bellaboo

Technique mini book

2010-02-15T12:19:00.000Z

I thought to myself as I havent blogged in a while (surprise surprise!!) that I would show you some of the class that I did last year that I never got round to putting on the blog. This one was for the Bristol scrappers in November. I really enjoyed making the book . I learnt alot of new techniques myself - which was great! What do you think?

A close up of my fave page - stamped and inked muslin!

Recently I have been doing a bit of this and a bit of that but went to a life drawing class the other day which has set off something in me ! I spent my time there collaging and playing with drawing mediums - I cant wait to go back. I did an online class with Dina wakely last year and made a fab book I have started to use this as a life drawing journal - I have decided even the mistakes are good as I now know not to try them again!!

I feel I am changing at the moment and am feeling very experimental with my art supplies. It feels so good!

I am not worried about getting things right but am enjoying the process.

This page isnt finished but am trying out techniques on my drawing - this feels such a positive thing for me at the moment and feel so much happier for it!

Heres a couple of layouts I have done lately too.....

Sorry about the awful photos - the kids have hijacked my batteries for the wii!!!

Do you remember Nigel?

Heres a couple of recent pics of him - he's the most lovely cat! (A little stupid at times ie when he sit in the washing machine!!) But so sweet!

Right I'm off to make lunch for the boys.. Have a good day!

Time flies

2010-01-05T10:07:00.000Z

I cant believe where the time has gone - its now 2010!! wow
As I haven't posted for a while I thought I would share some of my layouts with you .....

Sorry about the quality of the images but the light is awful in our house at this time of year.
Sadly my computer died so I have no access to my other layout photos :( I didnt realise how much i relied on it as I have lost most of my e-mail contacts e-mails photos music...... and the list goes on. I have ordered a cable that will connect my laptop to the hard drive - I really hope it will work!

Over the xmas holiday I did a mamoth stock take that took 5 full days (& evenings) it feels so much better to have it over and done with! If you havent already spotted it I have got 25% off everything in the Bellaboo store - so come and have a look if you fancy a bargain!
I really hope I can upload some more layouts to the blog soon!!

Oh Exciting news - Guess who will (I hope ) be an extra in Being Human ??? Meeee :) I did some filming for 2 episodes so did 2 of my sons so heres hoping that we can spot ourselves!!! hehe The new series starts really soon!! - I have even got my nan looking out for it!! hehe (Not sure its gonna be her thing!)

Right thats all for now folks...........

Cleo

More Exhall sneak peeks

2009-11-17T14:14:00.000Z

The 1st pic here is our project class. It is a 3D xmas tree- It is 10 inches high and is made from ready cut chipboard xmas tree shapes. (so no painstaking cutting :)!!) We will be playing with paint and stamps.

The 2nd pic here is of the 2nd layout class using these gorgeous MME papers.

I hope you like them :)

Sneak peek for the Exhall crop

2009-11-13T13:52:00.000Z

MIA!!- Yeah I know!!

But I have a sneak peek for the Exhall crop.

I promice I will be back soon with lots more :)

Sneaks......

2009-10-21T12:58:00.001+01:00

Here are some sneaks for the Bristol Scrappers crop on the 21st November.
I have been really enjoying putting this class together and you will not believe just how many times I have made it and taken it appart!!
I hope you like the look of it ladies :)

Design team projects....

2009-10-13T12:40:00.001+01:00

This months kit has got the gooorrrgggeeeous new Sassafras - Sweet marmalade range and has a wonderful whimsical feel about it. Appart from beautiful bright papers from Sassafrass, a great Cling journalling stamp from Hero arts, cute Jenni Bowlin stickers, six pieces of 6x6 chipboard, yummy ribbons, fun Butterfly embellishment from Pink Pineapple, and lots more.....
heres some gooorrrgggggeeeous projsects from this months design team ........
Enjoy... :) This months newsletter will be up on bellaboo later today.

by Beki Norman

By Audrey Tan

By guest designer
Kirsty Wiseman

By guest designer
Kirsty Wiseman

By Cleo Jarvis

I also managed anothe layout from the Monster mash kt - using just a little extra cardstock. I love this kit too !!:)

Monster Mash Kit

2009-10-05T19:50:00.000+01:00

There is a new kit up on the website Called Monster mash which contains the extremely fun Monstrosity papers. I have been having a play with the kit and have made these 4 layouts. I will be putting an inspiration leaflet with instructions together tommorrow once I have better light to take the photos! (Sorry for the poor quality of these but at least you can see some of it!) I love these paper and have been having real fun scrapping some old photos.

The kit is a fab buy for only £12.50 and you can find it here

Thanks for looking
Cleo

Moxley crop projects

2009-09-08T08:12:00.000+01:00

These are the classes I taught on saturday - I had a fab time with the Moxley ladies and laughed lots! My husband run the shop- and fair play to him he did fantastically!
It was a great day!
Here are the classes........

Right off to take boys to school :)

KSM crop sneaks!

2009-09-01T09:14:00.000+01:00

I know its a little later than planned but I am lost without my trusted camera :) so here's a sneak for the class on the 12th september :)

Sept kit sneak!!

2009-08-29T11:18:00.000+01:00

Hi Everyone :)
I have a little sneak for you! Septembers kit has the gorgeous Cosmo cricket Early bird range!! As you probably already know we LOVE cosmo cricket and Love this range !!!! As well as all 8 papers you get a 8x8 canvas, an ink and 3 fruity stamps!! but thats not it there is a jam packed embellishment bag full of flowers, ribbons and buttons to match!!
Our ' Early Bird' kit will be out on Tues sept 1st!!

Loads of new products!!!
In the last couple of weeks I have added over 170 new products to the website!! I am loving all these goodies!! We have the Brand new Cosmo Cricket Boyfriend, Earth Love and Jolly by Golly ranges! Add that onto the fab new MME ranges Ooh LA LA, stomp and whirly bird and all our new stamps and our new Jenni Bowlin products.

Speak soon :)

More sneaks.....

2009-08-17T17:08:00.000+01:00

Hellooo :)
These pics are a couple more sneaky peeks for the Moxley crop birthday bash :). The top one is a layout using gooorrrgeous fancy pants Kraft Kuts papers.

The second is a pic of a class making a clock with a 12 inch LP!! - Yes you read it right lol! I have used the Brand new MME Oh la la papers on this :) I hope you like what your seeing :)

I will put up all photo and tool requirements up over the next few days :)

We the boys are back and our house is back to normal (messy :( !) but I did have a whole week of not following behind the boys tidying as they go lol!! I have to admit it was really nice, It was amazing that I wasnt having to hoover twice a day!! :)

I got loads of scrapping done too aswell as ordering lots of lovely new stock- We have got the new Hero Arts stamps in as well as The goorrrggeous new MME!!!

Anyhows off to cook - ah the joys :)

Oh La La ................Another sneak peek!!

2009-08-07T20:34:00.000+01:00

This is another sneak peek of the class I will be doing at the Moxley crop in sept. This one is called Inspired by. This is a tag book to fill with lil bits and pieces that inspire you when scrapping. I am sure I am not alone when you have sometime to yourself that you plan to spend scrapping but lo and behold your 'Mojo' has gone walkabout! So this little tag book is to fill with picture that inspire you.
The tag you can see in the photo has a pic cut out of a mag that has a very fun LO that I really like by Claire Wheatley. It doent have to be just scrapping layouts cut from a magazine - it may be a ribbon or a piece of fabric, or a sketch that you love to use.

So my homework for the Moxley ladies is to collect little pics, sketches, bits and bobs that inspire you. This is a mini book and the tags are only 3x2 inches so they will need to fit on to the tags.

In other news - Have you seen the new MME ranges - OMG they are Gooooorrrggeeous!!!! They came in today and I am in love with them.
You can find Ohh La La here and Whirly Bird here and Stomp here

Right Im off to have some tea - Curry Mmmmmm :)

A sneak peek for The Moxley Birthday bash

2009-08-06T20:48:00.000+01:00

This is a sneak peek of one of the classes for the Moxley Birthday crop

I will be putting another one up tommorrow!!

It has been really quiet with my boys away - too quiet really! I have been making the most of the time though by working on the classes for the Moxley crop (and buying loverly stash for them!!)

Also we are expecting some of the gorgeous new MME ranges! I can't wait for these to arrive! :)

August kit!!!

2009-08-02T06:52:00.000+01:00

Thats right the august kit is now up and is (if I do say so myself) gooorrrrrrgggggeeeeoussss!!

Heres the yummy august kit, it has 7 patterned papers,

6 sheets of cardstock

2 alphabets

chipboard mini book

selection of ribbons and buttons

chipboard flowers

all for £20

(but with and RRP of over £25!!!)

But if that hasnt convinced you yet have a look at some of the fab projects the Design team have been working on!!

(More coming soon)

If you go down to the park today...... By Cleo Jarvis

From me 2 you by Beki Norman

Home sweet home by Audrey Tan

Rolling around by Rachel Tanner

Iam Loving it loving it loving it!! hehe

ok other Bellaboo goings on........
Yesterday I went up to the Bromsgrove crop, I love going to this crop and always have a really good time :) Also the food is delish so thank you for having me to play again ladies :)
Here is a small class kit I put together for yesterdays crop..........

The kit contains the In Orbit papers from Crate which I have been itching to use! and I really did enjoy myself lol! as you can probably see!! hehe My youngest so was very pleased to see himself inside a rocket flying across the moon. He promtly asked if he could make one too. He made a very basic rocket shape coloured it in and stuck a photo of himself on. He then flew about the house for around 5 mins then landed!!

I have a few of these kits left which are on sale on the website here :)

This week my boys are going to stay with their grandparents (which is the 1st time) Iam feeling a little sad but I have loads of projects I need to work on for classes etc, so stay tuned for sneaks!!

Hope you have a good day (dont want to jinx it, but I can see sunshine lol)

Free class and some sneak peeks!

2009-07-21T09:58:00.000+01:00

Hellllooooooo :)
I designed this class for a cyber crop last weekend and wanted to share the layout with you :) Its a really simple layout that can be constructed with a few sheets of Bazzill - NO PATTERNED PAPER!! It was inspired by a illustration by Die Gestalten.
If you fancy a go you can download the instructions from here

Appart from that the August kit has been taking shape and I have some sneaky peeks for you from myself and the design team.........

Sneaks of the kit itself coming soon :)
Have a good day!

Delightfully Bright kit out now!!!

