Caturday: Cobweb and Slinky... together

Now this NEVER happens, so I just had to grab a pic. Cobweb (front) and Slinky... the brother and sister who “couldn’t be separated because they love each other” (according to the Cats’ Protection lady in 2003) have not been this close to each other since early 2004, shortly after they joined our family and almost instantly shunned each other.

What’s changed? It’s the lure of new (to us) furniture and a new throw purchased protect it. There is also a new (to us) settee, and a matching throw to protect that, but they don’t face the French windows so don’t catch the sun.

And of course, this pastoral scene hides a bubbling resentment and mutterings of “my chair!”, “no, my chair!” ad infinitum.

Window Box Thinlits - tall box with link to tutorial

Here ’s another fabulous way to use the Window Box Thinlits – again courtesy of Kirsteen Gill, who has links to tutorials on her blog, here. It’s a very clever way of using the dies and simply involves adjusting the position of the Big Shot plates, so that only certain sections of the die cut through the cardstock. Take a look.

Window Box Thinlits - extra wide box with tutorial link

I promised you more projects using the Window Box Thinlits, so here’s another one. This was created by following a superb tutorial by the talented Kirsteen Gill, which you can find here. I have never been the type of person who can create “different” designs with our supplies, so am always very grateful when others find new ways to use our products, and this wider version of the Window Box is very clever indeed. Why not give it a try?

And in answer to your question – because I know you’re thinking it – no, the spotty belly band doesn’t cover a join... there is no join.

And in answer to your other question: why did I use peach when everyone knows I don’t like it? That’s because I tend to try new designs in my least favourite colours. Usually they go wrong but this one went right!

Clearance rack updated!

Whoohoo! We always love it when the Clearance Rack is updated! At the time of typing this, there were lots of Halloween goodies available, plus some Christmas products and, notably, some 12x12" cardstock in Garden Green and Real Red - that one is definitely worth getting your hands on, if you can beat the demonstrator rush!

Don’t risk delays by emailing me as I’m at work today; please shop direct at my online store by clicking the image below. Check out the retiring list while you’re shopping as there are bargains to be had there, too!

Mix It Up Monday: Swirly Bird

It’s the final combination from the Dapper Denim In Color charts this week as I rapidly head towards the last few colour combinations for this round of Mix It Up Monday. Soon I will have a whole new set of charts to show you and I can start playing with the brand new colours. 

For today’s post, I’ve made a project using the super-versatile Swirly Bird stamp set. This set will be the subject of my Stamp Doctor clinic this Friday, but this one of the projects that got away. 

It uses three colours from the Subtles collection, which is not somewhere I tend to head too frequently! So it was quite a challenge but thankfully the Dapper Denim is there to hold everything together. 

Caturday: City ginger

Here’s a big fluffy ginger cat spotted by my daughter on her way to uni in Derby. She keeps seeing this one and, inevitably, is working on befriending it. As long as she doesn’t bring it home, that’s fine by me!

Window Box Thinlits basket

I’ve been sitting on (not literally!) lots of projects made with the Window Box Thinlits as I wanted the ladies as last night’s party to be the first to see them. I wanted to show the versatility of this fabulous set which, used at its simplest, makes fun hexagon boxes, but can also be adapted to produce so much more.

This little basket is simply made by cutting off some of the flaps and sides and adding a handle. It’s the perfect size for a roll of ribbon, ideal for a hostess gift.

I love this colour combination of Sweet Sugarplum, Rich Razzleberry, Blushing Bride and Mint Macaron, and will be very sorry to see Mint Macaron leave us in a few weeks.

Seriously, if you need to order anything from the retiring list, please don’t delay as they are selling like hot cakes.  In fact, as last night’s party, I put the order in there and then, so we could check availability as we went along, and unfortunately a few people couldn’t get what they wanted. For instance, the rhinestones shown here are already out of stock – the good news is, a reconfigured pack of rhinestones will be in the new catalogue.

To place your orders, simply click the image below, and head to my online store. Thank you!

In The Meadow: Retiring!

Don’t miss out! In The Meadow is a beautiful set, featuring natural images, which is on the retiring list. I love this set and have used it a lot so it would be a valuable addition to your stash. Please don't put off ordering, as items are selling out daily. 

The safest way is to order through my online store (link below), rather than trying to get hold of me as I am back at work this week so may not see your email straight away. Thanks!

Mix It Up Monday: Birthday Fiesta

This colour combination from my In Color charts is not a million miles away from the one I used in last week’s Mix It Up Monday project. I really feel like I’m on the home stretch now, as I have seen the new catalogue and the lovely new colours heading our way.

And what’s particularly unusual this year, is that I actually LIKE them. As in, straight away, it hasn’t taken me two years to start enjoying them fully. 

Because that’s exactly what’s happening right now with the outgoing In Colors; I was very slow to warm to them but I’m beginning to miss Mint Macaron, Tip Top Taupe and Delightful Dijon already. 

