Yipeeeeeeeeeeeee...

...all present and correct.
Lovely Joanne at Pinnacle crafts sorted everything out for me and I now have a complete set of pens to play with. She is hoping that it was an isolated case as they had a HUGE number of pre-orders for these pens.

I'm trying to make up my mind what images to use to have a play with them on.

It has been a simply glorious day here.

Mum and I went for a wander over at Barleylands as it was Farmers Market day as well as being Pinnacle's Club Members weekend. Mum enjoyed pottering about in the sunshine and picked up a few bits and pieces. We then had a lovely lunch at the local Harvester before paying Helen (Craftily Creative) a visit to have a look at her crystal and polished stones. Mum really had a great time sitting near the Yankee Candles - fabulous scent - and picking through the lovely stones on display. She came away with a lovely collection of beautiful stones and a much lighter purse LOL

Although very tired, Mum said she had the most wonderful time. I'm glad she enjoyed her day.

I think it is now time for a coffee and a bit of a play. Have a great weekend everyone............................................

Guess what folks...

...I've got some new pens.

Yep, my Tim Holtz Distress Markers have finally arrived.
All neatly packaged in a clear tub...
...Ooooo, all those lovely colours to play with.

Just off to print out the colour swatch chart from the Ranger website...............

Update: Oh Dear, as I was colouring in my swatch chart I have found that I am missing two pens...Dusty Concord & Antique Linen...as it was a sealed tub I think the packers for Ranger must have been distracted and missed a couple of pens. Hopefully I can sort it out with the local retailer where I purchased them.

Get ready to Party...

...with a little quick & easy crafting.

Here in the UK 'Jubilee' fever and 'Olympic' frenzy are taking a grip. Shops are full of things Red/White/Blue and Mandeville & Wenlock (the game mascots).

Lots of folk will be attending Jubilee parties or even holding their own and you can pick up suitably designed paper plates/cups/tablecloths etc. at very reasonable prices - just have a look in your nearest £ or bargain store.

Whether you will be going out to an event or just celebrating at home there are lots of opportunities to do a bit of crafting - there are certainly enough themed materials around.

Yesterday I received an email from My Craft Studio inviting members to drop by and download some digi freebies - they are fab. They come in two options 'grungy' and 'traditional' and there is really everything you need to make a few bits and pieces for your celebrations.

I printed off some of the 'grungy' items and in no time at all went from this...
...to this...
...you can leave the items as they are or decorate them to your hearts content.

The download contains gift bags & boxes, as you can see. There are also cake boxes, cupcake wrappers, bunting, crackers and a variety of background designs.

My Craft Studio isn't the only site offering goodies at the moment - why not have a bit of a 'web-surf' and I'm sure you will find lots of ideas and things to play with. Go on, get ready to party - you know you want to............................

Oh Dear...

...look what I've started LOL

The flags and bunting in the office are multiplying at a rate of knots
The light isn't great for getting good photos but you can see...
...the ceiling is a sea of bunting in various forms.
One of the other teams in our wing decided they had to try and out-do us by having bigger flags but...
...we have a number of surprises up our sleeves - including Jubilee boppers LOL

Looks like the 'Battle of the Bunting' is underway.................................

A few more flags...

...this time, as promised, in my office.

Oh and before anyone comments...yes the big flags are creased and no I have no intention of ironing them LOL
There some flags on sticks and a few 'England' balls on springs with ribbons.
A bit of bunting.
Some themed paper chains...
...and a very creased Union flag (there is also a similarly creased England flag).

This is just the start and I'm sure there will be more bits added over the next few days........................

"Best of British" is...

...the latest range of Forever Friends from DoCrafts.

Due to hit the stores on general release in June - HobbyCraft have the range exclusively for a couple of weeks before the general release.

Red/White/Blue is very much in attendance but a bit softer than a lot of the ranges on offer at the moment...and of course there is the cute Forever Friends bear.
I grabbed this decoupage kit on my way home from shopping today (umm, a few other bits also fell into my basket but you'll have to wait to see those LOL). It make up into a lovely card that is suitable for so many occasions.
The main decoupage is the bear but there are a couple of bits of the background that are also embellished with a few layers.
I decided to use this sentiment that came with the kit as it is fairly neutral and will suit a variety of occasions.

There are some lovely stamps in this range and the images will work so well for invitations etc. for forthcoming Jubilee parties. They will also be fabulous for decorating scrapbook LOs or mini-albums containing photos of the Jubilee events that many of us will be enjoying.

There was loads of stuff left over in this kit so I think I'll have a bit of a play and see what else I can come up with...................................

Would you believe it...

...even our food is wearing 'The' flag.

These are just a few of the items that are currently on sale at my local Tesco - I can assure you that there are LOADS more.
It would seem that anything that appears to be 'traditionally' British has got to look the part.
The jacket potatoes and pork pies I can 'go' with - but when did you last see a Hog roast...................................