Merry Christmas everyone !

Well, are you ready ?

I think I nearly am, supermarket braved, presents delivered and now just the cake to decorate.

It's been a mad, mad month (December always is in our house) and I have been busy making orders for others. I am always flattered that people ask me but I must get better organised because it means my personal cards are always very lastminute.com lol !

Looking forward to having some free time to just 'play' just for the fun of it !

This week I have made 9 money wallets, 5 bags of reindeer poo, 4 Christmas chocolate bars, 3 bags of snowman poo, 2 wreaths for the cemetery and a partridge in a pear tree ! Well, perhaps not the partridge but here are the wallets....

Ribbon for the ladies and a paper band for the gents.

The chocolate bars were inspired by the talented Vicky and will decorate our Christmas table

I even used the left overs from the wreath to make an arrangement for the hall

That leaves me to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and I hope that all your Christmas wishes come true !!!

I have decided to take a break from blogging next week to enjoy the festivities with my family, and we also have Sophie's birthday to celebrate on the 27th but I will be back in the New Year and I would like to thank everyone that has left me a lovely comment this year and those who are too shy but read anyway, make it your New Years resolution to say hi !

Merry Christmas ! Enjoy ! x

Let it snow !

Yipeee ! We've got snow !

Although we did have some snow earlier in the month that covered the ground, it wasn't very deep - but today we've got more !

These photos were taken at lunch time and we've had another 4 hours of snow since then. In the Midlands we are lucky that we don't normally have the very extreme weather but it is nice to have some of the white stuff to make everywhere look festive.

It's especially nice now that everyone (except me !) has broken up for Christmas and today we didn't HAVE to do or go anywhere. The girls managed to do some sledging and Hubby is a bit disgruntled that tomorrows big game ( West Brom v Wolves ) has been called off already.

I do feel sorry for those trying to get away though as Birmingham airport has also been closed today too.

Todays card is using my fave Growing Green set and Crumb Cake and Soft Suede.

Sorry about the picture quality but it really is the 'dark days before Christmas '

Off to watch the Strictly final, keep cosy x

Still busy

Hiya, hope you are all well.

Anyone got any snow yet ? It started here this afternoon and when I left work the layer on my car was frozen solid.

Thought I would just show you what I've been up to this week.

Regular readers will remember me making a notelet set in Baja Breeze and Pear Pizazz, well I've got hold of a few more boxes and decided to make a few sets for presents.

Also decorated some candles to match. Just another 3 sets to do !!

Also made a batch of thank you cards in the lovely Soft Suede

and made a wreath for my door - the fresh spruce smells gorgeous !

Still plenty to do but I am beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel

Keep warm and stay safe x

Oh no he didn't ? OH YES HE DID !!!

Hiya,

Just had to pop back and tell you about the panto last night ..........

We had front row seats and when we got there one of the seats was the aisle seat right next to some steps onto the stage so the girls and I decided that Hubby HAD to have that seat.

Well, just as he feared ( and we hoped !) he was chosen for some audience humiliation, sorry participation lol! I have not seen him look so terrified since the day we got married !

He was called up on stage by Christopher Biggins and made to remove his shirt to go in Widow Twanky's laundry, he then had to sit thru the rest of the show wearing a dressing gown.

Just as he was hoping no one we knew was there, we bumped into one of Isabel's school teachers during the interval !

He was then called up on stage again during the finale and given his shirt back and allowed back stage to get changed. He was also given an M & S voucher - bet thats the only time he will be paid for taking his clothes off !

I somehow doubt he has mentioned at work today that he spent the evening taking his clothes off with Christopher Biggins lol !!!

Must get back to my To Do list - it is really serious now - I am 3 days behind on my Thorntons advent calender , and I hadn't even noticed !!! That IS bad !

Busy,busy, busy !

Dear All

I'm so sorry for being missing this week but I've just had sooo much to do. Loads of customer requests ,which is nice and the pennies will come in very useful for spending on my wish list, but I have had no free time.

Yesterday was Isabel's birthday which was lovely and she really enjoyed her day. This year she decided she didn't want a birthday cake but some of Mom's cupcakes. So it was 10.45pm on Friday by the time I had finished making and decorating two dozen cupcakes.