2009-07-01T20:38:00.000+01:00

Hi
'Delightfully Bright' Bellaboo's July kits are now on sale here if you fancy a look :)
The Design Team have benn busily making wonderful projects as always :) Thanks Girls!! Here are a couple I can share with you tonight!!

'Grow your own Cat' by Lori Laing

'Fly a kite' By Leanne Inkpen

Theres lots more to come too:)
Hope you have a good evening
Cleo

Delightfully Bright

2009-06-30T20:04:00.000+01:00

Hey! Its been a while...... :)
Tommorrow the Bellaboo July kit- 'Delightfully Bright' goes on sale.
I couldnt resist the Fancy Pants 'Delight' papers. They are sooooo pretty. The colours are so versitile, so you could easily use this kits for Male or Female layouts.
I cant wait to see what the Design Team do with the Kit and especially the 12x12 Acrylic sheet!! - its such a versitle product. It could easily be made into a mini book or a cool clear layout!!
Did you see the very cute Hero Arts alphabet!! Its sooo cute its even got a mini Birdy stamp on there!!!
We have been visiting a few crops lately firstly Liberty' s Bromsgrove crop, then 'our' Bellaboo crop near Bristol and then last sunday the Sollihull crop. I love taking the shop out and about and meeting other scrapbookers. I always find crop s very inspirational (usually as I dont do any scrapping myself) but I watch others and want to scrap right there!! I have been using lots of Kraft kuts lately these ranges are gorgeous!! I will tell you that the August kit contains some of the Kraft Kuts girl range!!

Martha Stewart - We have only manged to get 2 of these gorgeous punches in stock - These are fab!! I have been using some myself! If you love Butterflies atm then you will want to look at these ! The punches are here if you fancy a look :) We also have the gorgeous Fiskars Scalloped lace punch in stock too! - I have used mine time and time again!!

Anyhows have a good evening :)
Cleo

2009-06-09T16:42:00.000+01:00

Ok ok I didnt manage to get all the layouts on to the blog BUT I did finish the newsletter. To download the June Bellaboo kit newsletter free see here

I had a great time at the Bromsrgove Crop last saturday. I taught 2 classes, this Poser layout plus my 3D Tree! The tree is labour intensive but is worth it! I do have a few kits here if anyone would like to buy one, they are £13.50 with full colour instructions!! :)

The Bellaboo Crop is on this saturday if anyone fancies it - its in Olveston near Bristol, its very near the severn bridge making it very easy to get to from Wales! For more information see here
Everyone is very friendly and welcoming!
Anyhows back to the life of being a mum- Tea time !! lol
bye

Design team work....

2009-06-03T10:28:00.000+01:00

The Design Team have been busy with their kits and come up with some gorgeous Layouts and projects. I will put some on this blog each day. I am currently working on the Newsletter which will be full of Design Team inspiration, ideas and recipes ( ok instructions, but it sounds cooler!!) The DT girls have done so much with this months kit 'That summer feeling' which can be seen here.
There are loads more layouts to see - The DT have done amazing projects with their kits! I am lucky to have them on my Team - Thanks Ladies :)

Rachel Tanner - Sun

Maria McPherson - Attitude

Sunshine By Lori Lang

B is for Beach by Leanne Inkpen

Hollie By Beki Norman

Boyz by Audrey Tan

More June kit sneaks!!

2009-05-29T19:33:00.000+01:00

Hi
what a lovely summery day we have had! I think it may be SUMMERRRRR!! (OK Id better quieten down as I may just Jinx it!!) My boys have been out in the garden enjoying the paddling pool! Quite the different story to the begginnig of the week, where we had to run home from the park because of the rain!!! Anyhows.........

Bex has just sent me some fab photos of her DT work!! And also some sneaks to share!! I can't wait to show you the full pics :)

June kit sneaks

2009-05-27T22:09:00.001+01:00

Leanne has been busily working with the June kits and here are a few sneaks from her!

Only 5 days until the kit gooes on sale!!!!

Bromsgrove sneak peeks!

2009-05-26T19:38:00.000+01:00

Here are a sneak peek of the 2 classes I will be teaching at Bromsgrove on the 6th June. The Photo above is the 3D tree class called 'The Family Tree'
The photo below is of the layout class.
I will be letting everyone know about photo requirements etc over the next day or 2!

Tommorrow - some sneaks from the Design team using the summery June kit!
Have a good evening :)

Summers coming....

2009-05-22T19:13:00.000+01:00

Well ok It maybe in the form of a scrapbook kit, but who cares when you have such a summery kit. Perfect for those wet British summer days!! lol
I love these 'My Minds Eye' papers!! They are so much fun! Included in the kit are
6 My minds Eye patterned papers
5 Pieces of Bazzil cardstock
A fun pack of patterned puffy letter Thickers
1 pack of In stitchz formal flourishes templates
1 Button Bonanza bag
5 skeins of Embroidery thread
6 1/2m lengths of ribbons
Die cut bazzill tickets
and a couple of other treats!!!
This kit is worth £26 + RRP
The kits will be on sale on the 1st June for only £20!!!!!!

The Design Team

2009-05-17T15:13:00.000+01:00

I am very excited to show you some of the fab work that the Design Team showed me in their applications................

I felt that each applicant could bring something different to the Bellaboo Design Team. I am sure you will see what I mean when you see their fabulous work.

All 6 of these fab ladies will be given one of the June Bellaboo kits to work with. From July onwards the team will be rotated so only 3-4 members work on each kit.

Lori Laing

See Lori's blog here

Rachel Tanner

See Rachel's blog here

Maria McPherson

See Maria's blog here

Leanne Inkpen

See Leanne's blog here

Rebekah Norman

See Beki's blog here

Audrey Tan

See Audrey's blog here

I hope you are as impressed as I am with all these great projects- I cannot wait to see what they all do with the June Kit (Fab New MME papers)

Design Team Result.........

2009-05-15T22:57:00.000+01:00

I am only going to do a short post tonight about the fabulous New Bellaboo Design Team members........

I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who entered the Bellaboo design Team call. I was over-whelmed with the response and the quality of ALL the entries. I felt honoured to have read all your words and looked at your layouts and projects. This has not been an easy decision to make!!

The new members of the Bellaboo design team are………………………………

Drum Roll please.........

Audrey Tan
Rachel Tanner
Maria McPherson
Lori Laing
Leanne Inkpen
Rebekah Norman

I will put some examples of their fabulous work up tomorrow!!

I am really looking forward to seeing what they all do with the June kit!!!!!

Some sneak peeks for you

2009-05-11T18:43:00.000+01:00

Hi
I know Ive not been on here for a while! But hey ho! I have 2 sneak peeks for you.
The first is for the Bellaboo crop in Olveston on sat 16th May! We will be using yummy My Minds Eye papers!

The class will be a layout. The main photo is a circle, mine is approx 3 1/2 inch circle which was cropped from a larger photo. I have also used lots of mini photos which I printed as a photo montage on my computer. All the photos are from a weekend away, so show lots of the little things to remember.
The papers we will be using are the My minds eye Blooom and Grow range- So
lovely summery colours!!

So tools and requirements....

A photo that can be cropped into a circle shape

Lots of mini photos of different sizes

Usual scrapping kit...

Glue runner

pencil,

scissors,

paper trimmer,

Pink ink, yellow ink, blue ink (i will bring mine to borrow if you dont have have the colours)

And a needle with a hole big enough for embroidery thread!

The second Sneaky peek is for the Bromsgrove crop on the 6th June I will be adding more info on this soon :) (you can only see a very small section in this pic:)

Have a good day :)
Cleo

Sneek peek

2009-04-28T19:42:00.000+01:00

Here is a sneek peek of one of the projects that Jayne has been making from the Bellaboo May kit- I am very excited to see the finished results!!
The kits will be available on May 1st. This will be my 1st kit at Bellaboo so hope you like it! It is a Fantstically priced kit with bonus extras this month!! We have Sassafrass, Hero Arts, ink pad, stamp , Embossed cardstock at the same great price of £20!!!! It will have over £26 worth of goodies inside!!

New Bellaboo crop in Olveston, South Gloucestershire (not too far from Bristol too!!) 1st one is on May 16th, 10am - 5pm!!!! If you have any questions about the crop please feel free to e-mail me at cleo@bellaboo.co.uk

Design Team Call!

2009-04-21T12:44:00.000+01:00

Design Team Call

I am looking for some fab, inspirational Scrapbookers to be on the Bellaboo design team.

To be in with a chance please e-mail me at cleo@bellaboo.co.uk with the following by

**14^th May 2009**

We would like you to show us 3 pieces of your Scrapbooking (these should be your own designs & at least one of these should be a Mini book or altered project).
Step by step instructions on how to make your projects.
Give us a link to an online gallery, or your blog.
Tell us about you – what makes you tick? What got you started scrapbooking? What is your scrapbooking style?
A photo of yourself.
Your Name, Address, Phone number & E-mail address.

Apart from all the fun & being sent free products……

Design team members will design for the monthly Bellaboo kit, and will be sent a free kit to work on every 1-2 months. Members will be rotated so they won’t work on every kit
Members will get the chance to choose products to design with, to showcase in the Bellaboo gallery.
Members will receive 10% off all products at Bellaboo.

Deadline 14th May 2009

Design team members will be notified by e-mail on the 18^th May 2009 with terms and conditions.

Please e-mail me if you have any questions! Cleo@bellaboo.co.uk

Hello :)

2009-04-08T21:01:00.000+01:00

Hello
Life has been madly busy lately, with ordering yummy new stock and the website and my layouts (of course!!) I have been neglecting my blogs, but I will get better I promice!!

I had a great day at the Bromsgrove crop on saturday. It was the first time I had ever take the shop to a crop, and it was great fun! James and my boys spent the day with Lib's husband and children, which was great. I had a fab lunch too - pasta - jacket potatos- omg I could have eaten it all it was so yummy :). I had a fab time - thank you everyone :) I hopefully will be going back in June to teach a class too !!

I have to show you these gorgeous papers I got in this morning- they are so scrummy - I want them all!!! - But that would be greedy so they are on sale here

Anyhows I hope you all have a lovely Easter weekend :)
I'm off to watch the apprentice :)
Cleo

Love your boys!!!!

2009-04-02T22:18:00.001+01:00

Here is my first LO using the April Kit "One For The Boys"! We are behind this month, what with the corporate takeover (!) and all, but we're getting there! There WILL be a kit newsletter, but please bear with us :)

If you want to read my digression from me about loving my boys, then read my personal blog!!! In the meantime, some info on the kit!

