You're so special

I have been playing with some new papers and stamps in readiness for my classes restarting next week. I was feeling a bit rusty so I thought it best to polish up my card-making skills, my class ladies are all very gentle with me but Anita takes no prisoners, so I must be up to speed by tuesday !

I challenged myself to NOT use my Cuttlebug, it is so tempting to settle for the easy option and it is one of my 'go to' tools, let's face it, it does all the hard work, but I don't want to become formulaic and see the same thing on all my projects ( I have just got to tackle the flowers and pearls now - that addiction might take a little more effort to give up !)

The papers are Prima and the stamp is by Hero Arts. Flowers and leaves all sneakily fell into my bag as I was sorting out my last delivery - oooooops.

I think I left a few bunches to sell !

This next photo shows that I have decorated the reverse also, to allow space for a greeting/sentiment. 

Next up is my ATC for this months Stampman swap - the theme of which was 'Trees'. Normally my atc's end up very three dimensional. I think this arises because I am a scrapbooker and I am used to creating with copious amounts of product. Subconsciously, the same amount of product I rake out for a 12 x 12 inch page, teeters precariously atop my little 3.5 x 2.5 inch atc's, it is hit and miss that they will ever fit into a sleeve let alone an album.

So, with all that said I allowed the stamping to do the talking on this occasion and reigned myself in to keep embellies to a bare minimum - the ribbon just naughtily tied itself into a bow, rolled its cheeky little self onto a glue dot and planted its bottom atop the atc, refusing to budge, just like Greenpeace to Airtel !

I have received some really sweet surprises this past week, Bonnie stopped by with plants for the children, tomatoes and mini cucumbers ( safe ones  - not the sort laden with e-coli - thank goodness! ) The kiddies were delighted and have been monitoring their progress, impatiently awaiting the luscious tomatoes that are sure to be making their appearance soon. Thankyou Bonnie xxx

My gorgeous friend Nicki ( who is even more lovely this week after her recent new hairstyle) made me this absolutely stunning scarf - YES ! I repeat, MADE me this scarf - isn't she clever !

I love, love, love it and have been wearing it even though the weather has been positively balmy - thankyou so much Nicki - love ya xxx

Last but not least I received a wonderful bouquet of carnations and lilies yesterday from Beryl, who is one of the most ladylike, kind-hearted and genuine friends you could wish to have, I felt quite emotional when I saw her yesterday as it has been a while since we last met, and I have really missed her company.  I am silly, I know, but to know her -  is to love her.

The following photo is from the bouquet, the carnations are just beginning to reveal their full beauty whilst the lilies are quietly waiting to thrill me with their splendor.

One last comment before I bid you goodnight, the Running With Scissors ATC swap is up and running. I apologise for the break in swapping, collection and delivery was nigh on impossible whilst the shop was closed, thankyou all for bearing with us, it is nice to see so many of you playing again, and, we have some lovely new swappers joining in this time also. All the next twelve months themes are on the forum HERE, ( GET ME !!!!! being so organised ! - it surely can't last lol) I am hoping that by providing the themes in advance it will help people with postage and allow everyone a little extra thinking time too. I have already received three delightful sets to swap, I am so happy to be resuming this swap and it promises to be even bigger and better this year.

Love and swapping ( but not wives of course !)

Tracey xxx