That's what it feels like.....I've completely switched off this crimbo and totally had fun and relaxed along with sorting and clearing...with the exception of my craft room....that's going to take far too long... And yes I know I have a shop for of craft, but I do also have a little private haven in my home....I know, I'm greedy :) :) I hope you all had a gorgeous and memorable Christmas. I'll be starting the New Year off with a little video tutorial (watch this space), but to keep you going, here's a little taster of what Nina has to offer on one of her Wednesday classes in January.... A neat little trick using the Distress Stains. Happy New Year EVERYONE Hugs Marion xxxx - Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
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Here's a small selection of some of the beautiful cards and gifts that some of our customers made us. The rest have been hung by the chimney with care.....did you see what I did there LOL !!! And now these are going to take their rightful place So for the last time before Christmas, as I'm busy baking...I know !!!! Baking !!!! Wonders never cease (I'll probably post my efforts on the Facebook page, if you've not already 'liked' us, pop on over ..... http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sugar-and-Spice-Crafts/162543113808241?ref=hl and give us a click.) So without further ado ....... All of us at Sugar and Spice would like to wish you ....... ALL A VERY MERRRRRRRY CHRISTMAS.....HO HO HO !!!! Big Christmassy hugs Marion xxx - Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
When you need a card in a hurry, this is your one... It's one of my favourite designs, I first did this card a few years ago, but without embossing powder, now I ONLY do it with embossing powder, it really makes it POP !!! All you need is the following:- 5" square card Scrap card for the baubles and sentiment Ribbon and not forgetting your fabulous Blizzard and Collage stamps and the gorgeous Caribbean Jewels Limited Edition Set Ink up your Blizzard Stamp and on a scrap piece of card stamp the design, then using your two favourite colours out of the Limited Edition Set, sprinkle the two colours over the design, shake off the excess and heat set. From this, punch out two circles. These can then be mounted on the card front, add a bit of thin ribbon, then take two bits of ribbon and tie a knot and stick this just above the bauble. Stamp the word believe from the Collage set and cut into a banner, cut a larger banner and embos...
Ribbon... I'm talking about ! Its funny as when I serve people in the shop and the unknowingly pick out a wired ribbon their initial response is "ooo no, I don't want wired" but when I tell them that wired is better than unwired and the benefits of it, they quickly change their minds, you see it's like getting two for the price of one !!! and who can resist that ??? So when i got sent a couple of wired ribbons from Fantastic Ribbons for this months project, I knew I wanted to use it in it's wired form. We were asked to do wrapping, and after beating out tunes and doing some lyrics, I realised that it was wrapping with ribbon...Of Course DUH !!!!! So I set my mind to work and thought about gift giving and one of the nicest gifts to receive is one thats wrapped beautifully, so much so that it's part of the present. So I took a plain candle and wrapped it in the wide snowflake ribbon , leaving plenty at the top to fold over and make loops with, next I...
It all started with a vintage cotton reel..... Some strips of Pink Paisley Christmas Paper, a scoreboard (gotta love the Martha) a glue gun, a hat pin, some Crafters Companion Sparkle Spray and oh... let's not forget the Glamour Dust !!! Then, most importantly, you take one friend called Helen, who helps you no end and you cut the cardstock into strips from 1/2" wide going up in 1/4" increments to 2.5" score them, stick them together to form a circle, pile them on top of each other, stick it on the cotton reel, all the time using your trusty glue gun, pop a hat pin in the top, then spray with the Sparkle and add Glamour Dust......and there you have it, the perfect little centre piece, in fact you could do baby ones and pop a tag with people's names on them and have them as place settings !!! After this one was complete we knocked up another one for Helen, this time using a little round paper mâché box for the tree to sit on, now she can pop a ...
They're on their way back in......AGAIN...Yay !!! We can't stop ordering these little babies. I think it's one of the dies of the year, for me anyway, and I think all of you who got them will agree. You can make the quickest, simplest cards for any occasion...love it !!!! I know they're not going to last long again, that's why I'm giving you the heads up, as soon as they land I'll get them back up on the website :) :) This Friday from 4pm is the Barlaylands Christmas Shopping Event, they'll be carollers, Santa, an auction, demos and LOTS, LOTS more going on. So pop on over if you're down this way This Saturday is our FREE CLASS day, our little way of saying thank YOU for all your support, we really do appreciate it :) :) I'm going to be showing you how to mix your own WOW Embossing Powder colour and you'll be leaving with a gorgeous little card. We've got NEW classes for December and January up on the site...you can check them out here......