So, you get 6 DOUBLE SIDED sheets of JUST-released CHA 09 Cosmo Cricket papers. Plus BRAND NEW Jenni Bowlin embellishments/paper, plus chipboard, ribbon, brads, thickers, stickers, and lots more. The usual £20, this kit's RRP is around £24, and there are 3 kit extras to choose from. Although aiming for boyish LOs, this kit is more versatile than you might think. With lots of orange, aqua, cream and red, it's not totally testosterone-packed!! You can easily add in other elements to make it a really neutral kit. Or just keep it as we intended, one for the boys in your life!

So, if you don't have a son then you must have a brother, dad, grandpa, nephew, godson, special boy lurking somewhere in your life. Take a break from the Bellaboo norm and do something not-quite-so-pink!!!

NEWS! NEWS! NEWS!

2009-03-31T19:36:00.000+01:00

Well, to cut a long story short, Jon and I traveled down to Bristol on saturday to meet up with Cleo and James (Cleo's DH). It's the first time I've been to Bristol, well I've been once before but only saw the train station, a taxi and an office! I plan to go again because the city centre looked fab - really vibrant and "happening"!!! Anyway, on to Cleo's house and we met her 3 little angels. And they really are! We were there half the day and you really wouldn't have known there were 3 boys in the house - good as gold!

So, Cleo and I did our business, sorted the stock, stroked some of her new stash, and I said a slightly emotional goodbye. It felt really weird. And weirder when I got home. Kind of a cliche, but I felt a little empty inside!!!! I didn't have long to dwell on this though, as I was off on a hen do the following morning, but it's been a strange old couple of days.

In the meantime, I've been looking at some of the new stock Cleo's been adding to the site, and I have to say, it's all really gorgeous. You won't be disappointed!

So, it's official. From tomorrow, Cleo will re-open the site and will be the new girl behind all those pizza boxes. She has lots of plans and ambitions for Bellaboo, and I sincerely hope that you will all, as I am, be 100% behind her. I know she has a great fan base who will build upon the die-hard Bellaboo fans already out there!

I am looking forward to continue supporting her over the next few months, and I really will be keenly watching to see how events unfold. Exciting times! Good luck Cleo :) xxxxxxxxxxxx

Fancy Something For Your Boys???!!

2009-03-26T13:32:00.000Z

I thought it was about time I did a kit for the boys, and here's a sneak peek of my April kit "One For The Boys". This will be available to buy from Bellaboo when Cleo re-opens the shop in early April. The kit is £20 and includes brand new papers from Cosmo Cricket, and items from Jenni Bowlin, Bazzill, American Crafts and MME. There are Kit Add-Ons priced at £7.95, £5.95 and £2.95 and include another alphabet, a spinner card, rub-ons, stickers, brads, cardstock and die-cut label paper brand new from Jenni Bowlin.

Moxley Kit!

2009-03-22T20:43:00.000Z

OK ladies, it was a little bit late arriving with me which is why it has taken a couple more days to sort, but here it is. This is your kit for your fab 12 hour crop on 4th April. Enjoy!

The kit is £15 and includes:

4 x Bazzill - Cupcake, Swimming Pool, Yukon Gold, Parakeet
4 x DOUBLE-SIDED patterned papers from MME Bloom Collection (2009) - Bijou Birds Green, Eye Candy, Geometric Pink, Daisy Chain
1 x MME Bloom Die-Cut Shapes
1/2 pack Bazzill Chipboard Shapes - Paisleys
1 x K&Co Glitter Alphabet Stickers - Coral
1/4 pack Glitz Frosting - Orange
1/2 pack Doodlebug Flower I-lets - Swimming Pool
1/2 pack American Crafts Layered Embellishments
Selection of American Crafts Fieldhouse Spring & Summer Plastic Embellishments
Selection of ribbons - 3m
Embroidery thread

The second version, of which there are only SIX, has the following alterations:

Cardstock includes: Kraft, Blue Grass, Yukon Gold, Parakeet
K&Co Glitter Alphabet Stickers - Light Blue

Please let me know asap how many you want as I have a waiting list for left-overs :)

Big News!

2009-03-18T15:55:00.000Z

Well, you may have heard some big news in the last 24 hours. If not here it is: well, you have already heard how I decided to close Bellaboo for many different reasons. Well, i got chatting to a friend and contact I have met through scrapping, Cleo Jarvis. Cleo already makes up the most wonderful kits, and sells them through her blog. I knew she was looking to expand her business, and when we got chatting, to cut a long story short, we agreed that she would take over the ownership and running of Bellaboo! This is fantastic news for both Cleo and I, and I think it's just the best end to my journey, and a fabulous start to hers.

Cleo is currently being published frequently in the UK scrapping mags, and is well known in the community for her great style, and ability to put products together and come up with something fab. It's this that makes her the perfect person to take over Bellaboo. Not only will she come up with great kits for you, but she will stock the lovely stash you have come to expect at Bellaboo. Having heard what she's been buying ready for the re-opening, I know I'll be putting a big order in!

So, this changeover will all take place at the end of March, and so from then onwards I will be using a different blog. I have been careful to keep this blog strictly business, which Cleo will continue, but if any you want to keep up with me news, projects, crops etc, then you will find me here:

alifetimeofchances.blogspot.com

This is an old blog and I haven't posted for a long time, so will work on it over the next few days!!!

Reason #127 TO have kids (even when they do wreck your new papers)

2009-03-17T22:12:00.000Z

I don't need to give any more of a reason that this photo. Yes, she did ruin these papers when my back was turned, but all is forgiven. Particularly when today she's been such a big girl wearing big girl knickers! go Bella!!!

For Your Eyes ONLY (Moxley Massive)!!!

2009-03-17T19:31:00.000Z

Ok here is a really sneaky peek of your Limited Edition Kit which I think we will call "Bloomin' Marvellous!!! Yes, the clue is in the name, say what you see say what you see!!!

I don't have all the components yet, so I will do another sneak when the rest has been delivered.

Let me tell you ladies, the pressure of this is killing me! I hope you all like it.

The kit is limited to 24 so please tell Dawn if you will want one. I haven't priced it up yet, but will be around £15, and no more than £17. If 50 of you want one I will order another batch :)

The kit will have in (subject to change if the remaining items aren't delivered lol!!):

4 x double sided papers
4 x Bazzill
1 x Die-cut accessory sheet (another clue)
Selection of ribbons
Chipboard embellishments
Glitter Alphabet Stickers
More embellishments
An alterable item
Maybe some buttons if the budget allows!

Vintage Canvas Kit

2009-03-11T19:18:00.000Z

As I only have 3 of these left, and would like to shift them I thought I'd do a round-up of all the stunning projects we have created with the kit. Remember, if you already have these papers, you can buy the Canvas & Embellishments ONLY kit at just £9.50 which includes a 12x12 canvas, felt, buttons, pins, vintage bingo card and wooden pieces, vintage price tags, vintage lace, braid and trims. So here we are, starting with Lisa's (the first five photos - and she's done all this all from just one kit, honestly!):

Here are Stephanie Garbett's (Scrapbooker Of The Year 2008) - the 2 below:

And here's my canvas - the last photo. I will get round to doing more truly!!!:

Reason #127 "Why Not To Have kids" (if you're a scrapper!)

2009-03-10T13:13:00.000Z

Ok so they do provide countless photo opportunities, and let's face it, without them i'd be stuck for subjects to scrap, but this is my Reason #127....

"Whilst in the shower in the morning it's best not to leave your extra strength DST by the brand new papers you just received, if there is no lock on the door to your scrap room.
Or 2 year old horror will unravel all DST and press firmly down onto said brand new papers.

hmmmmm....."

But all is forgiven since she is just so cute :)

Here is a LO I finished last night and another I started last night and finished this morning :)

Canvas Kit

2009-03-05T18:34:00.001Z

Just a really short post to show you a canvas that I made this week. I love it!!! I will write more later, but also just to say that the kit (with or without the papers) is available from bellaboo.co.uk.

And here is Lisa's Project - absoloutely gorgeous, she has done those old family photos real justice. Love it!

Sorry! Bad blogger :(

2009-02-19T19:23:00.000Z

And when I have pretty big news too! Not good enough, but hope you understand why.

So after my last post I made the announcement that I wanted to close the shop. And it really was a hard decision. Some of you know that I had been deliberating over it for months. There are a lot of reasons why, but I suppose one of the key reasons is I appear to have become a "worrier". It's funny because in many areas of my life I am a really chilled relaxed person, but I think I've changed since having kids, as you do. So, for the past 18 months, but particularly in the last 6-9, I have worried about money, what stock to order, worrying if I'm selling it, worrying if I'm not, worrying if I'm being a bad mum because they're watching Cbeeebies while I'm packing orders, worrying that by packing it in I'll be letting people down, and the list goes on and on.

So, although there were other factors, I suppose that is it in a nutshell. Jon and I said from the start that if running a business impacted on family life in a way that didn't work for us, then I would stop. And really, that's what happened.

BUT, I don't want it to be a negative thing, because I tried it, it worked, was really successful, and I have gained a huge amount from it. Such as (as I've said before) gaining some really fantastic new friends, who I really am so glad are in my life now. Plus really cementing some other friendships, which perhaps had fallen by the wayside. Myself and my two sisters are really much closer. Oh and I can say REALLY lots of times in one paragraph! wow!

Anyway. I want to continue with the kits, and we'll see how that goes. And of course the Bellaboo crop will absolutely continue! For some of us it's our only time for (in)sanity!!!

So, I do feel a little like I have let some people down, but of course there are lots of wonderful shops out there, and once all my stock has gone I'll tell you who they are (!) - they've had some business from me recently, I can tell you!

Moving on - Lisa is over here at the moment, and last night we finalised the March kit "Over The Rainbow". Wow, if you feel like you've been hibernating since October, then this'll wake you up for sure! Here's a sneaky!

Cleo Jarvis will be our Guest Designer for March, and I am so excited to see what she comes up with.

I have just two (I think) Feb Kits left, they have been sooooo popular.

And we have also been working on a fab project kit. It's really, truly, gorgeous, and crammed full of vintage items. I have worked so hard to source some really interesting items, and you won't be disappointed. BUT, this is strictly limited edition, once they are gone, they are gone. Honestly (not just saying that!!). Will keep you posted when that is ready, as at the moment, I have someone really talented working on it, and I will share who that is soon. But I will tell you, that you will have seen her work recently, and you will love it, I know. She has a distinctive style, that I can only aim for, and she has been doing DT work on both sides of the Atlantic.

