CRAFTING IS THERAPY AND SHOULD HAVE A MEDICARE ITEM NUMBER

I learnt various crafts in my childhood, over the years I went through phases but it was not until I got into my 40’s that I really started seriously getting involved in crafts.

After losing my Mum & Dad 10 months apart I really dropped my bundle, we’d had a rough few years before this, after Dad it all came to a head, I was not in a good headspace. I needed to get out of the house and my gorgeous husband suggested I go back to crafting.

Having only lived in the area for short a while I had no idea what was available, like most people my first stop was Google, i found two places I could go to locally one being  papercraft (where I discovered Stampin’ Up!) the other  Patchwork and Quilting.

I have found that crafting no matter what it is, is very therapeutic, doing something with your hands, concentrating on something other than your problems and worries and meeting some amazing people, like minded people who help, teach, support and encourage each other  I found My Therapy.

When I first started  going to sewing I met a lovely and talented lady named Dee, sadly not long after, Dee and her family moved, thanks to Facebook we have stayed in touch and I am thrilled to say that Dee has set up an Arts and Crafts Gift Shop on Facebook, for handmade items, Purses, Hair clips, Brooches, Jewellery, Quilts, Oven Mitts, and Pot Holders, cards and much more.

She has just launch  a beautiful range of jewellery she’s calling her resin collection.

These are made with flowers from her own garden which she has dried, embedded in resin, and set in Sterling Silver, just gorgeous..

I’m adding a few photos and there is a link below to take you to her Facebook Page Deanna’s Art, if you are looking for gifts, something handmade, different and definitely beautiful please visit her shop and support her business.

For anyone living in or visiting the Macarthur area of NSW Dee is at the Cobbitty Village Markets the first Saturday of each months starting Saturday 2nd March, 2019

Location

Cobbitty Markets are held in the grounds of Cobbitty Public School, on Cobbitty Road, within Cobbitty village.

Market trading starts at 8am and finishes at 1pm

Cobbitty is easily accessible from the south via Hume Highway, exiting at Narellan Road; from the north via the M7 (from the Hill's District, Hornsby, Central Coast and Newcastle), exiting onto Elizabeth Drive or Cowpasture Road; from the west via the Northern Road; and from Sydney centre and east via the M5.

Clink Link to go to DEANNAS ART

WHAT DO WE DO WITH THOSE SCRAPS

Whether you sew, knit, papercraft, no matter what type of crafter you are, you will always have mountains of scraps and it does get tempting sometime to just have a huge clear out and get rid of them, what a waste.

So, one of my "to do" things this year is to try and use up as many scraps and I can, so today I popped together this note card, luckily I have enough odd bits of the same DSP but it would work just as well, really scrappy with various papers

FOR A TUTORIAL ON THIS CARD CLICK HERE

Quick and easy, hope you like it.

Cheers

Sue

LETS KEEP POSTMAN PAT IN WORK

One thing I love about Christmas is the cards. I love making them, I love receiving them, I don't like standing in a queue on the Post Office to post them and I certainly don't like the cost of the postage but as the saying goes "Christmas Comes But Once A Year" I recently read that this saying refers to the spirit of generosity and goodwill that characterizes the Christmas season. The implication is that people should spend this special time of year focusing more on giving rather than receiving.

So I send and I receive, I love it but what happens after Christmas when life gets back to normal, apart from junk mail, all we seem to get are bills and some of them now come electronically. 

Don't get me wrong I love email, it's quick and easy and a great way to keep in touch, but it has no heart, it has no loving memory, it's clinical. Letters and cards are something that you can keep for your lifetime,  you can read them over and over again. I treasure the handwritten cards and letters I received from my Grandmother when we first came to Australia, my Gran passed away 40 years ago but I can still look at her handwritting and hold something that she held.

Being sentimental I have boxes of cards and letters that hold special places in my heart and every now and again, I sit down with a glass of wine and go through them, yes it is emotional and yes I do cry, but tears of wonderful memories. 

A persons handwriting isn't the only thing, in a card or letter, the way a person expresses their self is different, more personal, warmer in most cases and for anyone doing family history, letters, cards etc are precious, I am a firm believer that children should be taught to create new memories by writing letters and cards from an early age.

So why are most people turning away from them and going electronically, in most cases I believe it is the cost, commercial cards are expensive and so is the postage, handmade cards however don't have to be expensive and they don't have to be elaborate, the thought and love that goes into the card is what is important.