Where do I begin ????? Well, I suppose I should start with a reminder that it's the Sugar and Spice Customer Market Event TOMORROW (Saturday24th November) this is our second event and if the first one was anything to go by it's gonna be a corker !!! Join us between 10am and 4pm There's so much yummy stash to be grabbed and sooooo much of it is BRAND NEW !!! I still remember the lady at the last one, filled three big baskets and it only came to just over £30.00 ...now that's not bad is it !!! Now, while you're in the shop tomorrow, you'll be in the right place at the right time, as we have the Amazing WOW Limited Edition Embossing Powder Kits BACK IN STOCK.... these were the ones we demonstrated at Ally Pally - You just LOVED them... You can view them on the website HERE and see them in all their colour glory...but just to whet your appetite here's a little sneak ... along with some new stamp designs and re-stocks of the FABULOUS, and anyone wh...
This month for Fantastic Ribbons we were asked to do something re: Christmas Home Decor.....and....well...OK this may not be exactly home decor, but it is decorative and in my home...so I thought it counts !!! Every Christmas I promise myself I'm going to get organised, but with a hefty work load and my brain just not what it used to be, I'm finding myself writing things down more - So, what could be nicer than jotting down all my christmas notes, recipes and tips in this gorgeous little note pad and furthermore with all those yummy ribbons hanging off of it, I'm going to find it easily, The photo's not brill (sorry Kirsty) but if you look closely you can see that I've taken a length of ribbon and about a third up folded it back on itself to make a loop, this gives it a nice bit of dimension, layer each piece up and there you have it....Now to fill in my first page. Hugs Marion xxx
That title above should be my middle name.... even if I try and go grungy, I just can't do it. so I'll stick to what I love :) :) This card can work for so many occasions, and these are the sort I like to have a stock pile of, ready to whip one out when need be. The technique is simple the WOW Embossing Powders are effective. Take 2 pieces of square white card, one smaller than the other, it's up to you what size you want to do this. and attach the smaller one on top of the larger one with repo adhesive, ink up your WOW Brocade Clear Stamp using Versamark Ink (other inks are available, but we LOVE this one) !! keeping your stamp on the table facing up, lay your card on top of the stamp and rub all over the back of the card to transfer the ink, then using the NEW WOW Caribbean Jewels Embossing Glitter Kit (available at Sugar and Spice NOW !!!!) pinch and sprinkle one colour over the stamped design, shake off, then taking another colour from the set pou...
Whilst I have been missing, off this blog anyway, I've certainly been in action !!! For the last 5 days I've been away with the team from WOW Embossing Powder, at the NEC in Birmingham, teaching, demoing and generally chatting away to their customers for them....it's all been good fun, tiring but really enjoyable at the same time. Here's two of the cards I designed for the classes This one was showing how to mix your own colour embossing powder and make embellies with the fabulous Melt-IT. Here, we embossed over embossing over embossing and then made more little embellies, again with the Melt-IT... the classes were so successful we sold out of some product so I had to quickly (and I mean quickly) do a new design for the last day...keeps me on me toes !!! Next year we definitely need a bigger classroom !!! It was great to see so many of you there and thanks for not only supporting me at Sugar and Spice but also in my role for WOW Hugs Marion xxx - Posted using BlogPress ...
Well, as they say better late than never, it's taken quite a while to get here, but got here it has...SNAP! that is. Not quite sure what SNAP'S! all about ? ...Read on..... Are you a Scrapbooker, Card Maker, Project Lifer or Smasher ? If you answered yes to any of the above then this stash is for YOU :) :) It's one of the simplest, stylish and easiest products that I've worked with. You literally put a project together in a SNAP! Here's a simple layout I did last night...it took about 20 mins, and most of that was choosing the photos LOL !! Next is a card and although it's been made using the Color Vibe Collection, you can see how easily it works for christmas. All I have to do now is go buy a gift card to slide in the front pocket. I'm thinking on teaching some classes on this quick and simple style of crafting so if anyone's interested, just contact me. Right I'm off for a play day (Yes I'll be using my SNAP!) ...
