View from the Lighthouse

Whipsnade in April

2011-04-16T12:20:00.000+01:00

I spent a lovely sunny Saturday at Whipsnade with some friends. Here are a few of my favourite shots.

and one of my companions for the day

and I could not resist a little people watching, watching people watching!

Thank you everyone for a lovely day out

Bekka

The Grand Union Canal at Bulbourne

2011-04-03T21:20:00.032+01:00

A Sunday afternoon Stroll by the Canal. The skys and the reflections were beautiful, even if the weather was very indecisive!

I had some company on this wander too

Having walked one way we then went back and walked the other way from the car park and were reminded that canals are all about the transport!

And it was a bit more industrial with some interesting shapes

I loved the colour on the side of the dredger

Just to show I was there too I took advantage of this beautiful old bike

to do this!

Signs of Spring were all around us

And then the sky got really interesting

So we walked back to the pub where we had parked and talked cameras for a while!

A lovely end to a lovely afternoon!

A Sunny Village Walk

2011-02-03T22:38:00.010Z

An unexpected sunny day and I just had to go for a walk with my camera

The crocus were out

and the snowdrops are not far behind

There was even enough sun to play with shaddows!

and some of the time the sky was even blue

To the Post Office

2011-01-24T22:26:00.007Z

This week I walked to the post office in the next door village.

I wore these - which turned out to me a mistake - huge blisters!

Around the Village

2011-01-15T22:18:00.012Z

This week I decided to go for what became a rather muddy walk around the village

This poster shows what has been taking most of my time recently!

and here are some of the other things I saw

It was good to explore so locally :-)

Ivinghoe Beacon

2011-01-08T22:08:00.015Z

For my first weekly walk I decided to go to Ivinghoe Beacon. I'm not sure why I thought this was a good idea on a cold wet windy day when I had bad sinusitus, but I did! I am not sure I still thought this as I got to the top of the Beacon and the pressure was really making my head hurt :-/ Anyway to the photos.

Looking at the sky line I think I would have been better off going a little later ...

LSNED 3 September

2010-09-04T11:59:00.000+01:00

I felt much better having spent some time at the hairdressers today!

Thanks for stopping by

Bekka

LSNED 2 September

2010-09-03T11:54:00.000+01:00

Lots of disruptions today - all caused by the members of one family, who all expect you to drop everything and focus on them and their agenda all the time. Forgivable at this age but harder to forgive once they are grown up!

Thanks for stopping by

Bekka

LSNED - 1 September

2010-09-02T10:00:00.001+01:00

Today I started a couple of projects that I have been stalling with for a while - I want them both to be perfect so have been thinking about them rather than doing them!

As I sat worrying about the first entry in my book, (please tell me I am not the only one who worries about actually starting a new notebook and actually writing in it, not wanting to spoil that lovely freshness and the perfection of a new notebook) the lesson came to me!

Thanks for stopping by

Bekka

Got it Covered!

2010-09-01T22:00:00.001+01:00

Here is the cover for this year's Learn Something New Album

All supplies are from Stampin' Up! This cover is only 5 inches by 4 inches and it features some of my favourite supplies.

Thanks for stopping by

Bekka

Its September Already!

2010-09-01T12:00:00.000+01:00

And that means its time for this

I cant wait to get started - in fact I haven't! Im prepairation last week I made up 32 little pages, each measuring just 5inches by 4 inches, bound together with bookrings. Each has a 3.75 inch square of some of my favourite papers in some of my favourite colours on it, edges inked and ready to be my mini pages. Yes this year I am planning to create pages in real (ish) time rather than wait until the end of the month.

To help me keep up this year I dont know if I will use a photo every day - I guess that is something we will learn as we go along!

I am still not sure how it got to be September, but I am looking forward to the month.

Welcome along!

Bekka

Snow room at the Inn

2010-02-04T02:19:00.001Z

How lucky am I to be staying here! If you get the chance to visit this area I would really recommend this B&B run by friends of mine. It so pretty, welcoming and comfortable. And don't get me started on the food - the best breakfasts ever (sorry Joe I have a new favourite breakfast chef!). Check outtheir web site http://www.foxfield-inn.com/

Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

New toy!

2010-01-22T16:59:00.001Z

Look what came today!

I am a happy bunny but have not got very much done today!

Bekka

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Capturing my Christmas - December 16th

2009-12-17T15:39:00.000Z

The way we use the space in our house has changed over the year. Since I now craft most days I have set up a crafting area in the main sitting room. I love the light in there and being part of whatever is going on. Its great to have everything on hand and to be able to just sit down and create.

However over Christmas we need the space back in the living room so I spent today re-arranging the book room so that it could double as a space to craft in. I have had to leave lots in the cupboards down stairs but it’s now a working space!

Thanks for stopping by

Bekka

Capturing my Christmas - December 15th

2009-12-17T15:32:00.000Z

This evening I went out for a meal with these lovely ladies. We had a fantastic evening chatting, laughing and eating over a very nice meal.

When I look back over this year one of the highlights has been some of the wonderful friends I have made, especially these ladies (and J who could not join us for the meal). Most weeks we spend an evening together aiming to craft, but sometimes just chatting! With them I made my first ever 12x12 layout (the page just seemed so big!), several mini books, several more 12x12 layouts, lots of cards and much more!

They are all amazingly creative and have both inspired me and given me the courage to try new things. They have all made me very welcome and I truly value their friendship. Thank you all.

Thanks for stopping by

Bekka

Capturing my Christmas - December 14th

2009-12-14T16:40:00.002Z

I have never really understood why I dislike Christmas Shopping but I do. I love finding the perfect gift for people and I love to see their faces when they unwrap it and I have found them something that thrills them. The shopping is however another matter, maybe it’s the crowds, maybe it’s the pressure or maybe it’s the changes in what the shops stock.

Today was Christmas Shopping Day, I had hoped that Milton Keynes would not be too busy but there were plenty of people with the same idea as me. Armed with the list off I went. I was disappointed with the decorations in the shopping centre, basically there were almost none so they did nothing to get me in the mood. The trip was reasonably successful and I made good progress through the to buy list, there is still however lots on the to make list!

This was my favourite part of the trip

On the way home I called into Boarders, I am so sad it is closing down. My first ever Boarders visit was in Seattle and I remember clearly how clearly thrilled I was when the Oxford store opened. It was one of my favourite places to go on a Sunday afternoon. The one in Milton Keynes has also been a regular hang out and I will miss not only the books but also the great coffee and conversations I have shared there.

Thanks for stopping by

Bekka

Capturing my Christmas - December 13th

2009-12-13T16:24:00.000Z

Its becoming something of a tradition that the winner of the X Factor will have the Christmas Number 1 and tonight we found out who that winner is. I actually thought both the final two acts were OK and it will be interesting to see if either of them last, I cant say however that I liked the song they have been given, but no doubt it will be played everywhere for weeks to come.

As a teenager I remember the radio charts countdowns well, each week I would go to my room and eagerly listen to the new chart being announced. What would this week’s top 3 be and who would be number one. Music was something I had to save for so I did not own very much on either tape or record and listening to the Chart Show and watching Top of the Pops were weekly highlights for me. At Christmas the race for the top spot was even more intense and I loved the hype behind it all. That having been said I am not sure I can remember any of the Christmas Number ones from those years!

Thanks for stopping by

Bekka

PS - yes I had to go and find out so to save you having to google, you can find a list of Christmas Number 1's from the UK here

Capturing my Christmas - December 12th

2009-12-12T16:22:00.001Z

Guess who came to stay today!

Joe collected Chloe on his way home from rehearsals and as ever nothing was accomplished once she was here. She has a bit of a cold so was quite grouchy. This little girl can stay awake much later than I can too!