I'll leave you with that now, and update you soon :)

Kit Projects

2009-02-01T11:04:00.000Z

Here are just a couple of the projects I've done with the Feb Kit. More to follow!

Loved up!

2009-01-31T10:11:00.000Z

Wow, 3 posts in as many days, what's going on?! Well this one is just to tell you a little bit about the February Kit which is coming out tonight, and to give you a few sneaky peeks, if you really can't wait a few hours!

We've been having lots of fun with this kit, although we are running slightly late! In fact, as I type i'm still in my PJs because I've been working on it this morning. Last-minute nightmare meant that the kit didn't arrive until very late and so it's been a rush to get the projects on. Anyway, they will definitely be worth waiting for, as this month we are joined by Cleo Jarvis! You all know what a fan of Cleo's we are, and I just know she'll come up trumps. I knew this kit would be right up Cleo's street with the vintage pieces that are included, and bits of lace etc. I can't wait to see what Lisa creates too, being so in love as she and Ralph are I knew she'd also have a lot of fun with the kit!

So, here are just a couple of sneaks from what I've created so far :)

Not trying to make you jealous - honest!

2009-01-30T16:42:00.000Z

I thought I'd share some photos of my little haven, my new "room". I'd like to call it my scrap-room but to be honest I haven't had time to do any scrapping in it! I've made a card and done some stamping, but mostly just sat and looked at my buttons. Which of course are all lined up colour-cordinated and looking pretty. And so are my ribbons! I have baskets for everything (nearly), a table for my Cricut, and all my own little bits and pieces here. I even have a nice view out onto my blossom trees - I can't wait for spring!

Lisa is over to visit soon, and I can't wait to clear a little space for her, so we can sit, stroke, drink wine and maybe, just maybe, scrap.

It really is a special place for me, with my special pictures and mementoes, I have big plans for this room (including painting the other half!), and I feel happier in here, it feels like the start of something special!

Is there no end to my talents???!!!

2009-01-29T15:53:00.000Z

Anyone who knows me well will know that the comment above is entirely tongue-in-cheek. I am referring to the fact that not only am I now a fully operating STAMPER, with stamps, blocks, cleaner and even a pack of baby wipes on my desk, but now I have even turned my hand to STAMPING on a CARD!!!! Wow, go me!

I started making this card on tuesday when a friend emailed me after having a horrendous day. It hasn't worked out exactly how I planned it, but for my first attempt I'm quite pleased. Not entirely my own design I must add. I've now finished it but I have to find an envelope, so I thought I'd put it on the blog and then she can see it, as she may have to wait a couple of days by the time I find one!! By which point she may feel alot better and not appreciate my card as much as she could have done had it arrived on time!

Mini-Crop Fun!

2009-01-24T09:44:00.000Z

I had a lovely evening on thursday, I had 3 of my scrapping buddies round - Deb, Rach M and Amber. Deb (or was it Rach) set us a little challenge - we had to make up a kit worth around £7 from our own stash, and then we'd swap them. I got a little stressed because I wanted to make sure that I chose things that they would like. And then as Amber decided to come at the last minute I knew she wouldn't have time to sort a kit, so I did one for her too. Anyway, I think with a bit more time I could have put something nicer together but everyone seemed pleased with their kits, and I thought it was a really fun thing to do! I was thrilled with mine, Rachael had used BG Blush which is truly one of my favourite ranges, and I got stuck straight in. For Deb's kit I chose some really bright Urban Lily papers, but you know what, she had the PERFECT photo for it - mmm how strange is that??!!!

So here are my LOs from Thursday :)

New LOs, but I need some help!

2009-01-21T10:54:00.000Z

Nothing new there then, but this time I need help with my LOs. These are the ones I did at the crop on Sat. The first one is an old one actually, but would not have been on the blog before.

Then the second one was a challenge that Deb set me and Rachael - the LO needed 3 strips of paper, distressed edges and a tag (need to make my journaling card into a tag actually).

The 3rd one is not finished, and was using a Studio Calico kit. It's a huge disappointment as I kinda thought that using a Studio Calico Kit, all my LOs would turn out like the Studio Calico Designers'. But no! Any ideas????

The last one is finished, and then there was one more, which really isn't finished so I didn't photograph it.

I've been tagged!

2009-01-20T19:37:00.000Z

Lisa tagged me with these questions (I think I did them last year too), and here are my answers. I don't usually do this kind of thing, but if you're reading my blog maybe you'd like to know a bit about me!

1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before? Attended a crop. Ran a crop! Opened a magazine and saw me/my kids in there!

2. What are your New Years Resolutions? Same old same old - be thinner, nicer, kinder, more sober, healthier and spend more quality time with my family.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth in 2008? Um, not really, a couple of friends. Actually, Rachael, one of my best friends, to little Finley, he's gorgeous (of course!)

4. Did anyone close to you die. Not family thank god, but someone I knew.

5. What countries did you visit? Germany, Cyprus, Belgium.

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008? More money, a happier husband, job security (for him) a new baby (!! yeah right as if he'd let me!). A cleaner and tidier house.

7. What date(s) in 2008 will remain etched in your memory and why? Lots of important dates, but no particular one really stands out i'm afraid!

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Running the Bellaboo Birthday Bash - it really was a fab day and went better than I could have imagined.

9. What was your biggest failure? I feel I let my family down this year.

10. Did you suffer any illness or injury? Nothing that wasn't self-inflicted (oh god I don't mean i've been selfharming! Just a couple of hangovers!)

11. What was the best thing someone bought you? Oh my pink ipod for sure!!!!! But I did also get some other fab pressies, such as a bag from Amber, a couple of books from Jon, and other bits and pieces. I also had a couple of presents made for me, by some new and very good friends. I was very touched and got a little emotional (yes, me, hard to believe isn't it!!)

12. Whose behavior merited celebration? Maddie and Cam and Bella have all been superstars, and Jon has been far better this year with helping with the kids.

13. Whose behavior appalled and depressed you? I';m sorry to say there are several. As Lisa said, you know who you are. And a couple who maybe don't.

14. Where did most of your money go?God only knows, I have no idea where my money goes. Stash maybe!

15. What did you get really, really excited about? Our holiday to Cyprus, our trip to Germany.

16. What song(s) reminds you of 2008? I've been big into Razorlight this past year.

17. Compared to last year are you...a.) Happier or Sadder? a mix b.) Thinner or Fatter? fatter c.) Richer or Poorer? Not sure, maybe a little better off..

18. What do you wish you'd done more of? Spent time with the children, more time helping at school, scrapping, seeing friends.

19. What do you wish you'd done less of? Working, eating, drinking

20. How did you spend Christmas? With family and it was the best one ever.

21. Did you fall in love in 2008. Yes, every day I fall in love with my 3 angels, and on Christmas Day I think I fell in love again with Jon (only because he bought me an ipod and it was a very romantic surprise!)

22. What was your favorite TV program? God I hardly watched ANY tv this year, probably Desperate Housewives.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't this time last year? Yes, but I don't know them personally.

24. What was the best book you read? OMG I read SO many fantastic books this year. I couldn't choose one. Some by Anchee Min, some by Lisa See, Cinderellas Slippers, The Concubine Of Shanghai.

25. What did you do on your birthday and how old were you? I turned 34 and spent the day organising a huge crop!

26. What was your best musical discovery? Don't think I really discovered anything new, but I got into the Kings Of Leon at the end of the year.

27. What did you want and get? A PINK ipod!!!!

28. What was your favorite film of the year? I watched some good films this year, Mamma Mia, The Last Emperor, Bridget Jones (timeless for me!), Hot Fuzz, and some other american funnies. Oh and lots of american funny xmas films!

29. What did you want and not get? You know, number 4. And more sleep. Oh, and Brad Pitt.

30. What one thing would've made your year immeasurably more satisfying? More money, more time.

31. How would you describe your fashion concept for 2008? Do i have a concept? Changeable! Sometimes I was happy with how I looked but towards the end of the year it was about comfort and I lived in my raincoat.

32. What kept you sane? Scrapping. Friends, wine.

33. Which celebrity or public figure did you admire most? Thats a toughie. Can't think of any. I thought Cheryl Cole has been very dignified.

34. What political issue stirred you most? Another hard one. Couldn't say really.

35. Who do you miss? Lisa. Well, I wish she lived here.

36. Who was the best new person you met? Oh without a doubt, Rachael and Deb. I have made another good friend this year, although I knew her last year, if that makes sense! And Cleo, I just love Cleo!!!

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned. I'm learning it right now. Make the most of every minute, you don't know what's around the corner.

38. Quote a song line that defines your year. Now my mind's gone blank. Might have to come back to that one.

About time....

2009-01-19T22:56:00.001Z

...I updated the blog I guess.

Well, we had a fab saturday crop this weekend, we filled the hall with chatter, merriment, general silliness and immaturity (rach you know it was you) and a little bit of scrapping. Thanks everyone for coming, it was a great day, and I can't wait for the next one!

Yes, the next saturday crop is actually a Celebrity Special!!! We will be joined by Lisa who is coming all the way from Germany JUST for the crop! Well, not quite, but we are very excited that she can be a part of it next time! And that's sat 21st Feb, but will be at Catshill Village Hall, not the usual venue.

I haven't taken any photos yet of the LOs I did on Saturday, partly because I still have to finish 2 of them, so might get on with that tomorrow. Deb dug out a great little challenge for a few of us, and I really enjoyed it, so I'm hoping she might make it a regular thing. Will tell you more about that when I've taken photos of the LOs.

I have finished the February Kit tonight, and really wish that I could put it on the site early, I just KNOW it's going to be popular. The Jan kit went in days, so I have increased the numbers for Feb slightly. Lisa and I will be joined by the fabulous Cleo Jarvis for this month, and I just can't wait to see what she creates with the kit. I asked her to be our Guest DT as I knew the kit is right up her street. Let me say there is some yummy lace, and some unique, vintage pieces in there too. As usual, I over-ordered on the components of the kit (I always get a little carried away), but it just means there will be more optional extras for you, so it's win-win really! I will leave a little sneaky peek at the end of this post. It's not a very good one, but it's not meant to be really - keep you guessing!

Thankyou all for your lovely comments after my previous post. Sorry this post seems a bit disjointed and brief - I felt I should update the blog, but feeling a little tired and uninspired in terms of what to say! Maybe I'll feel more entertaining tomorrow :) So here's the sneak - "Be Still My Beating Heart" (Lisa and I feeling loved up and emotional and like characters from Pride and Prejudice I think when we came up with the name!)