Sunday 11th November ????? Then why not come along to Barb's fabulous Xmas Card Class at 10am.... You'll be making 4 stunning cards, all with a christmas theme. Hurry spaces are going QUICK !!! If you want to book, just call 01268 530933 Oh and did I mention it's only £15.00 !!!! THE SUGAR AND SPICE CUSTOMER MARKET EVENT This takes place on 24th November, so if you want to sell all your old stash and get some Sugar and Spice Gift Vouchers to spoil yourself with then contact us for the details. We've only got a few selling spaces left....HURRY..... Our two top sellers of the last event walked away with £92.50 and £86.00 respectively in vouchers...not bad for stash they no longer used !!! Hugs Marion xxx
This month for Fantastic Ribbons we had to incorporate sewing in our project....Well, I thought and thought and though and came up a project sewing with the Bakers Twine...BUT ALAS...I didn't have any...thats what I get for coming up with a design before I looked in my box of lushness. So I reverted to doing a favourite of mine....making flowers !!! I went for the simplest of designs and taking the gorgeous lace , I did a running stitch along the very bottom of the lace and gathered it up in a circle and placed it between the brad and paper flower that I'd previously coloured, I also run a length along the card stock, just so I had another excuse to use it. !!! Lace adds such a softness to your projects, I think it should be law that it's used on 90% of everything you make :) :) So although it's a very simple design, it works for so many occasions Hugs Marion xx
Now, you know I love making flowers and sharing the makings with you. Well today is no exception :) :) I've just done a video tutorial on this little flower of lushness.... It's so simple to do...as with all my projects... hee hee !!! You can view it here.... Things have been really busy at the shop.... and we really THANK YOU for that :) :) I'm ordering more Pan Pastels, couldn't quite believe how quick they went. Also looking to do a demo day on them and share the fun. Keep you're eyes peeled for the date. We've got some fabbi classes coming up for you, Barb's got THE most gorgeous project that you all just NEED, Nina's done some AMAZING christmas cards and I'm doing a YUMMY mini album, you can check out the dates etc on the website ...although Barb's and Nina's aren't on there yet....I know, I know, I need to get my finger out, I promise they will be on on Tuesday :) :) My three NEW stamp designs have so...
I'm a VERY BAD blogger !!!! Where have I been ???? It seems like I was at Ally Pally, then everything just merged into one and the days just flew by !!! And here I am now :) :) So what's gone on since Ally ? Well, we've finally taken delivery of the fabulous MINI Martha Boards....yes, you heard right...mini ones, oh my they are so cute !!! We've all but sold out of all the extra WOW stash we had in, I'll have to see if they'll let me have some more, I have to say I think it's been one of our best offers EVER.. Our NEW stamps have come back in stock, although there's not many left again !! I just heard yesterday that the moulds are coming back in stock in next Tuesday, including the gorgeous button and clock ones :) :) And now for the big reveal.....hopefully, by this weekend we will have the fabulous Pan Pastels in stock. Oh my, these are absolutely wonderful to work with, I was introduced to them by the wonderful Lynne Gilbert...and yes, we are working ...
This weekend sees us at Ally Pally, I love this show, it's so much fun and its great meeting with new and old friends (and sharing our choccies with you) We've got some amazing stash, as usual. We always bring you the latest and greatest to the shows and this weekend is no exception, we have so much yummy stash it makes me want to squeal :) :) If you're coming, we're stand number 25, pop along and say hi. I don't think this is one of my best shots, but I took a panoramic photo with my phone of the stand yesterday, I think I may have moved too quick, but it'll give you an idea. Hope it's there :) :) Hugs Marion xxx
At last we've managed to pick the winning numbers....Drum roll please.......................... 2272240 2272227 2272236 2272228 If you're a lucky winner, just pop in with your winning ticket and claim your prize. Hugs Marion xx
That you NEED as well as WANT... I know it's bad isn't it, want or need, but I'm sorry in this case it's BOTH.!!!! I had to wait a while to get this particular die in and the wait was worth it, I'm so chuffed with it. We have some in the shop and are trying to order more for Ally Pally. They're going to be HOT, HOT, HOT !!! Here's a couple of stills followed by a You Tube Vid, just to make it easy for you Enjoy Hugs Marion xxx
This month at Fantastic Ribbons we all got to play with Washi Tape...well that was like giving sweets to a toddler.... I LOVE LOVE LOVE Washi. We (the design team) told each other what we were going to do and OH boy, you'll need to keep in touch with the blog as they have got some amazing ideas...Esp..SJ....so cool. Anyhoo's, I decided to part cover a book with mine, but I also thought Id have a little experiment, so I covered some white Bazzill Card stock with it and then die cut out a couple of flourishes, it wasn't the colour I wanted to I coloured it with Pro Markers...Perfect, it worked!!! and the joy is you can still see the pattern through it, then I wanted to make a flower, I know, I try and make flowers out of anything, but this was FAB, I just started with a circle of Bazzill and then started pleating and sticking as I went round, I did a couple of layers and then added a yummy button to finish it off. Quick tip: if you make an embellie from it and don...