Thanks for stopping by

Bekka

Capturing my Christmas - December 11th

2009-12-11T16:20:00.002Z

Tonight Joe, Ed and I went to see St Andrew’s Players production of The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe. I loved that book as a child and the story still thrills me. Joe and I saw the RSC do the fist production of this adaptation what feels like a lifetime ago now. I was so unwell that evening that I don’t remember many details of the show and Joe had to drive me home from Stratford.

It was lovely to see some of our friends and some people I have directed in leading roles. Beth was fantastic as Lucy and has grown so much as an actress since we did Palin’s The Weekend. Jo was lovely as Susan and Francis made a wonderful Mrs Beaver. Yes Joe and Ed did snigger at the inadvertent Beaver jokes. Beth T did a good job as MD and she and the band were certainly kept very busy. This probably was not the best production I have seen recently, the staging was disappointing as was some of the direction and at times it lacked energy and pace, but there were some lovely performances and it was good to reconnect with a favourite story from my childhood.

Thanks for stopping by

Bekka

Capturing my Christmas - December 10th

2009-12-10T16:16:00.002Z

Today was spent cutting card, making gifts and taking messages. Unfortunately most of the messages were from people who were ill so who could not come to tonight’s Passionettes Meeting. Yes today was the southern meeting and it was lovely to see Monica and the girlies again. It is fascinating how different the two meetings felt, its more fun with more people. I was disappointed more people could not come and benefit from Monica’s experience. I did however get to meet some lovely new people and I had a wonderful evening. I forgot to take a picture of the cute candy cane gifts I made everyone but I will be making more again soon so will do better!

Thanks for stopping by

Bekka

Capturing my Christmas - December 9th

2009-12-09T17:00:00.001Z

Sam is 21 today – and she is growing up to be an amazing young woman. She has had a lot to deal with this year and it has been a privilege to be there with her through it. We went for a family meal at our favourite restaurant, had a lovely meal and Sam was suitably spoilt.

Thanks for stopping by

Bekka

Capturing my Christmas - December 8th

2009-12-08T16:59:00.000Z

Today I headed north, to join Monica and the Northern Passionettes for this months Team Meeting. It was a very grey day spent on grey roads. I arrived in time to explore a little which was nice and to get myself something to eat before the meeting – a riot of colour and fun. It was great to see Monica and some friends again as well as to meet some new ones. Even though not everyone I hoped to see was there it was well worth the trip. Monica persuaded me to stay over and we then talked the night away. Blissful and just what Christmas should be all about.

Thanks for stopping by

Bekka

Capturing my Christmas - December 7th

2009-12-07T16:54:00.002Z

Today's prompt is all about making to do lists. Well I am good at lists and used the suggestion of having a planner for the lists as an excuse for some crafting procrastination - and made a book for my lists. Photo to follow!

I did then get round to making my lists and while it is many many pages long it does feel better to have written the list as I can now quantify how far behind I am!

Thanks for stoping by

Bekka

Capturing my Christmas - December 6th

2009-12-06T14:22:00.003Z

Today I found myself thinking about my Grandparents house today, and how much I still miss them especially at Christmas. I remember the excitement each time we visited, whatever the time of year. The house was full of beautiful things and always smelt wonderful. At Christmas the powerful pull of expectation and a full house was added. I love that I have some of their furniture at my house still. It makes me sad that this year S&A are going to experience that deep feeling of loss at Christmas for the first time and I wish they did not have to.

Capturing my Christmas - December 5th

2009-12-05T21:53:00.000Z

Today was card class day – I love doing the classes and feel lucky to have such a lovely group of ladies who come to them. Since everyone is so busy at this time of year it was just a select group this month. Today’s theme was last moment Christmas preparations. I felt a bit of a fraud as I am so not ready. I have not finished making my Cards (well there are 200+ to make!), not done any present shopping, not made all the gifts I want to make or even finalised where I am going to be and when! There are lots of projects I had planned (like a countdown calendar) which just are not going to happen now – its going to be enough of a challenge just to get the minimums done.

Thanks for stopping by

Bekka

Capturing My Christmas - December 4th

2009-12-04T21:43:00.001Z

There seems to be a constant push to make Christmas perfect – we seem to be surrounded by pressures telling us what perfection is and how important it is to create a perfect Christmas. But what is perfection? Does it stay the same? Is creating the perfect Christmas a realistic aim? Is this striving for perfection what creates the stress that stops so many of us, myself included, from enjoying the season?

I want to try and accept this season on its own merit and let it define perfection for this year.

Will you join me?

Bekka

Capturing my Christmas - December 3rd

2009-12-03T12:54:00.001Z

Today I am working on my Christmas Cards – every year I tell myself that I will get them made and written before December, or at least made. Every year December appears and I have hardly started. Every year the list is longer than the year before. Maybe this will be the first last for this year – leaving card making until the last possible moment!

Thanks for stopping by

Bekka

Capturing my Christmas - December 2nd

2009-12-02T12:00:00.001Z

When I think about Christmas I imagine a wonderful layer of magical snow. I don’t know why as I am not sure I have ever experienced a Christmas like that, so I guess it’s just wishful thinking. It seems to be a collective memory harking back to Dickensian times when we really were in the middle of a mini ice age and Christmas really was snowy.

In reality now the weather if often mild, often damp and generally not too extreme, mind you that is probably a good thing since I usually end up driving for at least a couple of hours! Today the cold snap that started yesterday reverted to rain and lots of it. There has been a lot of rain in the UK recently and many unfortunate people still suffering as the rest of us get ready for Christmas. Looking at the weather forecasts it looks like we are set for a wet December too.

Thanks for stopping by

Bekka

Capturing my Christmas - December 1st

2009-12-01T13:42:00.001Z

Well its here - December and that means its time to Journal My Christmas. Its a very special project for me as I made my first every mini book for this class about three years ago. This year I hope to make my book as I go and as well as Shimelle's wonderful prompts I will be taking in ideas from other places too. You can see my journal on the previous post. My diary is already looking quite full and I want to make sure I have more than just a regular journal to remember it by.

So here is my 1st December entry

2009 has been a year of many changes and of many transitions. This December I will keep this daily journal to document where we are now, how we are celebrating, and our traditions both old and new. There will be some highs, some lows, some firsts and some what may become lasts. I want to remember this Christmas as I claim back some small level of control.

December has definitely arrived and the weather has turned cold with it. I woke this morning to a layer of frost adding its sparkle to the day.

Thank you for stopping by and I look forward to sharing this journey with you

Bekka

Capture Christmas

2009-11-28T18:15:00.000Z

Today I am going to share with some something I am a little over excited about! I am so excited about it for a number of reasons. To start with it is my First Tutorial for the Craft Academy. If you have not yet checked the Craft Academy I would like to suggest you do – just click here for the blog and here for the website. The Craft Academy is a new venture which aims to make learning fun. I am both thrilled and humbled to be one of the tutors there. Each month there will be a class which you can download or you can purchase a kit with all the card etc you need to complete the project. If you are a craft tutor or Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator you will also be able to purchase class instructions and kits that you can use with your classes or workshops.

The next reason I am excited is because this project is going to be a lot of fun and a lot of help to me personally. December is going to be action packed round here, not only do we have the usual whirl of Christmas to contend with but we also have a 21st Birthday (not mine but I can wish!), a 60th Birthday party (not mine either – cheeky!) preparations for a 50th birthday (nope not mine either) and a Baby’s First Christmas. I want to make sure I take lots of photos and remember what we did this festive season so I have created this quick and easy album to do it in.

If you are a fan of Shimelle’s Journal Your Christmas, Ali Edwards December Daily, Jessica Sprague’s Holiday’s in Hand or any other similar projects then this album may be the solution you are looking for.

Full instructions are at the Craft Academy. Hop on over there it is free to join and this class being my first is free too. There will also be a prize for one person who downloads this tutorial in the next two weeks

I look forward to seeing you there and to seeing what you make with this tutorial.