Sad news :(

2009-01-09T20:59:00.000Z

For those of you who are more local to me, and the Bellaboo Crop, this will be more relevant, but to anyone who orders from me also.

Today has just been an awful day, the Post Office I use daily was attacked by armed robbers and one of the people in there was shot dead.

This took place in Fairfield, just north of Bromsgrove, where we go to school, and where I hold the crop. Like many rural villages, Fairfield is very much a close-knit, real "community". The school is just opposite with just c80 pupils, the village hall just next door with the Church, and although a cliche, the Post Office really is the hub of the village, a real "central point". Everyone knows everyone there, first-name terms etc. Coming from a large city like I do, I really didn't appreciate the "community" spirit I hear about on TV, books etc, until today. When it has really hit me and I realise just what a community I am part of, and how these event have totally rocked us as one.

I go to the Post Office two or three times a day, and usually leave parcels there for them to process, to return later to pay. We always have a chat with Judy the Postmistress, and some banter with the two young lads who work there. Judy always chats to Bella, who I leave in her pushchair in the front of the shop while I sort my parcels - because it's just so "safe" in there, and if it's a Tuesday, Judy always remembers I am off to Maddie's Ballet class. It's so safe there that I often leave the children outside in the car if I only have one or two parcels or am just dropping off.

At 8:20 this morning, the post office was raided and shots were fired. Ken, who owns the PO was shot in the leg, and Craig, Ken and Judy's son, was shot in the chest and died. He was only 29 and engaged to be married.

We mums always turn up to school a little earlier than necessary, to have a chat, as we are all close and good friends. Which meant today that many of us were around when this happened. Some of my friends were ushered into the school and kept there as the gunmen escaped. Indeed, the rest of us were outside when Craig died, unaware, but guessing, of the severity of the situation.

Only last night we were there at the crop, in this rural, quiet, safe village.

Tonight, the gunmen are still at large. Several of my friends have been told not to leave their homes as the police still do not know where they are.

These people did everything they could to ensure that my parcels went quickly, and went far beyond the call of duty to help me despatch many - sometimes up to 50, once 80 - parcels easily and swiftly.

Please join me in my thoughts for the family, at this confusing time when all I can think is why, and how can this happen.

Lots to report!

2009-01-05T11:24:00.001Z

First of all, Happy New Year to you all, and I hope you had a great christmas and New Year. I did! Very relaxed, lovely presents, nobody cried, argued, or got too drunk, and it was all fab.

So, the January Kit "Virtuous" is out, and is almost sold out, it has been so popular. This is what I made of it, Lisa an Rachael's projects can be seen on the gallery.

And then this weekend I have been to the Moxley crop and then Solihull crop, and managed to get stuck into my Crate Paper Mia and Basic Grey Ambrosia packs!

Missed me?!

2008-12-12T12:10:00.000Z

I was on a fab roll there, and then I went a bit quiet! understandable though, we're all too busy at this time of year for much scrapping :( And actually, I've been buying lots and doing very little! Anyway, it was our Christmas Crop last night, which was great fun, but I forgot to take any pictures! My two scrapping buddies both got me presents which of course made me a little emotional, but I managed to hold it together! Thanks guys! And this is what I've been creating recently: a little present for maddie's godmother using Buck Naked Lacing Cards, and Basic Grey Infuse (currently on sale).

Still rolling!

2008-12-02T11:42:00.000Z

I went to a little mini-crop on friday with a couple of my scrapping buddies, we had a fab day, with the most amazing Hostess (you know who you are :)) and I was mega-productive! Have now scrapped all my zoo photos and used all my Archaic, so I felt I had really achieved something! And here they are! Also, there's lots of new stuff over at Bellaboo - all the new Urban Lily papers and the December Kit "Festive Funk"!!

On a roll!!!

2008-11-26T13:44:00.000Z

Really enjoyed doing this layout the other night. It made me chuckle as the photo tells quite a funny story, When we were visiting Lisa in Germany last summer, we spent a lot of time and money trying to entertain the kids, but the absolute highlight of their holiday was climbing a hill!!! We said "who wants to climb a huge hill and then come all the way back down??!!!" and they were like "yeay that's the best thing EVER!!!" Isn't it always the way with kids, the simplest and cheapest thing...

Been busy!!!

2008-11-24T12:51:00.000Z

I have finally broken open the box of stash I bought in Kempen last August!!!! Really enjoyed using this Archaic, and doing something really boy-ish for a change! Love this photo of Cam having fun - yes, fun!!!! And, can you notice the stamping there!!! Also grabbed an embellishment from a new pair of jeans, what a bargain! Oh and even some more Grungeboard!

On another subject, if you are planning on coming to the December Crop, PLEASE contact me as a matter of urgency! The date and/or venue will be changing, so please get in touch :)

The new me!!!

2008-11-20T12:20:00.000Z

I am now a "stamper"!!!! Yes, I have now turned my hand to dabbling in a little stamping. I have stamps, blocks, staz-on and everything! A proper stamper!!! On this layout I have used lots of items new to me - core-dinations cardstock (this is the vintage-effect type), Grungeboard, a new scallop template which I bought recently, and of course, the stamping!!! The only new thing I haven't used on this LO is my Cuttlebug. However, I am now in the process of making my christmas cards, and guess what? yes, they are all cuttlebugged and stamped to the max!!!

I am calm enough to share now :)

2008-11-14T21:06:00.000Z

Wow, I didn't get much sleep last night - every time I dropped off, I saw my credit card floating across my eyes, then self-combusting right in front of me....! That's what the NEC does to you!!!

So, I went in saying to Deb, Rach and Rach "I don't do stamping", and I don't really, I don't make cards so much and have always struggled to "get" stamping on LOs. So, how come I just bought about a hundred stamps?! What's that all about??! So damn gorgeous thats why!!! Some from Sassafras, Clever Cut, Autumn Leaves and more...! I got a few more extra goodies for myself, but my big purchase of the day was an un-selfish one, I got a Cuttlebug and lots of seriously sexy dies and embossing folders for the Crop. I'd been really restrained all day and then at the last half-hour blew £200!!!! BUT, for the good of the crop you see, it needed to be done ;)

Even so, I wasn't the big spender of the day. Oh no, Rach H (or A as she now is), and Deb (you know who you are)...well, what can I say, Rach will be selling her kids to fund her purchases!!!

So if you're local, another reason now to come to the Crop, (next date Thurs 11th Dec) lots of yummy Cuttlebug goodies!!!!

Off to grab that fire extinguisher again, that card's smokin'!!!

Oh, and one last thing, here's my LO from tonight's crop - all new stash from the NEC - new K&Co, new Vintage Core-dinations, and of course some stamping ;) It's a photo of Bella on holiday recently, she spent ages in front of the mirror, not realising I was looking. She brushed her hair, put moisturiser on, make-up and even deodorant!!! So cute!!!

Oh dear.....

2008-11-13T23:13:00.000Z

The NEC was a BAD move. Rachael A and I are now living on the streets in cardboard boxes. Cuttlebug boxes actually. We had to remortgage our houses to pay for stash and it all went very very wrong. I'm far too traumatised to say anything else tonight, but will share more tomorrow.

If you're thinking of going to the NEC this weekend, then just prepare yourself. And clear a big space in the back of your wardrobe.

Too Cute!

2008-11-11T19:15:00.000Z

I realised I had missed Lisa's projects off the November Kit post, so here they are....starting with this little house which is just too cute. All she has used here are her 4 coasters, and her scraps of paper. What she'll do with it, we don't really know, but does it have to have a purpose? Isn't it just cute enough on it's own, on a little shelf somewhere....?!

Crazy Croppers! (and lovin' the Sassafras)

2008-11-09T20:11:00.001Z

I had a fab time at the Skrapztacular retreat yesterday with my scrapping buddies Deb and Rach. It was good to catch up, eat, drink, shop and of course scrap! We walked into the room and who should be there?! Jackie A of course! (every crop I go to, Jackie is always there lurking around somewhere!) We had a good old chat (Retreat Report should read: "more work, less chatter, please ladies"!!), some giggles, all squashed together on a little table. Deb got stuck into her November Bellaboo kit - and strangely enough had perfectly co-ordinating photos..... she even managed to sneak a peek of the December kit, so Rach and I are convinced she will have dashed home to raid Paige's wardrobe for co-ordinating items ready for her next shoot....!!! :) So, it was a great day scrapping with friends, and now I'm looking forward to the NEC and another crop on thursday! And here are my efforts for the day:

Back to business!

2008-11-04T12:30:00.000Z

It's good to be back! We had a good time away, seeing our friends getting married. It's our first two week holiday since we got married, so it was well-needed. But that's it now for a while no more holidays for me!!! So, what's new at Bellaboo? Well, the new Crate Paper has been selling really well, so I have restocked there, and also got the collection packs in (hint: if you are a kit subscriber you may want to hold back on the Prudence unless you loooooovvvvve it!). November Kit is out, and it really is lovely, and might make you feel better about the cccccoooold weather at the moment! Coming any day now some new Sassafras. I will shortly have some exciting news about a new additional monthly kit available from Bellaboo. This will be run separately from the current monthly kit as it's totally different, but more to come on that soon....! And finally, we are saying goodbye to Sarah Youde. With her recent addition to her family, she needs to spend more time on that and less on scrapping, so I'm sad to see her go, but happy for her (if you see what I mean!). Thanks Sarah, it's been great having you on the DT and inspiring us every month! BUT, this means there is a free monthly kit going every month! You have to work for it though.....! I will now choose a different Guest DT each month, who will receive a free kit in return for a minimum of 3 projects. This first month is open to current Bellaboo customers only, so email me your favourite LO or BTP project using at least one item purchased from Bellaboo before sunday night. I will then announce the winner on Monday!

OK now this is just getting silly!!!

2008-10-06T17:21:00.000+01:00

I only wanted to say, that if you are thinking about coming to the Bellaboo crop on thursday, then maybe this could help sway your decision, one way or another...... (this cake is actually about 10" diameter, and 5" high.....!). That is, of course, if it survives until thursday.....

3 posts in as many days? what's going on!

