Wine Anybody?

Hello there! 

Well it's been a long time but I am back and determined to get this blog rolling again. To kick off I thought I would show you one of my favourite makes that is the perfect way to dress up a bottle of something drinkable to give as a gift. We all resort to bottle bags in a hurry, but lets be honest now - how boring and unimaginative are they! No one ever saw a bottle bag and wondered "what could it be?!".

Well my make doesn't do that either really, but what it DOES do is make them stop and say wow! How pretty! Did you make this yourself? 

 **Please note I do not condone the giving of empty wine bottles! While pretty, it rather of misses the point.**

I love the tag - It's so fun and could be made in any number of colours! Check out the hand embossed detailing along the bottom border - that matches our scallop punch! This could also be a great idea for labelling up home made jam and cordials - A bit more adventurous than the little sticker that usually appears - you can still write all the details on the back, or instead of the stamped sentiment perhaps.

And finally a close up of the flower for you - I have used three layers of paper, but given them more omph by running them through the big shot first with the lattice embossing folder. Fished off with a vintage button for sparkles, but not too over-the-top - bringing back the gingham country vibe with a linen thread bow. 

Best dressed wine (bottles) around in our house! Although the drink itself seems to disappear very quickly when we have friends round!

That's all from me, except to say PLEASE come back on Sunday to check out the most amazing Blog Hop I am participating in to celebrate the launch of Sale-A-Bration! Eeeek! So excited!

SUNDAY 26th January 2014

Happy Crafting,

Becky x

PS: What do you think of my new product table below? Lovely hubby designed me a bit of code so that you can see exactly what I have used on the project! Cool huh?

Stampin᾿Up! Supplies

Gingham Garden Designer Series Paper	Really Good Greetings	Scallop Edge Border Punch	Fancy Flower Punch
Tea Lace Paper Doilies	Melon Mambo Classic Stampin' Pad	Night Of Navy A4 Card Stock	Vintage Faceted Designer Buttons
Linen Thread	Borders Scoring Plate Simply Scored

Gorgeous Gifts...

This Christmas family and friends may want to celebrate by getting you a special gift.
But what to get?!

Socks? Novelty jumper? Inflatable dartboard?

Or something you ACTUALLY want? You can set up a gift list and take the guesswork out of the whole thing - it ensures you receive gifts you love, makes it easy for others to shop and ensures there are no duplications!

With a great range of high quality products, you can register for my gift list absolutely free, with the flexibility to manage your list plus free gift wrapping*. You, your family and friends can shop in person, on-line or by phone.

If you'd like a longer time to choose, or you're after a larger item, why not ask for gift vouchers instead? I offer vouchers for classes as well as products so there is something to suit everybody! I'll keep a record of everyone who chooses to give them, so you won't miss anyone off your thank you list.

Why opt for the Crafting Becky gift list? 

It's free - right through from registration to collection You'll find a huge range of gifts for all budgets, and you can add vouchers to your list too It's easy for your family and friends to buy a present on-line or by phone We keep track of your gifts to help you write your thank you notes You know you're getting great value - on exclusive items that are not available in the shops!  Digital Downloads are also available for the Digital Crafter! FREE gift wrapping service*

What do I do next?

• Email me at craftingbecky@gmail.com to let me know you are taking part.
• Then comes the fun bit! Look through the catalogues and make a list of all the items you want, making a note if you want clear / wood mounted stamps. If you prefer to look at the available products on-line then visit my shop HERE.
• Send me the list, sit back, and relax!
• When friends or family ask you what you want for Christmas, simply pass them my email, telephone or website details and I will do the rest!

Happy Shopping!

* 1 Free Wrapped Gift per £25 spend. Additional gift wrapping available at charge. 

The Best of 25 Years!

This year Stampin' Up! turns 25 years old! To celebrate we have launched FIVE limited edition collections of some of the favourite stamp images from the last quarter century! This month sees the turn of the Best of Flowers - and the set is available until 31st March 2014. They are fabulous images, and even better, each set contains one never-before-seen image!

Here is my creation using the gorgeous never before seen daisy image, which matches the 1-1/4" scallop circle punch exactly - we love product coordination!

Here is the whole set:

It is available in clear mount and is priced at £13.95 - each month will have a different theme set released - any guesses to what it will be?

There are also TWO sneak peeks on this card of brand NEW products from the catalogue which is release on the 2nd July 2013! Not long to wait now...

The gorgeous Artisan Label Punch, and a stamp from the set 'Really Good Greetings'
Do you like them? I do!

That's all from me, except to say that the usual Tips and Tricks Tuesday post on the 2nd July will be replaced with a post about the NEW catalogue - I can't wait!

Happy Crafting,
Becky

Tips and Tricks Tuesday - Super Scraps

We all have them. Admit it. Those tiny little scraps of paper that are just too nice to throw away, or a size that you are 'sure' you can use for Something...

Well something has arrived!

Let me introduce you to the patchwork scrap card:

They are dead easy to make:

1. Grab a selection of offcuts and scraps of paper in a variety of patterns and colours. Don't worry if they don't all quite match perfectly, or even slightly - it's part of the charm!
2. Choose a design - keep it simple, and in 'block' shapes. Try searching online for ideas and inspiration - I searched 'patchwork bird house' but other great ones are 'patchwork cupcake / owl / teacup'.
3. Starting from the biggest shape, hand cut out a scrap of about the right size. Hand cutting gives a wonderful not-quite-perfect feel which is exactly what you are looking for in this type of project.
4. Draw faux stitching around the edge of each piece of paper - a black or brown fine nib is perfect. If you are feeling very adventurous you could even try sewing around the shapes for real - just be careful they don't tear too much.
5. Mount the shapes onto your card to compose the final design. Add any finishing details such as ribbon or buttons and Voilà! 

A little close up of some of the detailing for you.

I have roughed up the edges of my card to add to the rustic feel, and there is a great little tool in the spring/summer catalogue that is perfect for the job:

Each of the notches contains a fine blade, but as they are recessed, it is safer to have around the house, and much easier to use! Let me know if you need one, or search for distressing tool at my new online shop!

Check it out at www.craftingbecky.stampinup.net it's full of all sorts of goodies, but please bear in mind it is still a work in progress... ...Let me know your thoughts!

Happy Crafting, Becky.

Stampin᾿Up! Supplies

Bird Punch	Stampin' Distress Tool	1-1/4 Inch Circle Punch	Polka Dot Parade Designer Series Paper
Brights A4 Card Stock	Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker	Calypso Coral Baker's Twine	Naturals White A4 Card Stock