I will try and show you the pictures and journalling that I put into this album - bring on December!
Thanks for stopping by

Happy Craftin

Bekka

LSNED September

2009-10-26T14:42:00.002Z

I have loved doing this project this month and there are some more general lessons I have learnt too, ones that cant be tied to a specific day. Here are a few

How amazing Joe's kids are and how much they have grown up. They have had a lot to deal with recently and I am very proud of them
I dont yet have a routine that works for me and my sleep suffers
I am still excited about new adventures
I dont have any great autumn pictures
I need to spend more time with my firends

I am also pleased to say that my daily entries in my album are all done - I just need to decorate the covers and do a title page. I think I will also add these more general lessons as I have a few pages spare.

Thank you for sharing this journey with me. I hope you have enjoyed it, I certainly did even if there were some way less than enjoyable days along the way.

Bekka

LSNED 30 September

2009-10-26T14:28:00.003Z

Today I learnt that Communicating Doors got a good review!

I know the audiences loved the play but I did not think it would be the reviewers cup of tea. She even complimented me on my set design!

Thanks for stopping by

Bekka

LSNED 29 September

2009-10-26T14:26:00.003Z

Today I learnt that I need to be more organised

I feel that I am constantly panicing and struggling to get everything done and I dont like that feeling so I need to change it.

Thanks for stopping by

Bekka

LSNED 28 September

2009-10-26T14:24:00.002Z

Today I learnt that Panto is going to be a rollercoaster ride this year - a lot of fun but a lot of hard work too!

Thanks for stopping by

Bekka

LSNED 27 September

2009-10-26T14:21:00.002Z

Today I learnt that I am not as young as I used to be! Maybe partying until 4.30am is not something I should do too often!

Thanks for stopping by

Bekka

LSNED 26 September

2009-10-26T14:16:00.003Z

Today I learnt that I would like my contribution to be recognised.

I am very hurt that all the work I put in to ensure some one elses success was not noticed and not appreciated at all. It was still the right thing to do and what hurts is the fact that the person concerned, who for good reasons needed me to do the work, could not find just a moment to say thank you, yet could find the time to tell everyone how brilliantly they had done. I dont like it when life is not fair. I dont want to be the one who is at the front but I do want my contribution to be appreciated. I did not know how much that mattered to me.

Thanks for stopping by

Bekka

LSED 25 September

2009-10-26T14:14:00.002Z

Today I learnt that Joe's cold is just not going away! He is still full of it and coughing and snooring all night. I hope he gets better soon

Thanks for stopping by

Bekka

LSNED 24 September

2009-10-26T14:11:00.002Z

Today I learnt that I need to schedule some quiet days on my own too, especially when it is not easy to find the time!

Thanks for stopping by

Bekka

LSNED 23 September

2009-09-23T14:06:00.000+01:00

Today I learnt that I am blessed with some amazing friends. They are fantastic and when I really needed support they were there for me. Thank you so much.

Thanks for stopping by

Bekka

LSNED 22 September

2009-09-23T14:04:00.002+01:00

Today I learnt that you really should enjoy the sunsets - you never know how many more of them you will see

Thanks for stopping by

Bekka

LSNED 21 September

2009-09-23T13:59:00.000+01:00

Today I learnt that I really needed an afternoon nap! I seem to be exhausted at the moment.

Thanks for stopping by

Bekka

LSNED 20 September

2009-09-22T01:41:00.003+01:00

Today I learnt that sitting down and waiting is not always the best option.

This was a lesson on two levels. The picture is of a mirrored chair with a pin throw that was next to my stall at Make. Not the kind of chair you would be comfortable sitting in.

Less literally I also noticed if I sat behind my stall waiting people did not stop, but if I stood up it was easire to engage people in conversation. A timely lesson in not sitting back in life and waiting but seizing the initiative and making things happen.

Thanks for stopping by (either literally or more metaphorically)

Bekka

LSNED 19 September

2009-09-22T01:34:00.002+01:00

Today I learnt how enjoyable it is when you remember to listen to people even when you are rushing around.

Today was run at 100 miles an hour with lots going on in the sidelines. I had to really work hard to stay focused on the present and not follow the distractions my mind was creating. I did manage to listen to people and enjoyed my day as a result. Thank you everyone I saw today.

Thanks for stopping by

Bekka

LSNED 18 September

2009-09-22T01:30:00.004+01:00

Today I learnt to trust that it will come together in the end

It was the opening night of the latest play and I really was not sure it would all be ready in time - but it did come together and was a great opening night. I cont have any show pictures yet so may change this picture in time

Thanks for stopping by

Bekka

LSNED 17 September

2009-09-22T01:28:00.004+01:00

Today I learnt that a to do list really can help you get more done.

I feel a bit like a swan - calm on the surface but swimming like mad under the water

Thanks for stopping by

Bekka

LSNED 16 September

2009-09-17T10:14:00.003+01:00

Today I learnt how to top up a mobile pay as you go phone! I have only had contract phones before, and now I have the Rep Box Office Phone too which is a pay as you go mobile. It really was very easy!

Thanks for stopping by

Bekka

LSNED 15 September

2009-09-17T10:10:00.003+01:00

Today I learnt the value of really getting to know someone and not to stick with my first / early impressions of them. It is worth discovering the details!

Thanks for stopping by

Bekka

LSNED 14 September

2009-09-14T10:30:00.003+01:00

Today I learnt how noisy these ladies are now they have had their calves.

These cows and their calves are now in the field next door to me and woke me very early this morning when they were giving their vocal chords an exceptionally good work out. Not helpful to my plans to get more sleep.

Thanks for stopping by

Bekka

LSNED 13 September

2009-09-14T10:26:00.002+01:00

Today I leant that I need more sleep – I feel exhausted

Bekka

LSNED 12 September

2009-09-14T10:21:00.002+01:00

Today I learnt that I need to get out more.

Recently I have been feeling stressed about going to see people or going to parties - when I get there I always seem to have fun and come back feeling better, so I should do it more!

Thanks for stopping by

Bekka

LSNED 11 September

2009-09-12T23:23:00.003+01:00

Today I learnt that I am not the only one who feels lost sometimes.

Thank you to all of you who have been so open with me in recent days - sharing your stories and how you are feeling. I really appreciate your trust and help.

Thank you for stopping by

Bekka

LSNED 10 September

2009-09-11T11:09:00.002+01:00

Today I learnt that sometimes plays are rather too close to home for comfort, but when this happens it helps give a new perspective which is positive

Thanks for stopping by

Bekka

LSNED 9 September

2009-09-10T10:50:00.003+01:00

Today I learnt how easily and happily distracted I am at the moment.

I love days when I have peace and quiet to get on with things but I also like when the day is full of interruptions like today.

Thanks for stopping by

Bekka

LSNED 8 September

2009-09-09T00:10:00.002+01:00

Today I learnt that I still over commit myself and this still stresses me out.

I got to go - I need to make a list and prioritise to get some feeling of control back and so I can sleep tonight.

Thanks for stopping by

Bekka

LSNED 7 September

2009-09-09T00:06:00.002+01:00

Today I learnt that my Tax Disk has expired so I am house bound! Sometimes I miss having a company car - new Tax Disks just appeared in those days ...

Thanks for stopping by

Bekka

LSNED 6 September

2009-09-08T00:20:00.003+01:00

Today I learnt that I live with an award winning actor!

Joe won the NODA award for best performance in a play, for his portrail of Inspector Drake. I am very proud of him.

Thanks for stopping by

Bekka

LSNED 5 September

2009-09-06T11:00:00.003+01:00

Today I learnt that for the next few months I am going to have to be very strong. OH and his kids will need a lot of support and love.

Thanks for stopping by

Bekka

LSNED 4 September

2009-09-05T14:37:00.001+01:00

Today I learned that I may be able to make the box office software work for us.

I have been struggling for almost a week to get this new piece of software to do what I need it to do and today I finally can see it working in time for the show.

Happy Crafting

Bekka

LSNED 3 September

2009-09-04T11:34:00.002+01:00

Today I learned not to put off phone calls becasue I think they are going to be difficult - make the call, it will be OK!