Decorations made with Pretty in Pink and stamp from Vintage Vogue.

Next time I must remember to persuade her to choose a cake from the supermarket !!

I have got a couple of cards I can show you but they're not Stampin Up this time because the orders were very specific.

Right, off to try and catch up today. I have 36 emails in my in box and haven't read the daily papers yet since Monday ! Hubby and Sophie are off to the match this afternoon ( local derby Wolves v Bham) and I am hoping Isabel will enjoy looking through all her new things because I've got another 5 card orders I need to make today !

Then tonight we are off to the panto and next week is looking just as hectic with school plays and meals out with friends. Will promise to try and fit you in somewhere lol !

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas !!

Hiya, hope you are all well.

We have had a lovely festive weekend beginning on Friday evening when we went to the service to sing carols around the christmas tree in the village.

The Salvation Army brass band were playing and it was snowing heavily- very atmospheric

A bottle of mulled wine was required to warm us up when we got back !

Saturday morning we went to choose the real Christmas tree - where we go is only a few minutes walk from home and Hubby wanted to do the ' When Harry met Sally thing ' and drag it back through the snow but I didn't think it would do it much good lol !

In the lounge we have an artificial tree and it is all very coordinated ..............

but in the Conservatory we put the real tree which has a lot of personalised baubles collected over the years from various destinations

It always evokes special memories when I decorate this tree.

We also took Isabel to see Santa ( might be the last time ), Sophie said ' you're not going to make ME see him are you ?' Why do they have to grow up ?

It is always a mad rush to get all my Christmas (and birthday) shopping done by the end of November but it is worth it to get to enjoy the build up to the big day. May have to 'borrow ' some kids when mine get too old lol !

Back to cards, the observant amongst you may have noticed a theme to my photos tonight so I will show you a tree card.

Regular readers will remember my mega excitement when I made a tree from a stamp from the Tiny Tags set. (see 13th Sept).At the time I said I had plans for a black and blingy version , well I've finally gone and done it !!

Yes Jules I have finally cut some ribbon lol !

I even went outside to get a wintry photo

Hope my neighbours didn't see me trying to balance a card in a tree ! Mind you I wasn't out there long - it was -5 !

Hope you have enjoyed my trees of all varieties !!!

Paper Flowers

Hiya, hope everyone has survived the trials of the week.

Firstly I would like to say a big Happy Birthday to Becki - hope you are having a fab day and that the postie has managed to get to you.

Unfortunately I can't show you the card I sent Becki because in my rush to send it I forgot to take a piccie - duh !

Anyway, it was the one that led to the stained fingers- Concord Crush with a bit of Old Olive. Hope you like Becki !

Managed to get to Floristry yesterday and the mission this week was unusual - decorate a canvas using artificial materials. Well I must confess I am not a great fan of artificial flowers so I decided to MAKE my own flowers.

During the class we discuss our choice of materials and everyone was a little surprised when I got out ink, paper, scissors ( sounds like the old school game lol ).

I was very pleased with the result and it was much 'more me 'than silk flowers

Pushed the boat out and used some more Elegant Soiree papersVery dimensional - I love all the different textures

My teacher liked it so much she wants me to make her one !

Yes I have ventured far enough to get a new USB cable - just couldn't wait for Santa ! x

No piccies

Hiya, how are you all coping with the snow ?

We've got some here but not much compared to some pictures I've seen - Becki I want some of
your 'can't open the gate and get to work ' snow lol !

One question for you - if you're asked to make a card for someone do you prefer the undecided customer or the one that tells you exactly what they want ?
The 'I'll leave it to you ' option always worries me because we all have different taste but sometimes specific customer requests can be challenging !

I was recently asked by a friend to make a Christmas card for her Grandson which needed to have a small boy (aged 4 and 3/4 ! ) holding a toy polar bear next to a newly built snowman with a green John Deere tractor in the background !!

Due to my tempremental USB cable unfortunately I can't show you the finished result but I hope it ticks all the boxes. Good to have a challenge occasionally lol !!!

Have also made a birthday card tonight and as a preview I'll tell you that unless Becki sends me that snow order I'll be going to work tomorrow with Concord Crush stained fingers lol !

