Today it's Sunday and time for this week's new challenge over at The Paper Players! It's the turn of the fabulous Jaydee to host this week and she has a fun theme challenge for us to end the year with:

Gifting - well, 'tis the season and all that! I decided I would take Jaydee's theme quite literally and make some cute tags to decorate my Christmas gifts - take a look:

Here's the low-down on today's card:

Isn't that nutcracker jolly? He looks rather polished, but honestly took no time at all to make - he's from the Nutcracker Tags kit. Stampin' Up!'s kits are great - the contain everything you need to compllete your project with ease. Here's a look at the contents of the Nutcracker Tags Kit:

 The kit comes with full instructions and everything you need to make 12 layered tags, 3 each of 4 designs. Here's all 4 tags made up:

 The layered pieces and large sentiment add lots of dimension and they have just the right amount of festive sparkle:

I love the fact that the tag has two pieces too, so you can write on the tag itself and then keep the nutcracker and use it as a bookmark for example; there are books inside this parcel and I know that the book-loving recipient will do just that! I am often guilty of leaving my wrapping to the last minute and skimping on the details like tags, so this kit has made sure I am much more organised this festive season!  

Before you reach for your ink and papers, check out what our amazing team has created to inspire you this week:

Enjoy your day; the festive season does seem to be gathering pace suddenly this weekend; I spent yesterday writing more Christmas cards to send whilst the Hubby was out with his paddleboarding club for a Santa paddle (dressed as an elf!) and then went out to my second Christmas party of the season yesterday evening. Today I am baking a Christmas cake and two Christmas puddings this morning, then I'm going to a cake decorating class to put the finishing touches to another cake this afternoon. If I'm not too tired we might even put up our Christmas tree this evening - it finally feels like we should start decorating for the season! I hope you are all enjoying your weekend, however you choose to spend it. I'll be back soon with another project. Until then, happy stampin'!

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used: 

NUTCRACKER TAGS KIT (£14.00)

There's so much happening during the month of October! I decided that I would do a catch-all post with all the details for you - so here's a breakdown of everything that you need to know.

Firstly a reminder that the Sept-Dec 2025 Mini Catalogue is live - the link is on the right and included below if you click on the image too - there's never been a better time to get into your festive crafting:

Secondly, you can currently save up to 30% on Kits Collection sets; this 3 day sale finishes at 11pm this evening, so if you're quick you've still time to grab some - and remember they make great Christmas gifts.

There are also 3 new kits that have been added to the online collection for October too: the Nutcracker Tags Kits, the Remembering Christmas Memory Keeping Kit and the Calm & Bright Card Kit. For more details and to purchase, you can check out these kits via the links to these products in the online store that you will find at the bottom of this post.

Lots to look at here and discounts today too! Check out my online store for more details.

Stampin' Up! has also produced a 12 Days of Christmas Advent Calendar for the first time this year:

It includes 12 days of crafting surprises, including 12 never-before seen exclusive Stampin' Up! items and the All Occasion stamp set. This calendar is only available whilst stocks last, so why not treat yourself or a friend (or both!) to some festive fun and order yours today!

Registration is also open for a Stampin' Up! Virtual Craft Class featuring the Traditions of Christmas Suite:

The class will be held on Facebook on October 23rd at 9pm UK time; Stampin' Up! instructors will guide you through making 3 cards and 1 home decor item.

Purchase the class here along with the Traditions of Christmas Suite here which you will also need to complete the projects.

Finally, I'm saving the best news until last - October has not one, but TWO incredible joining offers! If you've ever wondered what it would be like to be a Stampin' Up! demonstrator (even just for a short while to try it out) or simply receive an ongoing discount on your Stampin' Up! craft supplies, this is a great time to find out. There are two options:

OPTION 1: Select £130 worth of products of your choice for just £35!!

OPTION 2: Select £194 worth of products of your choice for just £99.

We have not had an offer like this for a VERY long time - it really is a great opportunity!

Both of these offers run until October 31st, so if you'd like to know more, get in touch - or simply sign up here. 

Finally, the Last Chance Products category also updated at the start of this month; there are still lots of bargains available, so do these out too.

Back soon with a creative project; until then, happy stampin'!