Thanks for stopping by

Happy Crafting

Bekka

Learn Something New

2009-09-03T01:03:00.004+01:00

I love taking the Learn Something New Every Day Class from Shimelle for lots of reasons, but mostly as it encourages me to stop, reflect and notice what is going on around me. Starting the year before last I keep a ‘What I learnt today’ journal for about 18 months and only stopped when I was going through major changes with work and started capturing that huge journey differently. I have missed it and now that just over a year has passed since the big changes took place for me I am ready to start noticing what I am learning again.

I kind of have three major lessons across the two days of September so far. The first is that I am no better at keeping up with the creative side of this despite this being my third year! I do have a cunning plan for this though and hope that by the weekend I will have put it into place. I am going to print out some photos at a standard size – more than I will use. I will then cut some papers in standard sizes and work out different ways of combining them. Then all I will need to do each day is select a photo and papers, stick and journal. So expect a lot of clean lines in my journal this year!

Now for a bit of a catch up

September 1

Today I learnt that late night conversations can lead to exciting ideas and difficulty sleeping.

September 2
Today I learnt that one year on there are still new paths opening up all the time and this still excites me.

I wonder what leasons tomorrow will bring!

Thanks for stopping by

Happy Crafting

Bekka

One for the Birds

2009-06-22T17:11:00.004+01:00

There is a great photography challenge over on In Love With Stamping - I am really enjoying it and love the focus it gives me when I am playing with my new camera.

However for me the tough part is deciding what to upload in response to the challenge! This month we were asked to capture an eyecatching phots of a bird. here are the pictures I am struggling to choose between!

Any thoughts most welcome!

Happy Snapping

Bekka

Remember me?

2009-05-18T11:14:00.003+01:00

Goodness - its been a while since I last posted here!

I have been creating lots - mostly Stampin' Up! projects which you can see here

There have been some non SU creations which I remembered to photograph so here they are ...

The stamps are Leanne Ellis stamps which I love! I am also enjoying colouring with my new copics - I need to practice lots more but I dont see that as a hardship!

I also wanted to let you know about a fantastic blog candy give away - Do you love Papertry Stamps - I do and over on A Passion for Papertry they are giving away a set you just cant buy - I have my fingers crossed as I would love to own this set!

Hope to see you soon

Happy Crafting

Bekka

And they were total Stars!

2009-01-26T18:24:00.002Z

Well pantomime is now over – and for the first time in months I am home on Monday night. I am not quite sure what I am going to do with myself – mind you I start rehearsals for the next show I am directing next week so this feeling will only be temporary!

The pantomime was very well received and everyone involved was indeed a total star. In my last post I showed you some of the elements of this – so here is the finished card.

I am looking forward to the first of my monthly classes at Priory House in Dunstable this week. I still have a few places available so if you are interested in coming along please get in touch. We are going to be making five cards and a special treat box – you can find out more about it here

Thanks for stopping by

Happy Crafting

Bekka

2009-01-21T15:58:00.002Z

Just a quick post to show you some work in progress...

Some stars for some stars :-)

I have been directing the village panto and tonight is our opening night. If you find yourself in the Eaton Bray area do come along and see Star Wreck, 2009 A Space Oddity, It should be a giggle and you will certainly be seeing some stars. Do get in touch if you want the details.

These are some of the elements of a batch of 50 thank you cards I need for all the wonderful people who are making the panto possible. I now have made most of the elements, just a little stamping to go and then assembly, before the longest job of all - writing them! I dont know about you but if I have a large batch of cards to do, I find it quicker to make all the parts first, so stamp all the images, cut them all out etc etc.

Do check back soon to see the final card

Happy Crafting

Bekka

This Year

2009-01-16T22:21:00.004Z

For those of you who like scrapbooking there is some great news ...

The lovely Shimelle is offering a new on line class - and its Free! yes Free

You can check it out here

Why not pop over and join the fun ...

Happy Crafting

Bekka

New Year's Resolutions

2008-12-29T15:16:00.004Z

Like many people, last Christmas I found myself thinking about what I wanted to change during the next year and what I wanted to achieve. Like many people this is something I had done for many years and when I looked back over the lists from the previous year’s many of the things would be the same. Each year I was making resolutions and then not sticking to them.

So as I thought things through last year I decided I was going to do things differently. In my non craft life I am a life and business performance coach so I decided to apply some of the techniques I help other used with great success to myself. I combined them with my love of crafting. The results – well they have been many and positive and I have had a great time achieving them during what has been a year of massive change for me.

I am really excited about being able to share some of this with you in the form of my first on line course. There are lots of reasons that I am excited about this but mostly because of the difference it could make to you when you want to make your dreams a reality, make positive changes in your life and achieve your goals.

As many of us are thinking about the new year at the moment, this is the ideal time of year to start this course, but you could chose to start it whenever you want.

So what does this course offer you? During the course you will learn a process which will position you to succeed in reaching your goals, in creating your dreams.

For the first month you will receive weekly prompts which will help you

clarify your dreams and exactly what it is you would like to achieve

work out how you would like to do this and what experiences you would like along the way

create a system which will support you in making these dreams come true. This system can be stand alone or can be adapted to work with any diary or planning system that you use (either paper based or electronic)

For the next year you will achieve a monthly prompt to help you along your journey. Each prompt will contain a fun project which will help you towards your goal and will help you see how far you have already come.

Additionally, you will have access to a special blog on which you will find regular motivational quotes, additional support and inspiration and on which we can share our journeys.

At the end of the year not only will you have had every chance to achieved the things you set out to achieve but you will have learnt a process for creating the reality of your dreams

This course is available to everyone and will cost you just £10.00 so if you would like to sign up to achieve your dreams just email me at

bekka@feeling-crafty.co.uk If you have any questions please feel free to ask them

I look forward to sharing this exciting journey with you

Bekka

Seasons Greetings

2008-12-24T23:07:00.002Z

Have a wonderful Christmas

Bekka

To make you smile

2008-12-21T20:10:00.002Z

I am loving this so thought I would share ...

Holdman Dancing Christmas Lights

Enjoy!

Bekka

Missing in Action?

2008-12-17T08:56:00.003Z

Hello! Have you missed me!

With just over a week to Christmas things have been somewhat hectic round here – I hope you are all getting time to enjoy the build up, everywhere I look there are lovely sparkly lights and everything is so pretty.

I have fallen somewhat behind with my Journal Your Christmas Project and hope to be back next week with rather a lot of catch up items.

I have been busy in my craft space getting ready for the Dunstable Christmas Extravaganza this Saturday (20 December). As part of the town’s Christmas preparations they are having a number of events during the day and evening all designed to be a lot of fun and to help people get ready for Christmas. I will be in Priory House (where Tourist Information is) between 10am and 4pm. If you come and see me you will have the chance to make some cards, get a few stocking fillers, win prizes and much more! If you are in the area it would be wonderful to meet you.

I am also going to be running a monthly class at Priory House starting on 31 January 2009. I will post more details soon, but in the mean time put the date in your diary!

I will be back with the journal and some pictures soon

Thanks for stopping by

Happy Crafting

Bekka

Journal your Christmas - Day 7

2008-12-08T22:35:00.004Z

Hi there

Here is yesterday's postcard for my Christmas Journal. I am going to be playing catch up for a few days due to work committments but more soon ...

The journaling reads

Still to do

This year I made a Christmas Planner in good time
Unfortunately I did not make a plan until last weekend
So I still have lots to do!

Out of necessity we are having a frugal Christmas and I am gong to be making a lot of our Christmas Presents which makes the list longer but the gifts should be all the more special because of it. I have made all but about 20 of the Christmas Cards and have planed what I am going to make. I have almost finished one of the scarves I am making and am a good way through the next.

So I still need to finish the cards, the presents, the wrapping and find something special for Joe. Thats before all the last moment stuff ...