Hope to be back soon with some pictures, stay safe x

Christmas Bundle

Aren't the dark nights miserable ? It seems darker than ever this year !


Anyway Stampin Up must have known we need cheering up cos they have announced a fantastic offer of Christmas bundles.

They have put together some of the Christmas items eg stamp set and designer paper into bundles from £30.70






But the best bit is ......... with each bundle purchased you can choose a FREE reel of ribbon from a selection of gorgeous ribbons that can't be ordered in the catalogue !

I can't decide which one I like best !!

If you would like to take advantage of this special offer , I am also offering a FREE standard inkpad of your choice with each bundle ordered. Please note the inkpad offer is not a SU offer but just a little thank you from me !

If you would like any further information or would like to place an order please contact me on mrsjuliewade@sky.com. Don't spend too long deciding which ribbon you want- Christmas is a coming !!

Feeling Festive

Hiya, hope you are all keeping warm.

We have had a lovely weekend which has a had a festive feel to it. Yesterday we woke to snow, although only a light covering it was enough to look pretty without causing chaos !

Today we have visited Moseley Old Hall , a local National Trust property where King Charles hid in a priest hole in the 17th century.

The girls made some traditional decorations

Sweet aren't they ? We also all had to stir the Christmas pudding and make a wish - I can't tell you though cos then it won't come true !!! No, it didn't involve the UPS man lol, it was a bit more deep and meaningful than that !

Think what I should have wished for was a new USB cable for my camera, I have to hold this one in a certain place and keep perfectly still , must get round to getting a new one !

Anyway, I have eventually managed to upload something to show you. After weeks of looking at adoringly, stroking and sniffing ( ?) I have eventually been brave and taken the plunge and cut my Elegant Soiree papers - well just one sheet !!

Used Growing Green to make white paper - this set makes wonderful background paper. Flower from Boho Blossoms punch with a brad from the neutrals set and greeting from Occasional Greetings.Turned the design paper over and used a bit from the other side. Bit of the gorgeous Marina Mist taffeta ribbon on this one too !

Off to wrap a few more pressies, while I'm still in the mood ! x

Brrrrrr it's FREEZING today !!

Winter has definitely arrived and I'm not sure whether or not it will snow tonight but its certainly cold enough !

With all the recent talk of the Royal Wedding I thought I would show you my heart shaped modern wedding bouquet I made at floristry recently ...........

Somehow I don't think I will be getting the job !!

Doesn't it make you feel old though ? I can remember Charles and Diana's engagement really clearly (amazing for someone so young lol !) and it doesn't seem 5 minutes since William was playing on the blanket when they took him to Australia.

An extra Bank Holiday - sounds good to me!

Well snow or no snow , Christmas is a coming so today I have made some really quick and simple wallets for vouchers or cheques......

Decorated a plain bag too. I asked Sophie if she liked and she said it was okay but would better in hot pink and black , so out came the Melon Mambo

Now she approves !!!

Keep warm x

Monster Quickie

Hello

I remembered today that I hadn't shown you the quick card I needed to make last week for a 7 year old boy - so here it is ...................

Really, really quick and I made it extra quick by stamping the monster twice - once on white and once on Marina Mist. I then cut out just the body of the blue one (so no fiddly cutting out of the arms and legs) then stuck it on top of the one on white card and coloured the arms and legs in with my Marina Mist marker. The colours are so accurate you can't see the join !

The Make a Monster set is sooo much fun - I think it should be sold as a form of therapy lol ! I defy anyone to use it and NOT smile !!!!

Certainly Celery

Happy Friday (what's left of it )

Bit late for me today but I've had a really busy week !

On Wednesday evening we went to watch Sophie play guitar and a keyboard solo in her school concert. I know who was more nervous - and it wasn't Sophie !!!

She hasn't been playing long and the thought of all those people watching was terrifying for me lol ! I really started to panic as the acts progressed and it was her turn next but I needn't have worried she was absolutely fine !!

Very proud Mom moment !

I wonder is there ever an age when we stop worrying about them ?

Today was floristry day but I can't show you yet cos due to the fog today it hasn't been light enough to get a decent photo. Was going to show you last weeks but for some reason it won't upload so I'll have to try again another time.