There is no one that isn't capable of making their own cards, you don't have to artistic, you don't have to have a lot of supplies, it is great therapy especially if you attend a class or workshop, there you can meet new people and have a laugh and take something beautiful home that you have made yourself.

I hold classes at my home, if you are interested, details are on the link above.

Let's make 2019 a year when we are going to help Postman Pat stay employed by sending some snail mail.

STAMPING AROUND THE WORLD BLOG HOP

Well I messed up posting in my first Blog Hop, thank you to Kylie Bertucci, for fixing it for me, now for another try with another group, before I go any further, a huge thank you to Stefanie Pletscher for helping me find my way with this.

As you know myself and  nine other demonstrators from various parts of the world have put together a bundle of tutorials which you can receive for free with an order of of $78.00 and over before taxes and shipping (see link to my shop) or purchased for $28



These designs are exclusive and only available for the month of January, 2019, they will be forwarded in PDF form.

As a group we have decided to have our very first Blog Hop together, hopefully I can get  my bit to work..

I've used two of my favourite things, Night of Navy Cardstock and Beautiful You Stamp Set, both are so versatile and beautiful. 

This is a very quick and simple fun fold card, which I hope you like.

I know at this time of year most people will be concentrating on the new Occasions Catalogue and all the beautiful new products but we shouldn't be forgetting the Annual Catalogue  also remember that whichever calalogue you order product from between now and the 31st March, 2019 for every $90 you spend (before tax and shipping), you get a FREE Sale-A-Bration product. There are two levels of product:

• If you spend $90, you get one free level 1 product.
• If you spend $180, you get one free level 2 product, OR, you can choose two level 1 items

Thank you for checking in, now it's time to see what these other wonderful demonstrators have come up with, Enjoy xxx

Product List

Night Of Navy A4 Card Stock

[106577]

$14.75

Whisper White A4 Card Stock

[106549]

$17.00

Night Of Navy Classic Stampin' Pad

[147110]

$13.00

Beautiful You Clear-Mount Stamp Set

[143637]

$49.00

Stampin' Trimmer

[129722]

$50.00

Big Shot

[143263]

$159.00

Layering Circle Framelits Dies

[141705]

$58.00

Paper Snips Scissors

[103579]

$17.00

Stamparatus

[148187]

$85.00

Stampin' Dimensionals

[104430]

$6.00

Liquid Multipurpose Glue

[110755]

$7.00

Commencing Monday 4th February, 2019 I will be holding cardmaking and papercraft classes at my home in Gorokan on the first and third Mondays of the week (Other days available if required). The 1st Monday of each month will be a Back to Basic class, suitable for all level papercrafters from beginners with step ups for the more experienced The 3rd Monday will be a Technique class, again suitable for all lever papercrafters. The cost of each class will be $20, everything will be supplied even morning tea but it would be great if you have any paper scissors you can bring along. We’ll kick off at 9.30am and finish around noon. Monday, February, 4th Back to Basic's Monday, February, 18th Techniques to be advised Monday, March, 4th Back to Basic's Monday, March, 18th Techniques to be advised Monday, April, 1st Back to Basic's Monday, April, 15th Techniques to be advised Spots are limited so if you would like to come along, meet new people and a laugh and take something beautiful home that you have made yourself please either call me on 0409 608 901 of email me at sueallensimplycraft@bigpond.com

Sue Allen Independent Stampin'up Demonstrator http://bit.ly/2CrcjPk

KONMARI METHOD ????

I have been hearing a lot lately about the KonMari method, the latest trend to hit the world. I checked it out, realised my life needs it desperately, so downloaded the book.

It got me thinking, how do these phenomenon’s take off? 

Why do some go viral and others fizzle?

Obviously, many of us are looking for that something else, society is so different from when I was growing up, life is fast and furious, lived via some electronic device that tries to intimidate us to think or feel a certain way, whatever happen to individuality. I’m as guilty of the next person to spending too much time on social media, frighteningly my iPad now tells me how much time I have spent on it, even worse the amount of time of the various apps.

So where a lot of us don’t think we have enough hours in the day, we are actually wasting hours staring at a screen feeling totally inadequate compared to others.

This has to stop, my outlet (which sadly I’ve let slip lately) has been patchwork/quilting and papercraft, both of which I refer to as therapy.

