to us to see if we can subsidise your sessions.

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and on to 2014 ….

From January 2014, we are offering 5 x 4 hour cardcraft/scrapbooking sessions weekly. Additional sessions can be arranged on an ad hoc basis.

We can also run Kids Classes on:

• ·         Card making
• ·         Scrapbooking
• ·         Gift boxes

We also enjoy supporting teenagers studying textiles options at secondary school

Take the plunge and Call us today 08432896848/07759587004

Online Shopping Now Live

Well we are finally live with online shopping. When you click on our shopping cart it will take you straight to our Stampin Up Demonstrator website where you can look at our class schedules, view the catalogues or shop online.

You will be pleased to know that whilst my blog has been rather inactive, we haven't been. I have already been busy creating this years Halloween and Christmas Cards, but also our class cards too. Lots of photos to follow in the very near future ... Happy Crafting folks!

Chalk Talk is Here

Well Finally it is here!

Yes, the new catalogue has gone live! Yeeha!

 

Stampin Up 2013/14 Catalogue Download Now

Yesterday was the official launch date for the new catalogue and I was running off the block faster than I ever have for anything! My HUGE order is placed, and yes, top of the list was the Chalk Talk Bundle. A Fabulous Stamp set of 6 vintage styled stamps

PLUS a set of 7 co-ordinated Framelits Big Shot Die

 

 

Just look at all these fabulous ideas, taken from the Stampin Up Catalogue which you can download by clicking on the catalogue image above and once, like me, you decide you cannot live without Chalk Talk in your life, then drop me a line and order your Bundle today

 

08432896848 or 07759587004

info@warrencrafts.co.uk

 

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But Wait ... there is more ... so much more.

Click the promotios tab at the top to discover there are 3 sentiments stamps sets on offer at 25% savings for a limited period - order yours now to avoid disappointment

 

PLUS

 

MDS is almost here

What is this? I here you cry ... more??

Why Yes of Course ...

 

Well this is perfect for those of you that enjoy organising your cardcraft projects or scrapbooking projects electronically. I have been playing already with my pre-launch trial and have to share this page I made at 5am today after working through the night due to sleeplessness. What do you think? Good huh? ..... hmmm that's what I thought.

 

This one I love as I will always remember the day my grandson Alfie fell asleep on top of the basketball net base in our garden ... bless him and the colours worked so well too. And yes ... all of the above is electronic, not a photo of an actual scrapbook page!

 

This one is another that I love. Our granddaughter, Skye, in an American Diner for the first time, I was able to pick out the milkshake pink on the diner walls and seating, in the walkpaper. Great fun to make when the house was quiet with sleeping people (just not me).

 

And here is my first attempt at a card ... The MDS way of course. Great graphics that are the same as the 'real' products.  I really enjoyed myself, and think those of you who don't feel you want classes, and don't enjoy getting inky and sticky ... then this might just be for you. So watch this space ...

 

All images in this blog are subject to copyright (c)stampin up! 2013

 



 

 

 

New Cardcraft & Scrapbooking Workshops

Workshop Schedule

 

Here at the Warren HQ we are now offering 4 regular weekly workshops

£10 per session or £18 if you attend 2 sessions per week.

If you introduce a new crafter to our workshops and they attend at least one session, you will receive a free session from any of the 4 weekly classes.

 

The cost includes 2 demonstrations of a combination of products and tequniques that will inspire you to make beautiful scrapbooks, cards, gift boxes, tags etc & all the materials to replicate the demonstration items using our card& paper stash, embelishments etc. If you prefer to have a kit to do, then give us 5 working days notice and we will prepare the kits for you. Workshops are open to all, from novices to the more experienced crafter. The sessions are fun and you make new friends too! and all whilst learning new skills.

 

Tea/Coffee & homemade cakes, bakes or cookies included in the price

 

Whilst I will be demonstrating Stampin Up! products, there is no commitment or requirement to purchase. However, catalogues will be available to browse during the coffee break, or take away with you. If you decide to place an order, you can do so at at the end of class or phone me later in the week with. I place orders weekly on Mondays allowing me to offer free postage  where orders are combined.

You are welcome to place an order any time between my regular orders but there is a postage fee of £5.00 per order (or spread between others who place orders at the same time).

 

The Workshops run as follows:

 

Wednesdays

 

Scrapbooking 10:00 - 13:00hrs

 

Cardcraft 15:00 - 18:00hrs

 

 

Fridays

Cardcraft 10:00 - 13:00hrs

Scrapbooking 19:00 -22:00hrs


 

 

Our Memory Maker & Memory Keeper Scrapbooking sessions run on an ad hoc basis.

 

We also host Kids Scrapbooking, Box Decorating, and Card Making Parties

Suitable for Children of 7 years and over

 

To have a chat about our workshops or to book your place, you can contact us:

 

Phone: 07759587004 or 08432896848

 

Email: kim.tolton@btopenworld.com

 

Or pop along for a chat and a cuppa @ The Warren, Woodham Road, Battlesbridge, SS11 7QW 

Colour Refresh 2013-14 Annual Catalogue

COLOUR REFRESH

In 2010 Stampin Up! did a big colour renovation and they shared their plans for smaller colour refreshes every three to five years to keep their colours on trend. Well it has been three years and they are excited to announce that the upcoming 2013-2014 annual catalogue will include 10 new colours (most of which are returning colours© from previous years)!