NUTCRACKER TAGS KIT (£12.60)

CALM & BRIGHT KIT (ENGLISH) (£20.00)

REMEMBERING CHRISTMAS KIT (£18.90)

12 DAYS OF CRAFTING ADVENT CALENDAR (ENGLISH) (£94.00)

TRADITIONS OF CHRISTMAS SUITE COLLECTION (ENGLISH) (£131.25)

TRADITIONS OF CHRISTMAS CRAFT CLASS (£28.00)

I'm here today to share news of some exciting product changes that Stampin' Up! has just announced and a roundup of the latest kits and a reminder of this month's in-color promotion. First up there's updates about cling stamps, Stampin' Write markers and new stamp and die packaging:

Stampin' Write Markers

In Addition, we have also decided to discontinue Stampin’ Write Markers. One of the primary techniques unique to Stampin’ Write Markers is colouring directly on cling stamps—a technique that will become less relevant as we transition away from cling. As of today 20 August 2025, all Stampin’ Write Markers will move to Last Chance Products and be available while supplies last.

Here are some images of the new packaging for both stamps and dies Including a sneak peek of a set that will be available in the November Online Exclusives release):

Next up is a quick overview of the latest kits new available that I haven't shared here. Links to each to find out more and purchase n the online store are included below - please note some of these are discounted if you purchase this month as they are included in the current in color promotion:

 Some great kits in there - a lovely home decor kit and fun Halloween kit that would be perfect to make up with children, in addition to some pretty card kits too.

A reminder that the current in-color promotion runs until the end of the month, so you still have time to take advantage of the 15% discount on products featuring this year's in-colors - you can find everything included in this promotion by clicking on the image below: 

Finally, it was recently announced that moving forward there will be no annual Sale-A-Bration promotion; instead there will be a monthly Product of The month promotion. This will begin next month, but in the meantime, if you missed any of this year's Sale-A-Bration items, many of them are available  to purchase currently in the Last Chance section of the online store, whilst supplies last.

That's everything form me today; if you need more information on any of the above, please do get in touch. Back later in the week with a creative post - until then, happy stampin'!

BUNCH OF THANKS KIT (ENGLISH) (£18.70)

BRIGHTEN YOUR DAY KIT (£16.00)

HARVEST HOME GARLAND KIT (£21.00)

BIRTHDAY FANCY KIT (ENGLISH) (£20.40)

SWEET & SPOOKY KIT (£20.00)

Do you love to scrapbook? Are you committed to memory keeping or would like to start? If you answered yes to either of these questions, this event is for you! This is a brand-new event that’s unlike anything Stampin' Up! has ever done before! During this three-day, virtual event, you’ll create 12 scrapbook spreads using the Month by Month Album Retreat 2025 kit, craft with customers and Stampin' Up! demonstrators who love scrapbooking, learn new techniques, and connect on a personal level with fellow crafters and Stampin’ Up! staff. We’ll even have some fun giveaways!

Details for the event are as follows:

You can participate in some or all of the event live, or alternatively watch or re-watch the sessions at your leisure - the recordings will be available immediately as each session ends.

Here's a close up of the first two pairs of layouts so that you can see them in more detail:

You don't have to register the event; you will need to purchase the kit in advance and once you've ordered your kit, you will be sent a link to join the virtual event Facebook group. Take a look at everything that the kit contains:

The kit contains exclusive stamp sets and everything is prepared and neatly packaged by month so that you can easily grab the layout you're ready to work on.

The Virtual Retreat Scrapbooking Kit is now available to order - it costs £233 and you can get yours by clicking this link to it in my online store. What's more, Stampin' Up! are also running a competition over on Instagram to win a kit so that you can participate in this event for FREE - find full details and make your entry here. 

Hope to see you there!

It's the beginning of June and there's lots happening here this month so I'll split it into a few separate posts - buckle up!

I'm here with a quick post to let you know that the Last Chance Products section of the online store has updated. There are hundreds of new and discounted products from the mini and annual catalogues and online exclusives. You can check them all out HERE; go take a look, there are some great bargains to be had.

There are also two new kits available in the online store:

 The Pop Up Pals Kit

The second kit this month is the Make A Memory Scrapbooking Kit:

You can find out more information on any of these kits by visiting the Kits Collection section of the online store - links below.

Happy shopping! 