It is well known in medical circles that crafting is good for both our mental and physical health. A blog* I read recently stated “Crafting can help reduce anxiety, improve mood and increases happiness. It is believed that being creative, our brains release dopamine, a natural anti-depressant. It takes concentration and is a non-medical way of getting a feel good high”.

Now that I am taking my Stampin’ Up!  role a lot more seriously, this is an area that I would like to explore, there is no one that can’t papercraft in some way, so I am setting up some of my classes for those people, taking things back to the basics and to follow Stampin’ Up’s Statement of the Heart.

To love what we do and share what we love,

As we help others enjoy creativity

 And worthwhile accomplishments . . .

In this we make a difference!

*Blog: Total Community Care UK.

BUZY HANDS CARDS, PAPERCRAFT & SUPPLIES

Sue Allen shared a link.

12 mins · tagAdd topics

Hi everyone, I can't believe we are half way through January and halfway through our first challenge.

I launched Buzy Hands, Cards, Papercraft & Supplies 1st January, 2019.

We've had a few photos posted, I'm thrilled to bits, excluding me we have 18 members so far, some people may say "only 18" but hey we're just beginning .

I'm getting next month's Event ready, this time I thought we would have an actual swap,

The theme next month is something very close to my heart, all will be revealed 1st February, 2019.

If you or you know anyone who would be interested in our little group please head over to the Facebook Group Page https://www.facebook.com/groups/315241992657901

No one has to take part in any of the swaps, challenges etc if they don't want to, it's just there if they do..

OVER EXCITED, MY FIRST BLOG HOP EVER

Another milestone for me, my first ever Blog Hop, well it will be if I have set it up correctly, I apologise to Kylie and the others now in case I haven't.

Having left this to the last minute, I am using an old faithful card that I have made several times. very simple, very quick.

Most people will be concentrating on the new Occasions Catalogue or Sale-A-Brations but I've gone to the Annual Catalogue and one of my favourite Stampsets Flourishing Phrases and the Flourish Thinlets 

This is a Stampset that I have used for Birthday cards, Sympathy cards and Note cards, no matter what colour combination is used it seems to work and everyone who has received it has loved it. 

I did case the design but unfortunately I can't remember the name of the lady who posted it on Pinterest, so my apologies and thanks if you see this blog.

Measurement for card

Card Base:Pear Pizzazz  5¾ x 8¼ scored at 4⅛ (inches) - 14.5 x 21 scored at 10.5 (cm)
Layer Whisper White  5½ x 3⅞ (inches) - 14 x 9.5 (cm)

Inside for Sentiment: Whisper White  5½ x 3⅞ (inches) - 14 x 9.5 (cm)

Product List

Card Stock A4 Pear Pizzazz

[131290]

$14.75

Whisper White A4 Card Stock

[106549]

$17.00

Pear Pizzazz Classic Stampin' Pad

[147104]

$13.00

Liquid Multipurpose Glue

[110755]

$7.00

Stampin' Dimensionals

[104430]

$6.00

Stampin' Trimmer

[129722]

$50.00

Big Shot

[143263]

$159.00

Clear Faceted Gems

[144142]

$8.75

Ok, now lets see if I can get into this hop, I am really looking forward to see what the others are doing, you can have a look too if you click on the next link.

Cheers

Sue 

SILLY ME

Something I meant to add to a previous post when I mention the January, 2019 Tutorials, this is where  myself & nine other demonstrators from various parts of the world have put together a bundle of tutorials, I overlooked letting you know who these demonstrators are.

The bundle is available  free with an order of of $78.00 and over before taxes and shipping. 

These designs are exclusive and only available for the month of January, 2019, they will be forwarded in PDF form.

The bundle can also be purchased at a cost of $28, please email me for more information on sueallensimplycraft@bigpond.com.

So please don't miss out

WHERE AM I GOING?

Where am I going? I don’t know, I’m feeling very flat at the moment. I’ve done some what I call obligatory posts (Sale-A-Bration) but I just don’t feel motivated.

I have wanted a blog for a very long time, I’ve tried a few over the years but have either come to a grinding stop or the last one just disappeared of the face of wherever stuff goes in cyberspace.

What to do to get motivation back??????????????? Something to work on over the weekend. It’s quite hot here at the moment so I wont be going outside the door, thinking time.