Todays card was a bit of a strange request - a birthday card with gardening tools for a lady.

I managed to find a suitable embellishment in my stash and teamed it with Certainly Celery for a fresh, crisp look .............

Sentiment is from Oval All and I have used the scalloped oval punch, and Boho Blossoms and the bird punch to make the flower. Border strip has been cut from the pack of Design papers, which seem to be never ending ! I keep cutting bits off but the pack doesn't seem to be going down !

Enjoy your weekend x

New arrivals

Hiya,

I've had a lovely time today looking after my little nephew. We have been playing with the

Fisher Price Little People farm and making all the animal sounds !!!

It doesn't seem 5 minutes since my girls were playing with it - I can't believe they are going to be 9 and 12 next month ! Amazingly as soon as the baby toys come out they still like to play ,although they would never admit it lol !

Speaking of little ones, I have had a run of baby cards to make last week. Must admit I do enjoy these as it's such a precious occasion to celebrate and means so much to the recipients.

This is what I came up with ..................

Love the little giraffe image from Fox and Friends and the baby Tiny Tag is just perfect.

Are you getting broody yet lol ?

Off to watch the jungle which is enough to put anyone off even the thought of certain parts of the anatomy lol !!!

Red for Remembrance

Hello !

Where has this week gone ? Do you ever wish you could switch to long play like the old video recorders, so that you can do twice as much lol ?

I think I had better not mention the football again, after 2 further defeats this week, the (not so ) happy Wanderers have just arrived back. Better not come out with my usual comment - 'at least you saw plenty of goals' (lost 3-2).

Todays card is the very striking Real Red and Basic Black combination inspired by all the poppies about this week.

My thoughts are with all those who have served and sacrificed on our behalf x

Growing Green

Hiya,


Well I must have jinxed it, the future wasn't orange for Wolves on Saturday! At least they were holding on for a well deserved point until Man United scored the winner in the last minute (AGAIN ! ). Hubby was gutted !! He's a sucker for punishment -they are playing Arsenal tomorrow !



For todays card I have used my new Growing Green stamp set. I must confess that this was my favourite of the new sets in the new catalogue and one I just HAD to have ! I have loads of ideas but just not enough time at the moment.

These flowers are so simple but so elegant.

Thank you for stopping by and I really appreciate the comments I receive.

Sorry it's short and sweet but I still need to make a card tonight for a 7 year old boy that I've got to post in the morning - I don't have any 'spares 'that are suitable !! x

Chocolate Orange

Happy Saturday !

When I was making my recent Halloween card I realised that the orange shades are ones that I don't use very often.

I think my aversion was caused by Hubby bringing home a framed signed Wolves shirt and saying 'where can I hang this ?'

Let me show you a picture and maybe you'll understand .........

Not something you would want in your lounge ?! Anyway I have found the perfect place - it has been relegated to the downstairs loo lol !!!

This week we had to make a tropical inspired bouquet at floristry so I chose more orange shades

So to continue with the orange theme I have made a card using Pumpkin Pie , Tangerine Tango, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede and Early Espresso, inspired by a yummy Terrys chocolate orange !

Stamps - Growing Green, Occasional Greetings and Elegance wheel and Boho Blossoms punch.

Hubby has gone to see Wolves at Man Utd (second time in 2 weeks ! ) and at time of writing it's still 0 -0 so fingers crossed, lets hope the future is orange !!!

With Sympathy

Hiya everyone, hope you are well.

Todays cards have been made for a sad occasion- the loss of a pet. I was asked to make a card for someone who had lost their beloved cat and so I decided the sweet little image from the Every Little Bit set would be suitable. (thanks again Jules).

While I'd got the ink out I made one with the little dog image too.

Flowers from Vintage Vogue and sentiment from Trendy Trees.

Hope these do the job x

Happy Halloween !

Ghostly greetings to you all !

As promised I have remembered to show you my Halloween themed flower arrangement

There was another cute little ghost hiding around the back ............

I must admit I don't really 'get' Halloween but I did make a little card as Sophie went to a party last night. It was also a good excuse to use my new Make a Monster set !

Soo much fun to play with -expect more monsters in the future !

Okay off for a night out on my broomstick lol ! x