2008-10-05T10:57:00.000+01:00

Mmmm, after saying I wouldn't be posting as often, all of a sudden I feel I have lots to share! So, it was my wedding anniversary on friday (7 years), and I forgot. Jon had left me with a card and present in the morning. At 4pm I remembered and ran up to the Post Office for a card, but they were all naff, so at 5pm I was frantically making a card - thank goodness for the Cricut!!! And here it is!! Nothing special, but using the Sassafras papers which I looooovvvvveee and of course the Storybook cartridge which I adore. And then yesterday, Amber and I went to the Moxley Massive crop with the shop. Fab bunch of girls, if ever so slightly mad, and I managed to (almost) finish off my LO from the Birthday Bash, and did a whole new one! Oh, and on Thursday I managed to almost finish another LO from the October kit. I made a lovely little journaling pocket to put on the LO, but can't think where on the LO to put it - suggestions welcome please!!! So I feel I've achieved quite a bit this week!

More to business than selling stash....

2008-10-02T22:26:00.000+01:00

Just wanted to say that if nothing else ever came out of Bellaboo, if I don't make my millions (yeah right!!), then it won't matter, because above all else, I had made some wonderful friends - not just customers - but friends. I have also injected new life into older friendships, and strengthened relationships with my sisters. Again, not that I'm an emotional wreck or anything!!!

I know, I know....!

2008-10-01T09:57:00.000+01:00

I have been terrible at blogging I know, I'm sorry. The reason for this is partly deliberate. And I'll explain. Bellaboo.co.uk has been so busy over the last couple of months, and Lisa and I have been putting so much work into it all, that I started to feel quite overwhelmed with it over the summer. So I decided something had to give, and looked at areas to cut back on. One of these was the blog - I never want to post just for the sake of it anyway, but now I will probably only post once a month, or maybe more. So anyway, lots has been happening and I'll try and remember it all! First of all, Happy Birthday to me, and me!! Yes my own birthday came and went in a blur really (not because of alcohol), as I was so busy preparing for Bellaboo's First Birthday! I cannot begin to explain how well the birthday celebrations went. I sold the last couple of tickets the night before, so it was a full house. I was extremely touched by lots of things - I had birthday cards from Deb and Julie (thankyou :) ), beautifully handmade of course. Then lots of my ladies came in pink (official Bellaboo colour!), and the effort that had gone into the name plaques left me speechless. It was lovely to see everyone so excited, and "up for it" and eager to get on with the classes, so much so that I must admit I felt very overwhelmed and emotional. I had both my sisters there supporting me, my mum was helping (while she had a whole load of other stuff going on), my dad popped in, my in-laws came and helped, and even some friends at home helping with the kids. It was all very humbling in a way! Then other good friends popped in - special thanks for Lu, my friend from school, she dropped her handbag, made a tray of tea, did the washing up and then went home again - what a star!!! So, yes I must admit I had a few tears on the day - NOT that I'm any kind of emotional wreck or anything!!!

Cleo's classes were fantastic and didn't disappoint. She will be booked for next year, don't you worry!

Lisa has done a write-up of the Bellaboo Birthday Bash in this month's kit newsletter - available on the site - which is a great link for my next piece...!

The October Kit has come out today. You won't want to miss this one. It really is lovely, and while I was packing it up I did have to re-add everything up to make sure I hadn't made a mistake - it is BURSTING from the bag!!! Lots of texture, stunning colours, and unusual pieces add up to a warm autumnal kit, perfect for scrapping a variety of topics, such as home, garden, holiday, wedding, baby, oh and of course AUTUMN!!

Here are my projects, and a couple from Sarah and Lisa. All can be found on the gallery and in the newsletter.

It's Cleotastic again!

2008-09-12T20:11:00.000+01:00

Following on from the Travel folding mini-book from Cleo Jarvis, I went on to her Nostalgia kit. And here is the finished article!! Loved it, as I do all Cleo's things, so I can't wait until 20/9/08 when I get to do THREE classes with her!!!

Come On Get Happy!!!

2008-09-06T11:35:00.000+01:00

Well I did! Last night I managed to do a LO that wasn't part of a Bellaboo kit, or for anyone else, I actually managed to use some of my own stash and create something just for me! I dug straight into my pack of Cosmo Cricket Get Happy, which I just LOVE! I also had a go with some acrylic paint, for the first time properly, after having a go in Cleo's class a couple of weeks ago. I love papers that allow for a real distressed, messy feel, because if anything goes wrong, it doesn't show so much! So this range was perfect for me to have a go splodging some paint around! I also used a Heidi Swapp ghost arrow - I love all her products, but particularly the ghosts - some Junkitz rub-on alphas, and a little bit of bling (coz even boys need bling!). Rach - if you're reading this - come on and Get Happy too - we challenged each other to give it a go, so come on I want to see yours!!!

September Kit out now!!!

2008-09-03T19:13:00.000+01:00

In case you hadn't seen the ad, or the site, or UKS recently (!) the September kit is out now! "Farewell To Summer" is full of bright, bold shades, with hot reds and yellows. If you have a whole bunch of dreary washed out summer pics, then this kit will soon brighten them up!

I had loved these papers for a while, so was really happy to get the chance to use them, but I have to admit, when I sat down to work on the kit, I struggled. But once I got stuck in, I couldn't put it down, and will be finishing a couple more things even tonight!

Here are just a couple of the projects me, Lisa and Sarah created:

In other Bellaboo news (!), I have some fab new stock on its way to me. Can't wait to share that! And the Birthday Bash is now only 3 weeks away. Nearly all tickets are sold out, but there are plenty of spaces for croppers left. If you are still thinking of coming, email me - there are plenty of options available and we can work around all budgets. It's going to be such a fab day I want as many people to share it as possible! If you haven't seen the images of the classes yet, you can see them here!

...and I think her fan club will most definitely grow!!!

2008-08-19T21:02:00.000+01:00

Cleo got back to me today with some Sneak Peeks of the classes she will be taking at the Bellaboo Birthday Bash. To say I'm excited is an understatement. I knew they would be good - I did the kits and was excited enough about that, but then to see the amazing work Cleo has come up with, is just so inspiring. Add on the fact that today I have been planning the goody bags and the day's challenges, and seriously, I CANNOT wait!!!! If you haven't got your ticket yet, then contact me. I have a handful left, but as I said earlier, the kits are ready and the goody bags will be ready soon, so these tickets need to go!!! I have added in a cheaper option for those who are more spending-conscious at the moment, or who would rather take advantage of the great savings on all the Bellaboo stock on the day.

So, without further ado, check these out!!!

Cleo has a new fan!!!

2008-08-11T10:06:00.000+01:00

I took the shop to a crop in Droitwich on saturday, and while I was there picked up a class with Cleo Jarvis. It was great timing, as she will be teaching 3 classes at the Bellaboo Birthday Bash, so I was glad to be able to meet her before hand. Well, what can I say? A fab teacher, with fantastic ideas. We did the mini book here, and I just loved it. I am so pleased with the end result.

Sorry I know I'm useless.... :(

2008-08-06T21:48:00.000+01:00

Yes, I am so sorry it's been SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO long since I last posted. I have been busy though! Of course it's the summer holidays, so I have one and a half more children around. With leaving parties, assemblies, sports days x 2 etc, July was busy. The the August kit coming out, and lots lots more, it's been manic. I have also been busy-busy though, as in scrapbooking! The Academic Planners were a hit - the teachers love them, the crop were crazy about them, and my friend who is also a teacher asked me to make one and here it is. I used the Sassafras (crazy about the Sassafras!!) Sunshine Lollipop range on it, which you can find here! Lu loved it, and to be honest, I did too - didnt want to part with it!!! Next up, I have done a reading reward chart for Cameron. He finds reading a bit of a chore - not the right word actually, but it's all down to his confidence (or lack of) so I thought this might help him on. It's not quite finished yet, as there are gold coins to be added each time he reads (to stick on those velcro spots) and treasure at the end. This was using the Rusty Pickle Cap'n Jack range, available here! I have also done alot for the August kit and a few bits with BG Mellow. I will take photos tomorrow and edit this post. This is the 2nd of a double page though, I've run out of thickers, the title should be "...and 1 makes 3" - all will become clear tomorow!!! And then apart from all that, I've been busy organising the Bellaboo Birthday Bash! I'm really looking forward to it. I've sold quite a few tickets already, if you're anywhere near the Midlands you really must try and make it. We are five minutes drive off the M5 Junction 4. All details here. Right, I need my tea, so will update the post tomorrow!

I have been busy!

2008-07-05T15:42:00.000+01:00

Well, I spent the first half of the week making these Academic Planner & Diaries for Cameron's two teachers, as a leaving gift when he leaves Reception next week. Guess that makes me teachers pet!! Then we had a mini-crop on thursday and I made this LO of Cam at the pool on holiday this year, using the Basic Grey Mellow - how gorgeous are those papers!!

Something to cool you down?!

2008-07-01T10:36:00.000+01:00

The July kit is now out and available to buy! People have been snapping them up in the early hours, and even subscribing so they can guarantee their kit next month!!!

This kit is lovely though, and you can see why people want one! Gorgeous Two Scoops, with a huge bag of embellishments, naked chipboard, lots of ribbon, some Heidi Swapp, what more could you ask for!

You can find the kit here, and the newsletter here. Sarah Youde and Lisa Hausmann created some really beautiful layouts and projects with the kit, and here is my stuff:

One scoop or two???

2008-06-24T10:40:00.000+01:00

No I know that's not much of a teaser really, you will now know what's in the July kit, but what the heck, it's out on Tuesday anyway!!! But here are a couple of sneak peeks of some completed projects... Lisa and I say this every month I know, but really, we LOVED this kit!!!!!

Yep! That's Me!!!

2008-06-20T10:47:00.000+01:00

Only a quick post today, will catch up properly this weekend, but something Lisa sent me this week ties in nicely with the "Quote Of The Crop" from last night....! Check out this coaster she sent me, I wasn't really sure what she was trying to say until last night.......

This is what I said in response to something I overheard last night at the crop...

"Oh yes, I always have the same problem, these days I just think the BIGGER the BETTER. None of these pretty frilly fancy uncomfortable ones for me these days, can't be doing with them, nice big comfy ones for me........ (turn around to see Heather and Sally looking at me all gone out) OH!!!! You said THICKERS!!!!!!!"

Yep, that's just me all over!

More later x

I LOVED that kit!!!

2008-06-03T19:32:00.000+01:00

I seriously did LOVE the June kit. Here are my offerings, I still have plenty of kit left over, but no time :( There are still a couple of kits left, so if you're interested, grab it while you can.

I can see clearly now...!