To celebrate our 9th birthday... Yes 9 !!!! WOW where did that go ??? We'd like to invite you to our FREE make and take, we're going to teach you to make a gorgeous fabric flower. You'll love it!!! Plus we're giving away FREE raffle tickets for some super prizes. AND..... On top of that we're getting ALL the NEW yummy stash out ready for you to be the first to get your hands on it, before it goes off to Ally Pally !!! So join us tomorrow (Wednesday) 5th September between 4pm and 7pm. See you there Hugs Marion xxx
Saturday 1st September is SALE DAY....Woooooo Hoooooo !!! Come on down and grab yourself a BARGAIN Hugs Marion xx
Have just done a sneak peek of one of the yummy projects were going to be doing on THE Retreat, on our Facebook page, then I felt guilty in case you guys don't get to see it...so here goes....... Enjoy Hugs Marion xxx Enjoy Hugs Marion xxx
Don't forget, this Saturday is SALE DAY....save yourself an amazing 20% off everything, with the usual exceptions, you know the rules ;) Let's make lots of room for all the lushness hitting the shelves for our birthday event. So come and grab yourself a bargain and stock up on all those essentials betwee 10am and 5pm See you there :) :) Hugs Marion xxx
Well the lines went live this morning and we're already over half full....Thanks ladies :) :) #justsaying Hugs Marion xx
See I knew it wouldn't take long..... It's not even in Hertfordshire it's in BUCKINGHAMSHIRE - still just off the M25 and YES we did go there, but you know what it's like two blonde birds and a sat nav... we were happy !!! Anyhoo's here's the link to it so you can see the luxury for yourselves http://www.deverevenues.co.uk/locations/latimer-place.html Hugs Marion xx
For those of you who aren't on our newsletter, this is just to be fair so that you all get a looksie.... Well we've FINALLY gone and done it !!! Booked the hotel, and it's rather LUSH, if I may say so myself !!! So if you're interested in coming to our FIRST ever retreat then read on: * You will make a minimum of 4 LUSH projects to take home and admire * There will be prize giveaways and LOTS of FUN * Option to crop on the Saturday evening * Set in a beautiful hotel in the Buckinghamshire countryside * Easy access from the M25 * Accommodation Saturday night, please note all rooms are single occupancy * Unlimited, tea, coffee, biscuits and fruit * Saturday 2 course buffet lunch * Saturday 3 course evening meal * Sunday breakfast * Sunday 2 course buffet lunch * Our own dedicated craft room * Sugar and Spice Shop (Yay) !!! * Access to leisure facilities, includes, swimming pool and gymnasium WHEN IS IT .......... 11th/12th M...