One things not to do is panic!

Thanks for looking - see you soon

Bekka

Journal Your Christmas - Day 6

2008-12-06T21:40:00.003Z

Here is my journal for today - we were asked to contrast happy and not so happy memories of Christmas.

The Journalling reads

Within each Christmas are contrasting memories. No one Christmas being the best ever or the worst ever, each contains a mix oh highs and lows.

Highs like spending time with wonderful people, the small package at the bottom of the pile which held an something beautiful, a hug, the joy of giving, finding that special gift, delicious food, a touching message from someone - the things which make you feel special and wanted.

Lows like missing people who are no longer with us or just no longer part of my life, lows like being stuck in traffic rather than being where others are, or being too ill to join in with anything

Mostly though the memories make me smile.

Thanks for looking

Happy Crafting

Bekka

Journal Your Christmas - Day 5

2008-12-06T13:02:00.003Z

Here is yesterdays creation for Journal Your Christmas

The journalling reads:

Counting down to Christmas used to be measured with an advent calendar, the first gift I received each year. A Christmas scene with many windows to open, each revealing a small picture, there was always a larger window for December 24th concealing a picture of a nativity scene. The numbers would all be jumbled up and part of the fun was finding that days number.

These days we don't watch Christmas get closer in quite the same way, instead some regular events letting us know its getting closer. Calls from the family wanting to know our plans, getting ready for Panto, Christmas cards arriving (with the one from the local take away always being first), a meal with family early in December, the Christmas Party at the Rep, A get together with friends to exchange presents, a Christmas Eve Curry and of course a mad panic to get everything ready!

Thanks for looking

Bekka

Journal Your Christmas Days 1 - 4

2008-12-04T18:00:00.004Z

The very talented Shimelle runs a class called Journal Your Christmas which I took last year. I loved it and it helped me enjoy Christmas last year so I have decided to play along again this year.

I am not making a scrapbook page each day - with everything else I have to get done this month it just would not happen so since the only rule of the classroom is no stressing (about the class - I dont promise not to stress about other things!) I decided to simplify lots. So each day I will make a post card - a photo with some journalling on.

Here are the first four days - I hope you enjoy them :-)

Thanks for stopping by

Bekka

I have been thinking

2008-11-30T13:20:00.002Z

And the good news is that it was not that painful! I am now about three months into my new life and am slowly starting to get used to a new routine – or should that be lack of routine! Things continue to be very hectic which I definitely enjoy but one thing I have tried to do regularly is to review how things are going.

There are many things I am really enjoying and that are going really well, things I am going to continue doing, there are a few things I would like to change and lots I need to refine!

One of the things I want to make some changes to is this blog. I am loving sharing my creations with you all and hearing all your comments and feedback. I have listened to the comments and feedback that I have had and also to how I have felt updating this blog in the couple of months. I decided a little while ago to create another blog Feeling Crafty. The Feeling Crafty blog will be the focus for my Stampin’ Up! Activities. On there you will find all things Stampin’ Up! – information on special offers, product and workshop information as well as tutorials and other features.

That means that this blog can focus on the more personal stuff – projects I have created for friends, life updates etc. I have missed sharing projects with non Stampin’ Up! Stash on them – yes I adore the SU products and they are the ones I use most but I am still addicted to Basic Grey, Bella’s and some other things too! I will continue to share some of my Stampin’ Up! Projects with you but you will need to check out Feeling Crafty to make sure you see them all and know about the latest special offers.

To those of you who have helped me along my journey in recent months - Thank you.

I have just posted some amazing offers for December over at Feeling Crafty so be sure you visit before too long, but I wanted to leave you all with a card I created recently

Thank you for stopping by

Bekka

Run On a Little Happiness

2008-11-10T09:27:00.006Z

Today is the first day of another very special offer from Stampin’ Up! to celebrate their 20th Birthday and their first year in Europe.

If you place an order with me for £20 or more between now and the 30th November you will qualify to purchase the Rub Ons and the Textured Card stock at a massive 20% off.

The rub ons can be found on page 77 of the current idea book and catalogue and the textured card can be found on pages 67-69. Here are the details along with the amazing discounted prices.

These products are new in the UK, and now is the ideal time to try them, but what on? The rub ons are easy to apply to paper, card, ribbon and any other non porous surface so the possibilities are endless. I have made some samples to show you some ideas – decorating notebooks, candles, mirrors, tea light holders, flower vases, ribbons.

Then there are things like picture frames, Christmas baubles, bottles of toiletries, jars of homemade jam and oh so many more things that would make lovely Christmas gifts.

Oh and of course cards and scrapbook pages! Here is a card I made using them – the large flower, the greeting and the dots on the ribbon were all done with rub ons.

Now if you look closely at this card you will see I have used the textured card – it is a wonderful and quick way of adding depth to your creations and if you have not tried it before it is currently at an amazing price of £7.40 on this offer making it cheaper than the non textured card stock but hurry – this offer only lasts 20 days ...

As if this offer was not already amazing, if you place an order with me on or before Friday 14th November I will make a donation to Children In Need on your behalf and enter you into one of the BBC’s Pudsey Scratch Card Games that I am running giving you the chance to win a small handmade gift from me. You can find out more about what I am doing for Children In Need here.

So to summarise – for the next 20 days spend £20 on products, get 20% off Rub Ons and Textured Card Stock.

So what will you do with yours – I would love to hear your ideas and to see what you come up with.

Happy Crafting

Bekka

Christmas Crads

2008-11-07T17:07:00.003Z

I don’t know about you but I have a lot of Christmas Cards to send and its time I got started on making them so today I am going to share some more cards with you. This first card, – well one card and three colour ways was quick to make so ideal for this busy time of year.

We will be making a card very similar to this at the Christmas Cards for Children In Need next week. There are still places available so if you would like to join us so please let me know as soon as possible. Don’t forget that there are other ways you can join in even if you can’t join us – read all about it here.

These cards were made with the Snow Burst stamp set from Stampin’ Up! and use the fact that the Stampin’ Up! Products all go together so well.

The other card I am going to share with you today uses the Season of Joy Stamp Set.

The final thing I would like to share with you today is a Christmas Decoration made from 12 scalloped squares rolled up to make the cones.

Thank you for looking – if you would like more details of any of these projects please check out my Feeling Crafty Blog

Happy Crafting

Bekka

Christmas Parties

2008-11-03T11:43:00.005Z

One of the things that many people enjoy about Christmas is the chance to get together with friends. Its also a time when we have a lot to get ready so why not combine the two and get yourself some lovely free gifts?

During November and December Stampin’ Up! Have a wonderful promotion for you. If you host a qualifying workshop you will not only get the usual hostess benefits of free products and exclusive stamps (you can find out all about them on pages 7 to 14 of the catalogue – click here for an online copy) you can also select another one of six sets worth up to £24.95 for Free – Yes Free. At this workshop you and your friends will have a great time making a project or two.

Check out this leaflet!

So let’s just recap – that’s fun with your friends, getting ready for Christmas, being shown how you can make cards and gifts for Christmas, and lots of free gifts for you! What are you waiting for – book a workshop with me today.

There are other ways you can take advantage of this offer . If you place a qualifying order with me (that is an order for £150 or more before post and packing) as well as arranging for your products to be shipped straight to your door I will send you a project sheet with instructions on how to make a selection of Christmas cards and gifts. This offer makes it a great time to order the things on your wish list – or you could get together with a group of friends and share the free stamps and products between you.

If you don’t live near me and would like to find a demonstrator nearer to you let me know and I will help you locate someone.

Why not order all the products you need to get your Christmas Cards and gifts made now and benefit from this offer.

Over the next couple of weeks I will be sharing lots more Christmas Card ideas with you so check back soon for more ideas

Happy Crafting and hostessing!