2019 OCCASIONS CATALOGUE AND SALE-A-BRATION

It seems like a blink of an eye since the 2018 Occasions Catalogue and Sale-A-Brations

and today believe it or not the 2019 campaign goes live.

There are some amazing products in the Occasions Catelogue and we will look at these more over the next few weeks but  the really big thing today is SALE-A-BRATION and all the wonderful specials available to you.

There are three fabulous ways you can benefit from Sale-A-Bration. 1. As a customer every $90 worth of orders that you place gives you the                opportunity to shop for free from our exclusive SAB catalogue!   2. If you are putting in orders worth over $400 you automatically get an       additional $40 in free product on top of the existing hostess benefits.This      works for group orders, in-home workshops individual orders!               3. This is the very best time! to join Stampin' Up! If you have ever thought of        becoming a demonstrator At the moment you have the options joining: Pay $169 and get to choose $315 worth of products which can be anything from the new Occasions or Annual Catalogues OR    Pay $210 and get the above mentioned $315 worth of products PLUS our exclusive Craft Tote bag! this is the only way you can get your hands on this bag and once  Sale-A-Brations is over it, this fantastic bag won't be available anymore.

IT IS ALMOST TIME

Please email for a free copy of the catalogue

A Very Happy New Year from what started out as a very wet Gorokan, the weather has been amazing until tonight and then heavens have opened, sadly the weather messed up the 9.00pm fireworks, but midnight was magic.

Today not only starts a new year but a few new things for me with Stampin' Up!. January is a big month, we have the launch of the 2019 Occasions Catalogue, 2019 Sale-A-Bration, a regular Class Schedule and a collaboration with other Demonstrators from various part of the world to offer tutorials.





THE 2019 OCCASIONS CATALOGUE,  goes live on Thursday 3rd January, 2019, isn't the cover gorgeous? you have to wait until Thursday to see all the goodies inside, it's worth the wait. 

Products from this catalogue will be available until 3rd June, 2019.



SALE-A-BRATION

For those of you who don't know what Sale-A-Bration is, it's The biggest Stampin' Up! sale event of the year! Customers can earn free, exclusive products with every qualifying order.

Again, you have to wait to see these products on the 3rd January, 2019

The Sale-A-Bration period is 3rd January, 2019 until 31st March, 2019  During that time for every $90 you spend (before tax and shipping), you get a FREE Sale-A-Bration product. There are two levels of product and i will explain these more on Thursday but basically:

• If you spend $90, you get one free level 1 product.
• If you spend $180, you get one free level 2 product, OR, you can choose two level 1 items.

Sale-A-Bration is also a great time for anyone to become a part of the Stampin' Up! family by joining my team.

Starting 3 January, recruits who join Stampin’ Up! as an independent Stampin’ Up! demonstrator during Sale-A-Bration can choose from two offers. These offers are IN ADDITION to the regular Starter Kit offering.

Even more goodies for Sale-A-Bration, Starting 3 January, 2019 

hosts with qualifying orders can receive additional Stampin’ Rewards.

2019 CLASS SCHEDULE

I will be holding a class at my home on the first and third Mondays of the month, starting 21^st January then after that the first & third Mondays,   there is also the opportunity to have Fridays if preferred.

My thinking is that one day we’ll do the basics and the next one a technique class, there’s lots we can do, but if you have any preferences please let me know.

The cost of the classes will be $20, everything will be supplied even morning tea but it would be great if you have any paper scissors you can bring along. We’ll kick off at 9.30am and finish around noon.

To book a spot, either email me at sueallensimplycraft@bigpond.com or call me on 0409 608 901.

JANUARY 2019 TUTORIALS

Myself & nine other demonstrators from various parts of the world have put together a bundle of tutorials which can be yours free with an order of of $78.00 and over before taxes and shipping. 

These designs are exclusive and only available for the month of January, 2019, they will be forwarded in PDF form.

The bundle can also be purchased at a cost of $28, please email me for more information on sueallensimplycraft@bigpond.com.

Finally, this is something that is not Stampin' Up! related. 

I have set up a Facebook Group for people to join who are like minded, willing to share their ideas, participate in challenges, swaps, cards for charity etc.

I am starting off in January with a challenge, if you would like to participate please click the following link www.facebook.com/groups/315241992657901.

May 2019 bring lots of love, joy and good health.