2008-06-02T19:31:00.000+01:00

And that's not just a play on words. The last few days has been SOOOOOOO busy here at Bellaboo HQ that I didn't know where I was! The June kit has been selling fast, and orders coming thick and fast. I had to go to the Post Office today with my boot literally full - there were so many pizza boxes I had to leave them all to process during the day and then come back later to pay! Not that I'm complaining, because this is exactly how I want it to be. My customers must love the site as so many just come back for more and more (I could mention names, but just in case there are any husbands reading I won't...!). For any of you out there, I must say a huge thankyou for all your support, and for all the Kit Subscribers, thankyou for having faith in Bellaboo and knowing that we'll deliver a fab box of stash every month.

Emotional bit over now....did you see Sarah Youde's article in Scrapbook Magazine this month? She is on the DT for Scrapping Clearly - an Australian company who sell the most divine acrylic albums. As Sarah also designs for Bellaboo, she introduced us and we have been stocking their products for a while now. I have seen some other albums, and hand-on-heart, these are a cut-above. They have really thick pages that make the album feel so sturdy and substantial. I would recommend them to anyone. Anyway, Sarah has done a few lovely acrylic albums, and inspired me to have (another) go. My first attempt is the heart-shaped one below, an album documenting Maddie at 3 years 11 months. I found it hard as I am not a planner, and you do need to think and plan before attempting it.

But my second album below is a gift for my MIL whose birthday it is next week (no danger of her looking on the blog so it's safe to show!). I am so pleased with this one, although I am contemplating throwing more stuff on it (is less more, I'm not sure?!), so it may not be 100% finished yet.

You can find these stunning albums for sale here.

woah, where has the last 3 weeks GONE?!

2008-05-30T22:31:00.000+01:00

It's been really busy over here at Bellaboo. I dont' really know where to start..... Well, I've been busy organising the June and July kits, and on to August. Then I managed to make up some more May kits for all those who got left behind earlier in the month...! Well, so far, this post sounds really dull!!! It's late and i'm tired....!!! It's been half-term this week, maybe that's why I feel a bit jaded LOL!!! I've been down at a suppliers all day doing some serious stash-stroking. In fact, it's funny as I took my mum with me - now she drives me and Lisa crazy as not only does she just not "get" scrapping, she doesn't even try to. We get so infuriated with her when she STILL (after nearly 3 years) doesn't understand what a brad/rub-on/eyelet/12x12 is. So when she came up to me saying "I'm buying this for myself to do xyz with", I looked in her hand and said "Oh wow, a 7gypsies mini-book, wow they're cool", she said "uh actually, it's Rusty Pickle..!" That shut me up!!! She was also well into Prima Flowers and got some of those too. Now my mum has her own personal stash which would be envied by many (she put in an order on the day I opened Bellaboo, but doesn't know what to do with any of it!), but as I just said in those brackets, DOESN'T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH IT!!! Well, she makes us laugh anyway!!! Anyway, I have come back with a whole load of new stock which will be uploaded early next week. A lot of it is for kits so you may not see some of it just yet. Speaking of kits...did I mention the June kit comes out tomorrow at midnight....!

NSD Crop Pictures (we did have a giggle!)

2008-05-12T21:52:00.000+01:00

All things shiny

2008-05-10T08:33:00.000+01:00

I went to the local shops yesterday, and as I had Amber, my sister, with me, I was able to pop into a shop that I have walked past a hundred times, desperate to go in, but one of "those" shops that you just can't go into with a child like Maddie. For those of you who don't know "mad" Maddie, we call her the Human Pinball/Car Crash. So, picture the lovely tiny shop fully of pretty, breakable things, and you can probably imagine why it's taken me six months to get in there. Anyway, I treated myself to a Momji doll. I have wanted to start collecting these for months and months, so I bought my first yesterday. It's Cherries, which says I collect buttons and like Elton John. Both of which I do, so I was chuffed to bits with it. I also bought Cam some goofy eyes, which have caused hysterics this morning. If you're local to Bromsgrove you must pop into Shiny on the High Street. It's a fab little shop with all sorts of beautiful pretty things, lovely wooden childrens toys and all sorts of interesting and unusual nick-nacks.

On a more relevant note, Sarah has been busy doing some lovely projects with the Crate Paper Taylor collection for me. I have both Taylor and Samantha on special offer at the moment, and will be putting together a mini-kit using Taylor - perfect for Fathers Day projects. So watch this space.

Croptastic!

2008-05-09T10:48:00.000+01:00

Well, the past week has been so crazy! First of all, we had the NSD Crop on Saturday. Our celebrity guest arrived safely, and helped me set up the hall ready! It was a beautiful day, but still all my lovely ladies turned up and got stuck into the challenges! Rachael cleaned up really, winning the main raffle prize, and then a little prize for taking part in the challenge. Lisa got the most challenge points but she wasn't allowed to win so Sue won that prize - well done Sue and thanks for taking part! I was extremely touched to see one of my old school friends (no I don't mean she's old, but I have known her for more than 20 years!), with her other half! It was so sweet of her as not only do they not scrapbook, but they had come up from London to collect her new engagement ring, and on such a lovely day they could have been doing a million other things. Anyway, they got stuck in and made a double page LO documenting their recent trip to Paris, where Clara got down on one knee at the top of the Eiffel Tower! It was lovely to see them. I have to say, the amount of support from unlikely people has been amazing. I couldn't do this without Lisa's help, and even Jon (who is worse than useless at home, yet I couldn't do the crop without him!). I was very touched this week to see Rachael who had a stinking cold, come twice in one week to my crop, and also Deb whose poor husband drives her a long way. Lu, another school friend and her MIL, Sue - who made the effort to come to both crops. And of course Lu who you can always rely on to show support, and as I said, Clara and Steve - thankyou!!! Anyway, I have rambled a bit. Photos will come later. Oh yes! and quote of the day comes from Deb's husband, on the subject of scrapbooking. (I don't know if it was the way she told it, but this has tickled me every day since!). "I don't understand why you want to do it, love, but if it makes you happy....." !!!!! So then onto last night's crop.... Fab little page kit, with Deb winning a little prize - Sue won the main raffle. A big hello to our new scrapper, Marsha, who spends far too much time planning a LO, by the end of the night I was saying "Marsha, just glue SOMETHING!!!" But she finished the evening with a beautiful LO ready for framing for her best friend's daughter. We all had white wine spritzers with biscuits (!). Next month, June 19th, I am doing Pimms and cheese & biccies. This is the most civilised crop ever!!!!

Finally, lots of new stock in/coming in.... see the site for details!!!

Get stuck in the new stock!!

2008-05-07T23:04:00.000+01:00

I plan to write a longer post tomorrow, with a run-down of the NSD crop last saturday, but just wanted to put a little one in now telling you all about all the lovely new stock I have ordered this week. Very tired and late, so will just give you a quick run-down: lots of 7Gypsies tags, Cosmo Cricket collection packs - Cogsmo, Get Happy, Honeypie, Biography, Tinkering Ink papers - 2 ranges, bits and pieces left over from May Kit (did I mention this sold out in under 72 hours?!), rub-ons, stickers, ribbons, metal embellishments and more.....!!! Enjoy!!

Love, Elsie - Claire

2008-04-30T11:28:00.000+01:00

I LOVE the Love, Elsie ranges, I know I've said that before. But last night I decided to use something just for me - not for a kit, or project, so I dug out some of the new Love Elsie Claire, and my Cricut (can you tell ?!), and here is a little LO I have done of Maddie and her wicked sense of style!

Mad about machines!

2008-04-29T21:08:00.000+01:00

I am crazy about the new Sassafras ranges, and adore the Robotics. Haven't had much time to play recently, but I did throw together this card for my friend's little boy. What little boy doesn't love robots??? You can find all the Robotics range here

Too sunny to scrap!

2008-04-27T21:51:00.000+01:00

Well, I have been enjoying a well-deserved couple of "days off". I have been so busy this month, and there is a little lull before I know it's going to go crazy again later in the week, with the release of the May kit and then the 2 crops coming up. Anyway, so I have been chilling out a bit, and yesterday was just so beautiful and warm, we spent the whole day in the garden - right up until about 8-9pm, drinking beer/wine, kids playing, fire in the fire bowl. The children were filthy at the end of the day but they had such a great time. And so did we! Good friends and happy children - it doesn't get much better these days!!!

So anyway, i don't have any new projects to post just now, but tomorrow I am going to start preparing for the crop and dig out some photos of me (horror!). Must also warn you, I have had many people emailing me about the May kit, I just know its going to be a quick sell-out. From July I will be doubling the number of kits available, and I will be putting some thought into making them available for pre-order for non-subscribers too. Right I'm off to bed for my last early night of the week! :)

ps, if you want to see some more sneak peeks of the May kit, look here!

Not much longer to wait....!

2008-04-22T11:10:00.000+01:00

Thought it was about time I gave you a little hint of the May kit, since it's only a week now until it becomes available!

We're singing from the rooftops about this one, it's a real tweet for you!!
Includes papers from the hottest word on the street, here's a sneak peek!!!

Sneaky Peek! And some exciting news!!!

2008-04-17T10:05:00.000+01:00

I have been quite busy organing things this week. First of all, the June kit has now been finalised (no, you're not getting a sneak of that), and actually delivered today which I am VERY excited about. Also, I've been putting some thought into the National Scrapbooking Day Crop, which is, in case you didn't know, Saturday 3rd May, 12-5, Fairfield Village Hall, Bromsgrove. I have now sorted out a crop kit (and yes this is the sneaky peek you get!). It is, of course, based around pink and black, and obviously (!) there's some bling in there too (lots actually!). Some of my ladies complain that they don't get to do much pink scrapping, maybe because they only have sons, etc, so I have decided that the challenge, if you wish to take it, is to use the kit with the them of "you", (or "me" whichever way you look at it!). i.e a project about yourself. Now for me this requires quite a bit of planning as I have no photos of me and the ones I do have I hate. So this is why I wanted to let you know now, to give you some time to prepare. I'm not going to show you the complete kit yet, but here is a little taster. It will be priced £6.50 which gives you a big saving, and of course it's totally optional (if you can take your hands off it that is!).

Oh and my exciting news!! Well we have a special guest coming to the crop, she has bought her ticket, but has had to pay an awful lot more than you lot to get here....! Yes, my sister, who I am forever talking about and referring to, is coming all the way from Germany! I am so pleased, not just because she will actually be here, but also so that you all believe she actually exists - I am always saying "Lisa's got this, lisa's done that. Lisa says this...."! Now you'll get to meet her! So I thought I would also put into the challenge for the day extra points for an "international flavour"!