Bekka

Children In Need

2008-11-01T11:02:00.003Z

Toady I am revealing one of the projects I have been working on. Children In Need has been raising money to positively change the lives of disadvantaged children for longer than I care to remember and since my student days I have tried to get involved in some way. This year I am taking it one step further and actually organising a fund raising event –Christmas Cards for Children In Need.

If you would like to know more about Children in Need check their website here

As well as raising funds for Children In Need this fun event will help you get ready for Christmas. In addition to learning how to make five different Christmas Cards and a Christmas decoration we will play some fun games together to support our fund raising activities.

Children In Need is on November 14th and that day there will be two chances to attend a Christmas Cards for Children In Need Event, one at 2.30pm and one at 7.30pm. Each event will last between two and two and a half hours and will be held at the Little Theatre in Dunstable Bedfordshire.

If you would like to attend and support this wonderful cause you will need to reserve a place in advance. The minimum donation for each session will be £10.00 and all profits will go to Children In Need. If you have any questions or would like to reserve your place contact me as soon as possible – bekka@feeling-crafty.co.uk

If you are in the UK and would like to play along but can’t make the sessions in Dunstable the good news is that you can! I am also offering you a Pudsey Party in a Box – contact me for the details.

I know a lot of crafters love the chance to give something to someone else or to a good cause so it would be great to know what you are doing for Children In Need or to raise money for a charity that is important to you.

I look forward to hearing from you

Happy Crafting and giving

Bekka

Happy Halloween

2008-10-31T11:53:00.002Z

Boo!

Just a quick post today to wish you Happy Halloween.

If you would like details of how to make this project just drop me a line.

Check back tomorrow for details of a project I am very excited about – raising funds for Children In Need – that is assuming we survive the fancy dress dinner we are going to tonight.

Happy Crafting

Bekka

Remember me?

2008-10-27T16:26:00.003Z

Gosh! Has it really been that long since I posted here – the time has absolutely flown by. Things have been really busy and I have been very touched by all the people who have stopped by and asked for copies of the instructions for the Christmas Planner. I hope you are all enjoying making them.

I have been busy working on a couple of projects that I can’t share yet – it’s all very exciting and I am looking forward to sharing them with you later this week. I spent Friday evening with a lovely group of girlies who were new to stamping *waves to them all * we laughed lots as we made cards and calorie free cupcakes. Don’t forget the Birthday Stamp Special offer only runs until the end of the month so if you are thinking of ordering – contact me NOW – I would hate you to miss out. Yesterday I spent the afternoon with some other Stampin’ Up! Demo’s from the Midlands. What a smashing bunch they are. We made all sorts of things. I will share some pictures of these creations soon.

The picture at the top of this post is something I have wanted to make since I saw something similar on another blog. This would make a lovely Christmas Pressie for a friend and it was fun to make. I used Bashful Blue and Chocolate Chip - I love blue and brown together. I took a strip of Bashful Blue Card and stamped the flower from the Season of Joy Stamp with Versamark Ink and embossed it with clear embossing powder. I then rubbed Chocolate Chip ink all over the panel in small circular movements. I love the texture this gives, shiny blue flowers on a background that reminds me of suede. I then mounted this on Bashful Blue card. I also added the word friendship from the Wonderful Words Stamp Set stamped in Chocolate Chip. A quick scalloped edge and some Double Stitched Chocolate Chip Ribbon with a layer of Bashful Blue Taffeta Ribbon on top and a length of Chocolate Chip ribbon and it was ready to put in the frame. The finished picture is 14cm square.

To finish here are a couple of quick snaps of a set of invite cards I made to cheer a friend up. Again this idea would make a lovely personal low cost Christmas gift. The invitations could be for anything – going for a walk together, sharing a cup of coffee or something more adventurous if you want! I often treat my other half to tickets to the show of his choice and this would make an interesting way of presenting it.
Back with more exciting things later this week

Happy Crafting

Bekka

The Chrismas Countdown has Started ...

2008-10-14T16:09:00.004+01:00

Special Offer Alert – read to the bottom of the post to find it!

How would you describe your approach to Christmas? Are you wonderfully organised and have everything planned for the next Christmas before the end of Boxing Day, or do you spend the whole year thinking its ages away and then end up rushing round like a mad thing on Christmas Eve?

I guess most of us are somewhere in between, but I do have to confess to always being surprised when December arrives and then finding I have left everything to the last moment.

Well this year I would like things to be different. A good friend pointed out to me that Christmas is only just over 10 weeks away (thank you Stacy!). Now that sounded very close to me! So I decided that I needed a plan and that if there was to be a plan there had to be somewhere pretty for it to live so that I would be happy to look at it often.

So here is my Christmas Planner for this year – it is made with elements of the scrummy I Wish kit from Stampin’ Up! The papers are delicious and did you spot the textured card? So lovely to work with and to touch... The elements that come in the kit made this very easy to put together, and I have most of the kit left to make more projects with. If you want to see the full kit it is on page 73 of the catalogue – just click here or on the picture of the catalogue on the right of the blog.

The planner itself is made from one piece of carstock, folded to create the pockets, then stamped and decorated.

In these pockets I have created a range of inserts – Christmas Card Lists, Shopping Lists, To Do Lists, and of course a wish list of everyone! I also have party planner, meal planner and gift list inserts but forgot to take photos of them ...

The planner folds up so that I can carry it round with me and I have added some ribbon to make sure I don’t loose the plot, I mean plan.

If you would like instructions for the planner please send me an email

At the top of this post I mentioned a special offer ... To encourage you to join me on my journey to make this Christmas special, wonderful, crafty and of course affordable, so to help you get in the mood, I have a special offer for you. If you place an order with me for the I Wish Kit, I will send you some co-ordinating goodies and a collection of project ideas that can be made from the kit.

Happy Christmas Crafting!

Bekka

PS: Dont forget that the Birthday promotion is still running - you have to the end of the month to order selected sets at 20% off - check out this post here

World Card Making Day

2008-10-03T20:50:00.003+01:00

Tomorrow is world card making day – a special day for card makers globally to celebrate the creativity of handmade cards and the pleasure they bring people.

Stampin’ Up! Is joining in the celebrations by offering you 20% off Simply Sent Card Elements and Simply Sent Card Kits from 4th to 11th October.

The Simply Sent Card Elements can be found on pages 74 and 75 of the new catalogue. They contain a mix of cardstock, patterned paper, ribbon, buttons, and self adhesive die cuts. You can make loads of cards from these beautiful sets alone, but why not combine them with the matching stamp sets (which although they are not included in the promotion are good value and have many uses)

The Simply Sent Card Kits were £49.95 in last year’s catalogue and have been reduced to £39.95 in the new catalogue. If you order them between 4th and 11th October they will be just £31.96 – that is a staggering discount of over 36% on last year’s price. These kits contain 6 stamps, cardstock, Stampin’ Spots assortment, Stampin’ Pastels Assortment, ribbons, brads, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Glue dots, envelopes and more all packed up in a lovely box. They can be found on page 93 of the catalogue. Just think what a nice Christmas Pressie they would make for a crafty friend...

If you would like to take advantage of these offers get in touch straight away – the offer closes on 11 October.

Happy Crafting

Bekka

PS - dont forget about this month's other special offers ...

Do You Fancy a Bargain?

2008-10-02T23:08:00.003+01:00

October is Stampin’ Up!’s 20th Birthday in the US and 1st Birthday in the UK. To celebrate they have a very special birthday offer.

If you spend £20 on anything from the new catalogue you can buy selected stamp sets at an amazing 20% off! The stamps on this special deal are all Birthday Stamp Sets – I don’t know about you but I seem to make a lot of Birthday cards!

The selected sets are

Crazy for Cupcakes (Item number 111618) page 32. This set is great value at its normal price of £20.95, but if you qualify for this offer you can get it for just £16.76 The card at the top of this post was made with this set.

Birthday Best (Item number 105455) page 33. This is a slightly smaller set, again featuring a cupcake and a balloon is normally £10.95 but if you qualify for this offer is only £8.76 – yes you read that right less than £2.40 per stamp!