POP-UP PALS KIT (£9.50)

MAKE A MEMORY SCRAPBOOKING KIT (£34.00)

Buckle up - there's lots happening today! The wait is over - the new 2025-26 Stampin' Up! Annual Catalogue is here! You will find a permanent link to the new catalogue on the right hand side of my blog but for today you need look no further than the picture below which will take you straight to the new catalogue: 

The new catalogue is fantastic, with so many great new products to choose from. I've sent paper copies to everyone who has shopped with me in the last 6 months; a digital copy of the new catalogue can be accessed via the image above and it will be permanently linked via my blog on the right hand side if you don’t have a paper copy and wish to browse. If you have your paper copy and just want to go straight to the shop to place your order, click here - and remember to opt in to take advantage of the new Stampin' Up! Rewards Programme! 

There is also a great joining promotion that goes live today to coincide with the launch of the new catalogue:

It’s always exciting to be able to invite people to join our community of crafters and creators. And right now it’s even more exciting because when you sign up between 6 and 31 May to become a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, you can choose £170 worth of products of your choice for only £99 + free business supplies + free shipping + all the fun being a part of Stampin’ Up! - that's an extra £40 more than the standard joining offer!

I would love to chat with you about the benefits of joining my team and being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator; as always, you can always find the link to join my team on the right hand side of my blog page; alternatively it's right here if you fancy jumping right in!

What would you put into your starter kit? There are all those lovely new annual catalogue products for you to choose from, but that's not all: today sees the launch of another wave of Online Exclusive products too! 

There are 2 new suites: the Celebratory Sips Suite and the Floral Impressions Suite, along with lots of other bundles and products too - you can check them out here.

Finally, there are two new kits that have been added to the Kit Collection. The first is the Share A Smile Kit:

This kit makes 8 different uplifting cards (no stamping required) and costs just £14.00. The second is the Beautiful Blues Kit:

This kit makes 9 cards in three different designs and are perfect for sharing messages of friendship, support and sympathy and costs £22 to purchase. You can see more details and order both of these kits in the online store here where you can also access the full range of additional kits available to purchase.

That's a lot of information for one post; if I were you I would put the kettle on, put your feet up and get comfy and settle down with your new catalogue for a browse and start creating that all-important wish list!

Back tomorrow with a creative post featuring some of those lovely new products; until then, happy shopping!

I'm here with a quick post to let you know that the Last Chance Products section of the online store has updated today. There are hundreds of new and discounted products from the mini and annual catalogues and online exclusives. You can check them all out HERE; go take a look, there are some great bargains to be had.

There are also three new kits available in the online store today:

The Paper Bouquet Kit: 

 The Essential Occasions Kit:

The Loveliest Wishes Kit:

You can find out more information on any of these kits by visiting the Kits Collection section of the online store.

Happy shopping! 

Today I'm sharing my design team card for our new challenge over at As you See It where it's time for a fun 'fill in the blank' challenge for our first challenge of the year, chosen by Heather H:

I actually found this an easy one! I am often guilty of buying the fabulous kits that Stampin' Up! sells - then not finding the time to make them up! I love the idea of quick crafting and will often take a kit in my bag for a spot of 'crafting on the go' but rarely make time to make one up 'just for fun'. So I decided to start as I mean to go on and reached for the Rainbow Celebration card kit that I actually received FREE as part of our current Sale-A-Bration promotion and set to work. This card makes 6 cards, two each of three designs. Here's a shot showing all three designs:

The cards themselves are rainbow shaped and come with coordinating printed envelopes too. This is a no-stamping kit: the card bases are pre-printed and each of the designs requires the addition of a spotted rainbow band, some diecut clouds and two sentiment labels. All you have to do is sort the pieces and pair with the respective bases, then add the provided foam dimensionals to each of the pieces as per the instructions and then build the card. Here's a close-up of each of the designs in turn:

Here's the second one:

 And finally, the third design:

The cards are great for birthdays and to send someone congratulations - they took less than 10 minutes to put together and best of all the kit can be yours for FREE with a £55 purchase during the current Sale-A-Bration promotion - bonus! If that's not a reason to fall in love with kits, I don't know what is!

Here is the visual summary of the key products used on today's project for you to pin for easy reference - just one number:

You can see all of my 'How To' summaries on my 'How To - Tips and Techniques' Pinterest board in case you've missed any. 