Anyway, more details to follow on the challenges and crop etc, watch this space!

OMG I think I need a lie-down!!!

2008-04-15T19:39:00.000+01:00

Seriously. I am SOOOOOOOO excited. I waited in all morning, and finally, the doorbell rang and here it is, my Cricut Expression!! I have been wanting one since I very first started scrapbooking and finally I have one here on my desk!!! I have had the girls with me all day so I haven't had a huge play, but still managed to print out many many flowers and lots of silly words, and of course the word Bellaboo!!!

Good Time Girls!!!

2008-04-12T11:31:00.000+01:00

Maybe I shouldn't use that as a title, I have a feeling it means something quite different from what I mean! But what I mean is, we had a great time at the crop on thursday and all the ladies who came were great fun!! Rachael managed to sniff out my new Rusty Pickle kit within seconds of being in the hall!!! And Anne just loved everything!! We had a couple of new scrappers who got stuck in and produced some beautiful LOs. I spent far too much time chatting and gossiping to achieve much, but I did almost complete a double LO. Some finishing touches yet to come, but here it is: You can find these cute papers from Sassafrass Lass on the website here. The raffle was won by Karen, and I was pleased about that as she is new to the crop and had travelled a long way! Next crop is 3rd May - a Saturday afternoon crop 12-5, please email me for details or see here to buy your tickets. And then the following Thursday, the 8th May.

It's nearly that time again!!!

2008-04-07T12:34:00.000+01:00

It's the 2nd Bellaboo Crop on Thursday night, and I have been busy preparing for it. We have a Bind-It-All demonstration by Anne Jones, and a fab new crop mini-kit for you to look at. Here it is! You get 3 sheets of double-sided Crate Paper, 2 sheets of Bazzill, some Arctic Frog Alphabet Stickers and a handful of Making Memories metal embellishments. All for £5.50!!! That's a big discount!! The kit is optional of course, but Lisa and I will have lots of projects from the kit for you to look at and be inspired by (well, hopefully!). I will also be taking a load of stock, with 10% off any purchases on the night (excluding kits as they are already heavily discounted), and will be taking orders for Bind-It-Alls and accessories. There will also be a raffle for a fab little prize - your name will automatically be entered upon payment of entrance fee, but you can buy extra tickets if you want to.

Anyway, it would be fab to see you there, I can squeeze a couple more people in still, email me if you're interested!

More of the same.....but how can I resist???

2008-04-01T11:24:00.000+01:00

I just ADORE these papers from Rusty Pickle, and really I should be working on the May Kit for Bellaboo and the April crop kit, but I just can't tear myself away....

I'm In LOVE!!!!

2008-03-29T08:35:00.000Z

Yep I am sure I have said that before on here, but it's something that happens often - falling in love that is. (A couple of weeks ago it was my new hoover, think I need to get out more???). Anyway, I have finally got my hands on the Rusty Pickle Pirate Princess range which I have been admiring on my shelves for ages. I had some gorgeous photos of Bella developed and thought it was really time to treat myself to those beautiful papers. So here they are!!! (Oh and you can see the whole range in the shop, here!)

Phew - it's all over!

2008-03-26T19:52:00.000Z

Goodness me! Easter was like Christmas this year - bins overflowing, bottles everywhere, too much food and alcohol, presents everywhere, family arguments - the lot!!! It's taken me until today to get the house straight-ish!!! There wasn't much time for scrapping (well, none actually!), but the website was busy with lots of orders, and as Lisa was over we did some work in the "shop" putting together the April crop kit (Crate Paper, Arctic Frog, Making Memories), finishing up the May kit and adding the final touches to the April kit newsletter (out next week!). Bella is well away on her feet which is sometimes good, but at other times a nightmare! Lisa and I spent some time taking photos of each other ready for something going on the Scrapdreamie blog this week (keep checking!), I am just waiting for her to finish airbrushing mine.... !! But we all had a lovely easter weekend, hope you did too!

No Boys Allowed!!!!

2008-03-20T10:57:00.000Z

Could the blog BE any more pink and girly???!!! Thanks to Sarah Youde, who has jazzed it up and made it look oh-so-pretty! She is the Blog Queen in my opinion!! I am starting to worry that I am getting a bit obsessed with pink and prettiness though. We are in the process of putting in a new bathroom, and my daughter and I chose pink soap, towels, picture, mat, and then crystal-y beakers etc. She has hung on the door handle a fluffy heart that says "No Boys Allowed!" (on the back it says "tantrum in progress" which I guess I could always use at some point!). So I might make a new rule, you are only allowed to read my blog if you love pink pretty things!!!

Fab Page-Kit

2008-03-19T22:02:00.000Z

Just realised I didn't post the Crop Mini-Kit LOs that we completed! The details of the kit can be found on the site here and here are the completed LOs...:

And here are Lisa's:

And here is what Katy did (she won a kit!):

Don't get envious...

2008-03-18T10:37:00.000Z

...you can have one too!!! One of our April Kits, "Sweet Envy", I mean. I'm jumping the gun a little bit here as it's not due out for nearly two weeks, but I thought I would give a little sneek peak of a couple of LOs I have done using the kit.

Starting tomorrow, I will also be offering 20% off everything** at bellaboo.co.uk, in celebration of six months in business! 19th September 2007 seems a long long time ago....!!! This will be extended all over Easter, so sit down with a chocolate egg and have a browse round the site. I guarantee it will make you feel less guilty about all that chocolate (you'll feel guilty about all the stash you're buying instead!!!).

** excludes kits, Gift Vouchers and Gift Wrapping.

CROP CROP CROP!!!!

2008-03-14T10:09:00.000Z

I am SO exhausted today! I hardly had ANY sleep last night, because I was on SUCH a HIGH after coming home from the (in case you hadn't heard) FIRST BELLABOO CROP!!!!

Wow, what a success! I had the best evening ever! What a fantastic bunch of girls!!!

OK, let me start at the beginning. First, big thanks to Jon and mum for helping me make the village hall look so.....well....Bellaboo!! Pink and black mats, bagaboos everywhere, loads of stash and kits, lots of drinks etc, it all looked fab.

Then, my first lady, Deb, turned up - wearing pink!!!! I was so chuffed and I felt terrible as when I put to wear something pink, I had forgotten I don't have anything pink anymore! (I will go and buy something and wear it next month I promise!) Although I had got pink knickers on....too much info???!!! Then Rach (wearing pink)...then my oldest school friend Lu with her MIL and a friend, to show some support. And then 3 lovely ladies from Worcester!

We had such a giggle - mainly at Jon. But to be fair, I couldn't have done it without him. He was fab, making drinks, sorting stock and orders, taking photos etc. He announced the result of the raffle (well done Debbie - I think!) and we kept him busy throughout the evening.

I am SO pleased how well it went. For a first time I thought it was great, and I have lots more ladies committed to next month - 10th April. We will do a demo then too, which you can opt in or out of. Next month I will focus on Acrylic and Chipboard, bringing more stock such as cardstock and basics, and again, if you want anything brought just email me beforehand.

I am so grateful to everyone for making the effort to come, so thankyou all! I feel a bit emotional!!!

Sniffle Snuffle

2008-03-09T20:17:00.000Z

It's been a quiet weekend here in the Chance house. Poor Bella has been poorly since last monday, and this weekend has just cried and cried. She must feel so pathetic. Even Maddie hasn't been herself, and I have been sniffling and snuffling and feeling sorry for myself. So I haven't had chance to get much done, apart from taking delivery of the May kit (totally FAB!) and some other bits and pieces. The last week or so has been dominated by preparations for the crop. I have been putting together kits, organising tools, deciding what stock to take etc etc. And with the page kit that I put together, Lisa and I have been working on that. The winner of my page kit giveaway, Katy, worked amazingly quickly to produce a lovely LO, which will be featured in a site article next week (actually Katy that's likely to be Friday as I won't put the kit up for sale until after the crop). I am anticipating lots of beginners and many from school, so I threw together a little mini-kit using Doodlebug school products, and did a very quick couple of LOs using 2 Pencil Lines sketches. They are designed to be very quick, simple and easy, and something that a beginner will look at and think "yep, I can do this in an evening". So here they are :

It's a draw!!!

2008-03-03T19:25:00.000Z

Well done KATY! Yep you are quite right, your social life is pants, but hey, staying in is the new going out when you have a Bellaboo Page Kit to play with! Email me your address, the kit is packed up and ready to go!!!

Thanks to all of you who posted a comment! Lisa, you couldn't win, I already sent you a kit:) To everyone else who didn't win, any kits not sold at the crop will be available to buy March 14th. Check back for details on that day and it will be posted on the blog first to give you first refusal!

My busy social life!

2008-02-29T19:05:00.000Z

I am just sat here waiting to go out and realised I hadn't posted for ten days! Sorry! I haven't really been up to much. The day after I posted my LO saying how full of life Maddie is, she fell ill! Nothing serious, she was just sick on the playground!!! So last week I didn't get much scrapping done. I have done a little acrylic album which I am really pleased with, but since it's going to featured on the Scrapping Clearly website in their Designer of the Month feature, I ought to keep it to myself for a bit.....

I have been busy preparing for my first crop, and have put together a lovely page kit, featuring Urban Lily papers.

And tonight I am off out to a PTA Quiz Night! Is this what happens at my age and with children? Is this the kind of Big Night Out I get now??!!! I mean, I will have a great night - wine, nibbles and lots of good friends, but it's hardly a hard night on the tiles 'til 3am is it?!

If you think your social life is even more pants than mine, leave me a post telling me why, and why you deserve to win one of the page kits I have put together for the crop. Here's a sneak peek:

I will contact one lucky winner after the weekend!

LOVE that Basic Grey stuff!

2008-02-19T10:05:00.000Z

I have been hoarding a pile of Basic Grey Blush for a while now, have used a tiny bit of it, but I love it SO much I was scared to cut into it. But I noticed a post on Becks Fagg's blog the other day, asking for LOs made just from BG products, so I did this one last night. I just adore that aqua blue which goes so well with the sky in the photo. It took me ages to cut out all the little shapes I have layered at the bottom, but I am so pleased with the result. The journaling basically talks about how much enthusiasm Madeleine has for everything, she's always happy and everything is always "mega"! If you know what I mean. She is fearless and throws herself into everything - she absolutely LOVES LIFE!!!