Cheers and Wishes (item number 110542) page 58. This is a great set of 6 greetings not only for birthdays but many other occasions as well. Greeting include, Congratulations, Warm Wishes, Happy Anniversary, You’re Invited and of course Birthday hugs and wishes. Regular readers will have seen this set in use many times!

To see any of these stamp sets click on the picture of the catalogue.

If you would like a paper copy of the idea book and catalogue send me an email – they are £4.50 including post and packing which is redeemable in full when you place your first order of £50 or more with me. If you would like to place an order please get in touch with me as soon as possible – this offer is only available until the end of October and promises to be very popular!

I will be posting other samples made with these sets through the month so check back to see more examples.

And if that was not enough – Saturday 4 October is World Card Day and there is another fantastic 20% offer available on Simply Sent Card Elements and Simply Sent Card Kits – these offers will only be available between 4 and 11 October. Check back tomorrow for more details.

Thanks for stopping by and Happy Crafting

Bekka

Its here

2008-10-01T11:53:00.003+01:00

Yes here it is - the new Stampin' Up! catalogue is live ...

Click on the picture to see an online copy

I think you will also need this ...

If you click on it I will email you a full sized copy

Now I will leave you in peace to enjoy!

Have fun

Bekka

The Final Countdown!

2008-09-30T17:02:00.003+01:00

The new Stampin’ Up! Catalogue goes live tomorrow – and its fantastic – full of lovely things that will have you drooling. That means from tomorrow you will be able to order the products I have been giving you sneaky peaks of and many more things beside.

Check back tomorrow for more details.

So one last sneaky peak for you – yes its a stamp set you wont be able to get from tomorrow (Garden Silhouettes) but what is that you can see in the corner – yes beautiful stitched ribbon! This was made from a small scrap of ribbon so as you can see even the scraps are lovely and can make all the difference to your cards

Don’t forget to stop by tomorrow to see the new catalogue

Happy Crafting

love

Bekka

Seeing Stars

2008-09-26T16:10:00.004+01:00

Oh and Sneak Peak Number 4!

Look who I met last night ...

What a lovely man - we had a great conversation about dyslexia, personal development and of course crafts! I was at an awards dinner and he had lots of people to meet and what amazed me was how much time he had for everyone.

Today's sneak peak is of a set I am really excited about. I have wanted a set with stars for ages and this set is amazing! Great for male cards, my theatre friends, Christmas an of course for days when you are as star struck as I was yesterday!

The catalogue launches on October 1st - contact me for details

Thank you for stopping by, please visit again soon for more sneak peaks!

Bekka

Sneak Peak Number 3

2008-09-21T19:32:00.005+01:00

I hope you have all been enjoying a lovely weekend - we have been having some lovely sunshine for the first time in quite a long while!

I promised you another sneak peak and a tutorial this weekend so here goes ... This Christmas Card is very quick and easy to make. It uses the new Season of Joy set - I adore this tree and the swirl so I think you may well see lots more of both of them!

OK so if you want to make one of these here is the tutorial:

If you would like a larger copy of these instructions please email me by clicking here. I hope you are enjoying these sneak peaks - there are more to come :-)

Thanks for stopping by

love

Bekka

Sneak Peak Number 2

2008-09-18T11:12:00.002+01:00

Another Sneak Peak for you - again using the new True Friends stamp set - available in just two weeks time!

Check back at the weekend for another sneak peak and a tutorial for a very quick Christmas Card ...

Thanks for stopping by

Bekka

Sneak Peak Number 1

2008-09-14T17:39:00.003+01:00

In my last post I mentioned that there were lots of exciting new things for you in the new Stampin' Up! catalogue... Things like the scalloped punch and some wonderful new stamps.

This card was made for Taylor Vanbruggen's Cupcake Challange and uses the new True Friends Set which will be available to buy in October ...

Dont forget to check the previous post for details of the produts that you will only be able to buy for a little while longer. If you want to know anything more about the new catalogue and stamps drop me an email

Thanks for stopping by

love

Bekka

Last Chance to Buy ...

2008-09-07T14:07:00.004+01:00

Its another rainy Sunday Afternoon here but its not all doom and gloom! As you may know the new Stampin’ Up! Catalogue will be out on 1st October. To make way for some exciting new stamps some of the current products and stamps will be retiring.

Check out the list of products which are being retired here. These items are only available while stocks last. If you look closely you will see that the price of these sets has been reduced – here is some more great news - you can expect more price reductions in the new catalogue too!

If you have always wanted one of the hostess sets in the current catalogue (pages 14 to 20) they are only available until the end of this month – so hurry and book your workshop or place your order with me.

You can see the current full idea book and catalogue by clicking on the picture below.Here is a card I made using one of the retiring hostess sets – I think it is my current favourite – Garden Silhouettes (page 17). The card base is Bashful Blue, with Certain Celery stamped with the Scratched Background (page 57) using Always Artichoke Ink. The sentiment is from the Sincere Salutations Set (page 61).

If there is anything you have been meaning to get on the retiring list please don’t delay – order it today to ensure you are not disappointed.

I love reading your comments so why not let me know what cheers you up on a rainy afternoon

Thanks for stopping by

Bekka

PS Dont forget to check out the post below to see if you were a winner!

And the Winners Are ...

2008-09-07T11:03:00.002+01:00

So I hope you all enjoyed the Lighthouse Party! Sorry its taken me so long to wrap things up – we could call it a hangover but it was more an interruption by life!

Pass the Parcel winners…

I hope you enjoyed playing along as much as I enjoyed reading all your lovely comments and emails. A big thank you to all of you who took the time to enter

So without further ado here are the winners …

Catherine (email 15 August)
Fiona (comment on 10 August posting)
Ann Christine (comment on 26 August posting)
Emma (email 16 August)

And the main prize winner
Jakey (comment on 10 August posting)

Would the lucky winners please email me their postal addresses by clicking here

I will be back soon with lots of exciting things to share with you – a tutorial, some Christmas Card ideas and kits and some sneak previews of the new Stampin’ Up! Catalogue so please check back soon

Congratulations to the winners and thank you all for stopping by

Bekka

Just a note

2008-08-26T15:47:00.006+01:00

Don’t you just love getting a card in the post – that pretty handwritten loveliness - it makes such a welcome change from those horrid brown envelopes demanding money!

Well I was lucky enough to receive this lovely card from Monica for my birthday – isn’t it gorgeous!

Well all this got me thinking – and this was the result …

This set of note cards was made using Whisper White Love Notes, stamped with stamps from the Garden Silhouettes and Warm Wishes sets using Rose Red and Tempting Turquoise Inks and card stock. I did tell you I love this colour combination!

The cover was made from an oval of the lovely Rose Red Designer Papers, folded and then sealed with some Tempting Turquoise ribbon.

I am pleased with how these came out and think I may make some sets for people as presents. If you want to make a set for yourself or as gifts don’t forget that until the end of this month the Stampin' Up! Papers are on special offer (four packs for the price of three) and that I am offering free post and packing for this period – so hurry and place your order.

I have also been busy making lots of Thank You cards – about 30 of them – I have a lot of people to thank for their support and kindness as I have moved away from my old life.

Thank you for stopping by

Bekka

PS – don’t forget to enter the party game for your chance to win – details here

I'm not dead yet!

2008-08-22T12:19:00.005+01:00

I have had a very lazy week so far and have enjoyed it a lot! It was my birthday on Wednesday and I became member of the Wii owners club – what took us so long? Well now I can prove that I am useless as virtual sports as well as at the real thing!

In the evening we went to see this.
It is brilliant – if you find Monry Python even vaguely amusing you will find this really funny. We had a great evening and coming home our sides hurt with laughing – and no we are not dead yet!