Here's a summary of our challenge rules:

• Create any card, scrapbooking page, 3D or packaging project that fits the challenge.
• For a Recipe Challenge use all elements of the recipe - the possibilities within those parameters are endless.
• For a Colour Challenge use all of the given colours and only those colours with these exceptions:
• White and Very Vanilla are free colours.
• In addition, you may use of ONE of these neutrals: Basic Black, Basic Gray, Crumb Cake, Basic Beige.
• For a Speed Stamping Challenge you must tell us the time it took to make your project and it must be finished in under 10 min.
• Please include the challenge graphic and link back to the challenge in your post.
• Make sure you link the specific post and not the whole blog to the Linky. Use AYSI#(insert challenge number) when uploading to a public gallery
• Please turn off word verification so that we can send you lots of feedback.
• You can combine our challenge with up to 3 other compatible challenges. 
• We do reserve the right to delete, or not consider for Top Pick and Featured Artist, entries that do not comply with these guidelines.

So how will you fill in the blank? What crafting habits are you looking to adopt in 2025? Do let me know in a comment below or better still, share with us over on the challenge page. We look forward to seeing your creations in the AYSI gallery.

Right, I'm off to make up two more kits that I've yet to break the seal on - the Perpetual Beauty Calendar and Nature's Beauty Watercolour Kit are calling my name! To view the full range of Stampin' Up! kits in the online store, click here. Enjoy your day and I'll be back tomorrow with another project. Until then, happy stampin'!

Happy New Year everyone! I took an extended blog break over Christmas to spend time with family and loved every minute of it. That said, it's the 7th January and time for a new mini-catalogue and our 2025 Sale-A-Bration promotion so today I'm back to tell you all about it! Once again this year there will be only one Sale-A-Bration promotion: it runs from today until 28th February. You can click on the catalogue on the right hand side of my blog page or below to access the Sale-A-Bration leaflet or go directly to my online shopto place an order - we are LIVE!

So how does Sale-A-Bration work? For anyone who hasn't come across it before, it's Stampin' Up!'s annual promotion that is loaded with offers whether you shop, join or host.

You can earn a free Sale-A-Bration product for every £55 you spend between 7 January and 28 February. There is also the opportunity to earn even bigger rewards with a £110 purchase. It's the perfect time to purchase those products you've had on your wish list and earn more products for FREE! 

If you host a party or place an individual order with purchases of £275 or more, you can choose an additional £27.50 of products in addition to your standard rewards for FREE!

It’s also one of the best times of the year to join Stampin’ Up! There are two fabulous joining options during this year's Sale-A-Bration promotion:  

• OPTION 1: Spend £99 and receive £130 of product of your choice and your choice of TWO marker sets from our Stampin' Write Marker Assortments (Brights, Neutrals, Regals, Subtles) PLUS a beautiful stamp set exclusively designed to work with them:

Or might prefer the following alternative:

• OPTION 2: Spend £99 and receive £160 of product of your choice - that's an extra £30!

There is plenty of choice and flexibility, whether you want to be a hobby demonstrator and just use your discount to enable you to purchase craft supplies more cheaply, or alternatively would like to build a flourishing direct sales business and sell supplies to others - it's entirely up to you. Above all else, it's a great opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals united through a common love of crafting.

If you would like to host a virtual or in-person party, please do get in touch. Equally if you've ever thought about becoming an SU! demonstrator, now is a great time to do so - I would love to have a no-obligation chat with you about joining my team and the benefits.

As if that wasn't enough, today also sees the launch of the new January-April 2025 mini catalogue - full of gorgeous new products:

Just click on the image above or in the sidebar on the right to browse the catalogue online, or contact me on 07773 421446 if you would like a paper copy posted out to you and you don't already have a demonstrator; paper copies have been sent to my regular customers. If you are as excited as me and just can't wait, here's the link to my online store - everything is available to purchase from today!

There's also a new digital scrapbooking brochure out today:

Just click on the image above or in the sidebar on the right to browse the catalogue online and to purchase any of the items, click to go to my online store - everything is available to purchase from today!

There are new Online exclusives available in the online store today too! The following images show just some of the items available - a number of which co-ordinate with items in the above catalogues:

 Finally, three new kits have also been added to the online store today:

You can get the details on each of the new kits in the online store - click here to go directly to the If you would like more information on any of the above, please don't hesitate to get in touch! 

Thanks so much for popping by - it's always nice to share good news! Back later with a creative post that uses some exciting new product! That post will go live at noon. Until then, happy shopping!