....To book your place on Kirsty's Card Class at Sugar and Spice. Oh my, she's just sent me through the sneaks and they look soooooo LUSH, we expect nothing less from her, the woman is a card maker extraordinaire Here's a few sneaks I'll share with you... She teaches you how to get the most out of your products..... So if you want to be on one OR two of her classes (she's here ALL day) then choose either morning or afternoon OR both, as they are both different. The morning session is 3 cards and a papercraft bag (Delicious) the afternoon session is 3 cards and a pizza box...yes you read right, this is so cute !!! So all you need to do to grab your place is be free on SATURDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER from 10am and then call the shop on 01268 530933 AND the best thing is they are only £15.00 per session... I know !!!!!! FAB Right !! Hugs Marion xxx
This month's blog post for Fantastic Ribbons is all about sewing..... Well, you know me, any excuse to make flowers !!! So here's a gorgeous, quick and simple flower to make to embellish any of your favourite projects. I used the 33mm wide Becky Gingham in Burgundy, you can find it HERE , it's a fab ribbon to use as it has a slight stiffness to it, that holds the "petals". The first thing you want to do is cut a petal shape from the ribbon, I cut mine freehand but you could always make a template. Cut 5 petals then using a running stitch, stitch them all in a line leaving some thread either end. Then pull so they all gather together and tie the ends of the threads. For the centre I used the Satin Edge Organza, you can find it HERE , this time I did a running stitch but in a zig zag Then, exactly the same, leave some thread either end and then pull, and again, tie off, this gives the most scrunchy flower effect, perfect for centres and the satin ed...
Today..... Myself and Mrs P are mainly on a road trip checking out suitable venues. That's all .... Hugs Marion xxx
Well, since I've been back from the States, the sun's shone a bit .... on and off, but that didn't put me off making a Mini Pocket Album to share in a class. It's got so much colour and many wonderful techniques in it and you even get a yummy full set of Alphas from Clever Handmade (Heidi Grace to me and you) :) :) I've just put it up on the website under October Classes, so if you want to book just give us a ring. Addi's been busy setting the table out for the Sugar and Spice Customer Event...it starts tonight at 4pm...so much lushness, at unbelievable prices !!!! The Scrapbooking for Beginners Course is starting on the 8th September for 6 weeks, so places have already been taken, so if you want to get on this give us a ring Kirsty Wiseman is gracing us with her presence on the 1st September to do some amazing card making classes .... one day ONLY...get yourself booked in NOW !!! Oh... and a quick reminder, Nina's doing some great kids class...
An inch and a half.... that's all we were allowed to use on our project for this months (just snuck in) design on the Fantastic Ribbons Blog. Now, I love ribbon and the more the merrier, but oh no, not this month !!! my initial thought was a ribbon tree, I made these some years ago and taught them in classes, much to the disgust of some of my students, you shall remain nameless Lyn !!!! LOL, but I spied Kirsty playing around with one, so instead went for the safe option of a card....I know YAWN, YAWN...but you never know it may inspire someone to keep all their little bits of ribbon :) :) Hugs Marion xxx
I was asked while in the States recently, if I would do a couple of videos for Tear Mender Glue and the answer was, of course, a resounding YES !!! I love the stuff. Not only is it a fab fabric glue that should always be on hand at home but, it's an amazing glue for the craft industry, it makes fabric flowers in seconds and any excess on your fingers just rubs away - no trace !!! love it !!! So sit back and enjoy a couple of quick and easy tutorials.... and this one ..... Enjoy Hugs Marion xxx
The days to our Fabulous Sugar and Spice Customer Market Event...Are you coming ??? This is your chance to grab yourself some amazing bargains at unbelievable prices.. WHEN ??? Thursday 2nd August 4pm - 8pm Saturday 4th August 10am - 4pm The boxes are of goodies are piling up... We've got everything, from stamps, to papers, to multi packs, to kits, to scrapbook albums, to flowers to punches...These girls have had a good clearout and it's all for you to fill your boots with at fabbi dabbi prices - here's just one that's caused a LOT of interest So put a note in your diary and MAKE A DATE !!!! See you there Hugs Marion xx
Well, in a few hours we'll be up in the air on route to London :( :) sort of happy/sad !!! Why is it that even though we're panicking as our suitcases are full to the brim and rather heavy I might add, that we still whizz into the mall to pick up a few 'last minute bits'. Hope the Virgin ladies are in a happy mood :) :) Anyhoo's, we had to make one last trip to the Cheesecake Factory, well it would be rude not to!!! I had my favourite sandwich there, (chicken salad, but this is no ordinary chicken salad) They call it a sandwich but it fills you up like a three course meal !! To wash it down I had a rather yummy raspberry lemonade drink. I couldn't eat all my sandwich so I wasn't allowed a cheesecake, but Rick let me have a spoonful of his Red Velvet Cheesecake.. I probably couldn't eat all my sandwich as I pigged out beforehand on the gorgeous malt bread... Oh my it's delish. So with bellies full we will make haste to the airport and pray for su...