I have been feeling a little unfocussed this week so I decided yesterday to make myself a nice book to write my to do lists in. Does anyone else feel lost without a to do list? I am odd to feel pleased that I lasted almost a week without one :-/

Anyway I took a little notebook I have had for a while and covered the front and back with some very pretty turquoise and red papers – one of my favourite combinations at the moment! Inside I have put some diary pages printed from my computer and mounted on more of the papers. The pages that follow will be my to do lists. The papers are from Stampin' Up!

Don’t forget there is a special offer on Stampin' Up! Papers this month – order three packs and get the fourth for free. If you combine this with my Post and Packing Party offer you will also get your packs of paper delivered to you free. The papers are beautiful, good and heavy and fantastic to work with – you can see the full range by clicking on the picture of the catalogue on the right of this blog and turning to pages 72 and 73.

I have also made a card this week – we have a friend who is in hospital and this is to wish her well.
The Stamps used are from the Stampin' Up! Roses in Winter Collection. They were coloured with my Stampin' Up! Marker Pens which meant I could use more than one colour on each of the stamps in the smaller roses, still giving them a really nice depth. The colours used are Perfect Plumb, Pale Plumb, Pretty in Pink and Sage Shadow. The ribbon was originally white but the markers soon changed that!

I hope you are having a great week too. Thanks for stopping by.

Bekka

PS Don’t forget it is not too late to join in my Party Game of Pass the Parcel – just leave a comment or send me an email for you chance to win a special prize! You can enter as many times as you like.

Changes

2008-08-17T18:22:00.012+01:00

This has been the week where everything changes for me – lots and lots of goodbyes, some very kind comments from what are now ex colleagues, a strange mix of excitement and tears and lots and lots of beautiful flowers!

Yes there really are three very large bouguets! There has been lots of packing up and moving of boxes and a little bit of unpacking (still lots of that to do!)

This weekend I also found a copy of September’s Crafts Beautiful – as well as some lovely projects inside there is a free copy of the Stampin' Up! Idea Book and Catalogue. The catalogues are normally £5.95 each making it worth getting the magazine just for that! Now my offer to you is that if you find the magazine without the Stampin' Up! Idea book and catalogue email me by clicking here, letting me know where you got your copy of the magazine and I will send you a copy f the idea book and catalogue free (limited stock available). Don’t forget if you then place an order with me before the end of August post and packing will be free!

Its not too late to join the game of virtual pass the parcel - see the post below

Thanks for stopping by

Bekka

Party Games and Cup Cakes

2008-08-10T14:39:00.005+01:00

Party month continues to be very hectic – several real life celebrations, including a big celebration for the team I have been working with for the last 10 months. We all had a great time and I was impressed by the number of people who knew all the dance steps for YMCA!

Make sure you read to the bottom of this post for your chance to win a prize

Last night I was at a joint birthday party so I had the excuse to make two birthday cards using the great sketch from Taylor Vanbruggen’s Cupcake Challenge

The first card uses the Garden Silhouettes and Circle of Friendship sets from Stampin Up!

For the second I could not resist getting my Bella Stamps out again – Winobella could have been designed for the friend that this card is for! I love the flower with the pearl in the middle. All the other supplies are Stampin Up! I love the way you can colour the white ribbon to get the colour you need!

Your chance to win ...
Now we are in the second week of the Lighthouse Party and I think its about time we started the party games … One of my favourite party games is pass the parcel. I love watching peoples faces as they unwrap presents and so this game works well for me – everyone wondering if the music will stop when they have the parcel and if it does what they will find when they unwrap a layer. Who will win the prize in the middle? What will it be?

So who would like to play a virtual game of pass the parcel?

There are three ways you can enter
1. Leave a comment on my blog this month
2. send me an email this month
3. place an order with me this month

At the end of the month I will sit and listen to the radio, while reading a list of names of the people who have entered. You can enter as many times and as many ways as you like – each comment/email/order will be added to the list I will read. The name I am reading when the music stops will be the winner.

Now like the real game you wont know exactly how many prizes there will be or what they are but I can tell you that there will be at least 3 …

I would love to know what your favourite party game is.

I look forward to your comments and adding you to the pass the parcel list!

Thanks for stopping by

Bekka

Paper Party

2008-08-03T20:57:00.005+01:00

It has been a busy fun, but unfortunately craft free weekend for me – we have been hanging out with friends and I have been getting things ready for my penultimate week at work and for my new life.

Now ... to keep the celebrations going its time to introduce you to the second special offer for August!

Pretty Paper Party

Stampin Up! have a lovely range of 12x12 double sided patterned papers which coordinate beautifully with the rest of the Stampin Up! Range. This month only Stampin Up! have a special offer on these papers – buy three packs and get one free.

To see all the papers included in this offer click on the picture of the catalogue on the right of this post - then go to pages 72 & 73

Don’t forget I am also offering you the Lighthouse Post and Packing Party – so as well as getting a free pack of patterned paper when you buy three packs, your post and packing will be free.
So now is the time to stock up on patterned paper ready – what will you use them for? Cardmaking, a mini book, gifts for other people, gift bags or a scrap book page – the possibilities are endless, so place your order now – click here to email me

Thanks for stopping by - dont forget to check back soon - there will be a competition starting next weekend ...

Have a great week

Bekka

You are invited!

2008-08-02T13:54:00.004+01:00

August is the month when my new life starts so I am having a party to celebrate and you are all invited!

While I am going to miss my current life and the amazing people I work with I am really excited about the next phase of my life. I would love you all to join in the August celebrations and share my excitement.

So what are we celebrating?
· The wonderful time I had in my job
· The fact that I am going to be living at home during the week
· New adventures starting – I am going to be working for myself – I hope I will have a good boss!
· My birthday

How are we going to celebrate?
Well with as many parties as possible of course! Including one here :-). August is officially party month here at View from the Lighthouse – do you like the decorations? There will be a number of competitions and special offers which I hope you will enjoy.

To get you in the mood here is the first special offer

Post and Packing Party!

As regular readers will know I have become a Stampin Up! Demonstrator. I am really excited about the amazing range of products, exclusive stamps and scrummy colours. To allow as many of you as possible to share my excitement I have a special offer for my UK readers.

Order any Stampin Up! Products from me during August and the Post and Packing will be free. Yes free post and packing! Please note that this is an offer from me and not from Stampin Up!

You can see the catalogue and idea book here. If you would like to order a paper copy of the catalogue let me know.

Is there something you have been meaning to order for a while? Something you have had your eye on for a while? Now is a great time to order while p&p is free.

If you have not used the Stampin Up Products before, now could be the time to try, while the p&p is free.

To place an order or ask a question email me by clicking here.

Check back soon for more offers and competitions

Party On!

Bekka

Changes

2008-07-29T21:53:00.005+01:00

Lots in my life is going to be changing over the next couple of months

If you look around my blog you will see details of the first change - and its one that I am very excited about.

Have you spotted it yet?

Oh go on then (and with those of you who use a blog reader like Google Reader - check it out if you have not already) here is a big clue

If you would like to know more about Stampin Up! please get in touch. I look forward to hearing from you

Thanks for stopping by

Bekka

Loves Truck

2008-07-21T21:57:00.002+01:00

Its been another busy week for me – and my quiet weekend evaporated in front of my eyes. Late on Saturday we had a call from friends asking if we were going to their daughter’s Christening … the original email invite was lost somewhere in the ether. One hastily made card later off we went and had a lovely time catching up with people.

I have also been working on the commission I told you about last week, still not finished but just about on track with it. I also had two cards to make for this week – a birthday card and a new home card. I had another play with my SU Loads of Love set – I am really enjoying using them. Firstly the birthday card – a little paper piercing and some jumbo eyelets.

The second some water colouring – inspired by the colours on a gift bag.

Right – I have to pack my truck – I mean car and go away with work for the rest of the week …

Thanks for stopping by

Bekka

Loads of Luck

2008-07-13T21:13:00.003+01:00

Hello again!

I have been playing with my new SU Stamps :-) yet another leaving card

Thanks for looking

See you soon