But enough looking forward and backwards, how about now? This week’s combo uses Dapper Denim in a patriotic red, white and blue scheme. Yes, there’s grey – and you probably know I’m not a fan – but I’ve kept it in the background out of harm’s way. 

It’s nearly time to say farewell to the llovely llama, too. I normally sell ALL of my retired products but I may have to make an exception for this fellow. 

Retiring products selling fast!

It’s retiring products time and they are already selling out fast! Please click the image above to start shopping, or go here to see the retiring products list.

NB: Products are only available while supplies last. If you see something you MUST have, please order from my store, rather than waiting for the next party or trying to get hold of me, as it is Easter weekend and I am out and about. Thanks!

Window Box Thinlits Dies

I’ve been sharing a few projects using the Window Box Thinlits dies... and yes, I have more to come which I’m trying to hold back until after a party which has been postponed until next week. Meanwhile, here is the SU video on how to assemble the box in its traditional form. It’s definitely worth watching if you’re considering the dies!

Mix It Up Monday: Window Box Thinlits boat

How cute is this little boat? I was so excited when I saw this project – and even more so when I realised it had been made with the Window Box dies. And the nautical colour scheme, from my In Color charts is perfect for this Mix It Up Monday project.

How to make the boat? Same method as the Easter basket...

Caturday: Bittersweet day for Tutheran

It’s happened at last. Tutheran has left the garden. After getting increasingly desperate, and concerned for our cats who were living scared of a Tutheran fight, I finally managed to get him a place in a local animal shelter and an appointment to take him there on Thursday.

But then I had a last-minute pang of guilt – I know from my experience helping at the cat shelter that certain cats do NOT get adopted easily. Black cats. Older cats. Ugly cats. Cats which scratch.

So a few frantic phonecalls later and my Mum manage to track down a lady who had previously considered having him, but we had both agreed it wasn’t a great idea as she already had a cat. Since then, her elderly cat has died, which is very sad for her, but great news for Tutheran as she said YES!

Catching him was another matter. He’s all cuddly and loving in this picture but as soon as a cat carrier came into the equation, everything changed. It was bit like when you feed Gremlins after midnight.

Eventually, three of us managed to wrestle him into the cat carrier. Daughter – who worked the original miracle on him and turned him into a pet rather than a wild animal – sustained the biggest scratches. We haven’t heard from his new owner so are rather hoping he didn’t escape from the carrier on his way to his new home and cause some sort of road traffic accident. Doesn’t bear thinking about really.

So that’s that. End of an era. Within a few hours our cats had twigged that he was gone. Pooboo has been rubbing around everything on the patio to make it his again.

Don't forget to order your In Colors while you can!

It’s very nearly retirement time and we know from experience that the In Colors are nearly always the first items to sell out. Get ahead of the game by placing your orders soon as I do hate to disappoint people. You can order online by clicking the image below, or email me.

Window Box Thinlits Easter Basket

How cute is this project? It’s made with the Window Box Thinlits – just slice off the top of the hexagon and move to the opposite side, as shown below. Yes, exactly the same method as for this project except this time you only need one die-cut piece instead of the usual two. 

I CASEd the idea from Libbystamps, improvising with the flower dies I already head, Botanical Builder Framelits. You don’t have to have the exact supplies to CASE a project; just use what you have. Although I have to say, these Window Box Thinlits dies are extremely versatile, as you’ll see over the coming days...

Mix It Up Monday: Window Box Thinlits

This amazing card is a work of genius. I totally CASEd the design from a hugely talented Australian demonstrator called Bronwen Eastley, whose blog pointed me towards this fabulous video tutorial from Barry & Jay. As I have a party coming up where I plan to showcase these gorgeous Window Box dies, I just knew it would be perfect for this week’s Mix It Up Monday colour challenge. 

It ’s an amazing design, which folds flat and fits in an envelope. Pity I didn’t think to photograph that, but Bronwen has pix from all angles on her blog, so please do take a look. 

I chose this colour combination from the few remaining from my In Color charts because I wanted to use a touch of GOLD. Can you imagine why? For the remaining two or three people in the world I haven’t yet told, I have just promoted to Gold – this is huge news and even more exciting as it comes in my 10th year of being a Stampin’ Up!® demonstrator. 

To celebrate, I have a special offer running throughout April. Simply spend £25 with me and I will send you a special gift of “gold” and a thank you card. I couldn’t have reached Gold without the support of my amazing customers and downlines, so thank you to everyone! I won’t do a speech...

Caturday: Mystery ginger cat

Who is this ginger cat? It turned up at our house the other day, seemingly drawn to Tutheran. I wasn’t sure if it was a male spoiling for a fight, or a female looking for luurrrrve. Either way, it scarpered pretty quickly when I took the photo through the glass. And either way, the last thing we need in our garden is yet another cat!