Below you will find the changes to the 4 Colour Collections that will be featured in the new catalogue. If you favourite colours are some of the ones that are being discontinued, then you have until 31 May 2013 to stock up on your cardstock, designer series papers, ink pads, ink refils, marker pens, brads, buttons etc.

WHAT THE REFRESH LOOKS LIKE

Q: What are the new core colours, and

what are the In Colors that are returning as core colours?

A: The four new colours are called

Bermuda Bay, Crushed Curry, Smoky Slate, and Soft Sky.

 

The six returning In Colors as core colours are

Blushing Bride, Calypso Coral, Island Indigo, Pear Pizzazz, Pool Party,

and Wisteria Wonder.

 

THE REASON FOR THESE CHANGES.

Why are colours being discontinued?

Stampin Up!retired colours based on sales history and focus group feedback.

They also looked at the overall colour offering and determined

what colours were not working with others.

 

They also sent out surveys, looked at trends,

and determined what colours are out of date, etc.

Why have some of the carryover colours changed collections?

With the changes, Stampin Up! found that a few colours fit better

in a different collection.

They have also organised the colours to be more

complementary within each collection.

Check out the colours displayed in their new collections!

 

Brights

 

Melon Mambo

Daffodil Delight

Real Red

Rich Razzleberry

Tempting Turquoise

Pumpkin Pie

Bermuda Bay

Pacific Point

Tangerine Tango

Old Olive

DISCONTINUED

Regal Rose

 

 Subtles

 

Pink Pirouette

Calypso Coral

So Saffron

Wisteria Wonder

Wild Wasabi

Pear Pizzaz

Soft Sky

Pool Party

Blushing Bride

Marina Mist

 

DISCONTINUED

Pretty in Pink

Bashful Blue

Certainly Celery

Baja Breeze

 

 

Regals

 

Cherry Cobbler

Crushed Curry

Night of Navy

Cajun Craze

Rose Red

Elegant Eggplant

Always Artichoke

Perfect Plum

Garden Green

Island Indigo

 

DISCONTINUED

Riding Hood Red

Bravo Burgundy

Not Quite Navy

More Mustard

 

 Neutrals

 

Whisper White

Very Vanilla

Crumb Cake

Early Espresso

Sahara Sand

Soft Suede

Chocolate Chip

basic Grey

Basic Black

Smokey Slate

 

DISCONTINUED

River Rock

 



 

If you would like to place ask any questions, place an order or arrange a workshop,

then contact me via: 

 

Telephone: 07759587004 or 01245327772

email: kim.tolton@btopenworld.com

 

 

Scrapbooking

Introduction to Scrapbooking Workshop 29 March 2013

 

The first in a course of scrapbooking workshops for newcomers to the pastime.

A great fun evening was had with lots of group participation in the various skills demonstrated

Lots of Easter Cake and biscuits too!

 

 

The conservatory set up ready to rock and roll

 

 

and of course I had to have some of my cards on show, to help demonstrate how different colour combinations can work well together. I also made some goodie bags for the guests containing mini creme eggs since it was Good Friday - except the crafters left without taking them. I'll pass them on with their orders

 

 

We spent time talking about what scrapbook is, and how personal it is, by capturing moments in time using a combination of photos or other memorobilia, journalling (either hand written or with the use of rubber stamps), and beautiful papers and embellishments. The other important discussion was about what tools and kit is essential if you want to do scrapbooking as a hobby.

 

 

I had a couple of Stamping Ups scrapbook folders for people to look at. the ring binder 8" comes in 2 neutral colours. The 12" post folder comes in red and navy with limited stocks.

 

 

The demonstration included choosing colour combinations to fit with your theme and photograph colours, demystifying rubber stamping and using the Big Shot Die Cutting machine to make frames and embellishments (we made rossettes and paper roses), which adhesives are used for different uses, and of course the use of Stampin Up!'s amazing punches.

 

 

Then we just HAD to stop for apple pies, biscuits and coffee - and out of nowhere came a Flake Chocolate Cake .... yum!

 

 

Then it was the guests turn to be creative with support from myself (I'm the one in the striped jumper on the right) - do not say a word!

 

 

It is harder than you think, to take your precious memories and then wanting to do them proud. But everyone became brave and even had some cutting up of photographs to make the page say what they wanted. One gem was finding a grocery list written on the back of a photo in their Mums handwriting ... how special

 

 

And another page was made to celebrate the birth and childhood of her first baby daughter! A Goth from the start!!

 

Everyone went away with their page, including a page protector, but not before the orders were taken

 

 

A productive evening with everyone eager to return in 2 weeks to continue. Next time - embossing!

Click on the catalogues below to view the Annual and the Spring Summer Catalogues

 

Stampin Up! 2012/2013 Annual Catalogue

Stampin Up! 2013 Spring/Summer Catalogue

 

Contact me to place your order today

Mobile: 07759587004

Phone: 01245327772

email: kim.tolton@btopenworld.com