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Convention 'Card Candy' Swap!

I opted to take part in a 'Card Candy' swap that was organised by my lovely 'Upline' Sara Rayner, on the forum 'In Love With Stamping'.  The deal was that we were to be put into groups of 10, therefore making 10 'packages' of Card Candy - now having the background of a craft retailer MY only recollection of Card Candy was the variety from 'Craftwork Cards'- which, in a pervious life, I sold thousands of!

So, having enquired and investigated further, I discovered that 'Card Candy' actually refers to what can only be described as a packet of pre-made, pre-layered, pre-embellished card toppers!

So, here is what I created :

Unfortunately, the group of 10 turned out to be just 9… so here follow the other 8 packages that I received as 'Swaps'….

I hope these may offer some inspiration for items to put onto some of your cards!

Convention Swaps!

As I mentioned yesterday, Dorothy, Victoria and I decided to combine Dorothy's birthday weekend with the "European Stampin Up! Convention" in late November - during the months running up to this I spend my 'ME TIME' making swaps...

Here as promised were the 'Swaps' that I made…

'BAUBLES'

 

These were made with…    

• Christmas Collectibles Clear Stamp Set - 131775
• Snowflake Soiree Clear Stamp Set - 127925
• A Banner Christmas Clear Stamp Set - 130255
• Christmas Ornament Punch - 132152
• Word Window Punch - 119857
• Decorative Label Punch - 120907
• TIEF Pretty Print - 132175
• Season Of Style DSP Stack - 132181
• Cherry Cobbler A4 Cardstock - 121681
• Old Olive A4 Cardstock - 106576
• Whisper White A4 Cardstock - 106549
• Champagne Glimmer Paper - 127885
• Linen Thread - 104199
• Cherry Cobbler Ink - 126966
• Old Olive Ink - 126953

'TOO KIND'

These were made with…    

• Too Kind Clear Stamp Set - 130450
• Pacific Point A4 Cardstock - 116202
• Very Vanilla A4 Cardstock - 106550
• BIGZ Top Note Die - 113463
• Big Shot ™ Die Cutting Machine - 113439
• Pacific Point Ink - 126951
• Coastal Cabana Ink - 131175
• Pear Pizzazz Ink - 131180
• Coastal Cabana Stretch Ruffle Trim - 130024
• Rhinestone Basic Jewels - 119246

'CUPCAKE FLAGS'

These were made with…    

• Banner Greetings (Hostess) Clear Stamp Set - 129714
• Bermuda Bay A4 Cardstock - 131286
• Melon Mambo A4 Cardstock - 119980
• Whisper White A4 Cardstock - 106549
• Stampin' Trimmer - 129722
• Stampin' Trimmer Rotary Addition - 132986
• Small Scallop Stampin' Trimmer Rotary Cutting Blade - 129410
• Hexagon Punch - 130919
• 1-3/8" Circle Punch - 119860
• Scallop Oval Punch - 119856
• TIEF Perfect Polka Dots - 117335
• TIEF Stripes - 123128
• Bermuda Bay Ink - 131171
• Melon Mambo Ink - 126948
• Bermuda Bay Taffeta Ribbon - 131206
• Melon Mambo Taffeta Ribbon - 131207
• NONE 'SU" - Cocktail Sticks!

All of the above swaps were received well, and I now have a box full of 'received' swaps to give me - and you! some more inspiration!  I will photograph some of my favourites and show you these very soon!

Later in the week I will also share the 'Card Candy' I made for an "Organised Swap" and those packets of 'Card Candy' that I received!

You could win!! ….

BLOG CANDY!….

Simply 'sign up' for my NEWSLETTER by midnight on FRIDAY 31st JANUARY.

(This competition automatically includes my current subscribers, as reward for their loyalty!)

At 10am on the 1st February, I will announce, not 1, but…

2 WINNERS!

Prize No.1

BRAND NEW

MORNING MEADOW Clear Stamp Set

Usually available as a 'Hostess' item

(129678 - £15.95 value)

Prize No.2

BRAND NEW

SIMPLY SKETCHED Clear Stamp Set

Usually available as a 'Hostess' item

(129672 - £14.95 value)

Happy New Year = Happy New Start!

Happy New Year!

To say 2013, was a tough year, is a HUGE understatement! 

The house sold immediately - to the 2nd viewers! - which was marvellous but then preparations and progress for the actual move were chaotic and frustrating. My wish to be very 'hands on' during the move and renovations of our new house were thwarted as I was suffering increasing physical pain, which was later diagnosed as fibromyalgia, coupled with anxiety and depression - I was not a pretty sight!  I have found it very hard to stay positive while learning to live with fibro, but I think the medication is finally helping, along with fabulous massages!  Being ORDERED to take some time out just for me and to do something FOR ME - thankfully lead me back to crafting, and the planning of a girly weekend to Manchester, combining Dorothy's birthday and visiting the "Stampin' Up European Convention" late November.  I used my ME TIME to make swaps… I'll show you these tomorrow!

The Manchester trip was great but I wasn't up to being the party animal I'd hoped, so it was a very sedate Birthday celebration for Dorothy, but Victoria did take a lovely photo of me with my bestest pal - have to share…

The run up to Christmas was hectic (as always) and very exhausting so mum kindly wallpapered the lounge so once trimmed up we were very festive and cosy.  Christmas was lovely, Santa was very generous to the girls which was super, I'm so glad they got special treats, they deserved them! 

Now, firmly into the New Year I'm very happy to say, that despite us still having boxes to unpack and decorating to finish … the girls, Rufus and I, are now settled and happy in our new home.  I did, despite photography issues ,manage to make a handful of Christmas cards - If you didn't get one - please consider this one below JUST for YOU!...

I turned 39 just after Christmas and with the realisation that I only have 1 more year until I'm 40, I took some time to evaluate my life so far, but more importantly, what my future should look like.  So, having given myself a stern talking to I've started 2014 with a morning chant of "Positive Mental Attitude" - not that it always works!!  

I'm determined to try and manage the fibro better, and have en-listed help to get my strength back (pilates this morning nearly killed me!)  I am going to get the house in order and SPEND more time CRAFTING!!

At this moment in time I'm not fit to work, so Workshops and Classes are still on hold I'm afraid, however - whatever I am able to create I will happily share with you on here!