HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE

wishing everyone at Dabblers a very Happy New Year and all the best for 2010

see you all in February at the next Dabblers

love from

Lesley x x

Merry christmas Dabblers

We Wish You a Merry♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪ Christmas♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪We Wish You a Merry ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪Christmas ♥ ♥ ♥WeWish You A Merry ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪Christmas ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪...And A Happy New Year!♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪... :)

Lesley x x

A bit of Christmas cheer

Fuddle at Dabblers

Hi Everyone

Hope you all have a fantastic time tonight really sad to be missing a get together will you all. It is ages since I managed to get to a Dabblers - October to be precise. Really looking forward to seeing you all in the New Year.

best wishes to you all and have a great evening :)

Lesley x

Our last 2009 Night at the Arena

Got home from work yesterday and finished off the cupcakes for the Fuddle last night. It was a mad dash to get out of the house but phew, I made it. There were nine of us (and the fly) at the Arena and we had a lovely night.

We made a bag, a sour cream container, a party favour and a box with a lovely flower on it. Everyone brought in so many goodies to eat and the Christmas carols played in the background for a while (I forgot to change the CD).

Here are some photos of the night.

This was our last meeting at the Arena for 2009 and I want to thank everyone for making it such a lovely evening.

Unfortunately I wont be at the next couple of get together's but they will still be taking place. Jacqui has kindly offered to take in the milk and goodies. Hopefully we will get some pictures of the events too.

Cards for the Troops in Afganistan update

Big thank you to Jackie.

These are the cards that Jackie dropped off to me last weekend - they joined those from Paula and are now winging there way to Afganistan via Michelle over at http://www.challengeaddict.blogspot.com

Any one wanting to give me further donations I'm happy to forward them onto Michelle

Have a great time on the 20th at Arena Ilkeston as I'll not be able to join you

Lesley x x

Remember our Service men and women past and present

Sakaura Glue Pens are back in stock

Yep there are some available, phew just in time for Christmas. They are £2.30 each which is still cheaper than most places.

Cards for the Troops in Afganistan

I want to say a big thank you to Paula who gave me 8 'HOME' cards and 'Bug' cards to post to Shell over at http://www.challengeaddict.blogspot.com for her to forward to the Troops out there.

I will be sending further parcels to her so don't worry those of you that have promised me some cards to donate - I won't be at Dabblers in November but I will contact you to arrange collection.

many thanks to the donations I've already recieved and those Dabblers that have promised me donations

Lesley

VOLUNTEERS WANTED

Another month is just flying by and soon, Santa will be here.

Is there a Derby Dabbler volunteer to look after the blog? Someone who can nip in a couple of times a week to update the blog, post the comments and tell everyone else what's happening and when.

Hands up please

Cards Wanted for our troops in Afganistan

Shell over at Challenge addicts blog spot is collecting card to send off to our troops out in Afganistan and our USA crafters have been doing this for ages - and I've been looking out for some one that does this in England for ages now I've found someone. The US system is that the cards are available free though the Pardre's - but will e-mail Shell to find out more.

I thought it would be great if everyone from Dabblers could send a couple of cards - so pass the word.

http://www.challengeaddict.blogspot.com

It would make me very happy if we all could support this cause - as you may or not be aware my son Matthew spent 2 tours of 6 months in Iraq and it was an extremely worrying time for our family and the conflict in Afganistan is much worse with troops dying daily.

Hope you feel able to support this cause

Lesley x

Thank you Paula

Hi

hope you all had a good time at Arena last Friday - missed you all. At the last Dabbler I came to Paula bought some items that she cleared out and I picked up some Hero border stamps - which I have used them on several projects so far.

I really would like so I'd like to say a big thank you to Paula.

well TTFN hope you all have a great week

Lesley x

This sum's me up!!!!

I saw this on a blog and I thought I love white Zinfendal or Cabernet D'Anjou the French equivalent and I couldn't resist posting it!!! My other favourite French wine is a white Bordeaux or Bergerac both of which are Moelleux.

Have a great weekend to anyone who reads this post

TTFN

Lesley x

Scap Box

Just take a look at this what a wonderful invention

http://www.theoriginalscrapbox.com/

Lesley x

Catch Up

Had a lovely time at Dabblers on Friday but missed quite a few regular faces. Hope the holidays went well for those who were lucky enough to be on holiday and trust that those who werent well are soon feeling better. We also missed those that just couldnt make it for one reason or another and look forward to catching up with you soon.

WHO WANTS PIZZA - I am going to order pizza for tea at the next Derby Dabblers in November. If you would like to have tea at 6.15 can you let me know please and I will add you to the list below. The cost will be divided by those that are ordering. Menus etc will be discussed via email in advance.

Diners

- Tracey

- Karen

- Anne

If your name is on the list and you cant make it, please let me know by 5.30 on the night. Thanks

CHRISTMAS FUDDLE

Okay I know its a bit early for Christmas but dont want to leave it to the last minute. Thought it would be a good idea if we all became "Cakerers" for the evening. That is if everyone who comes on the night could bring a little something to eat, sweet or savory, homemade or shop purchased. Doesnt really matter. As we get closer to the night I will try and let you all know who is coming along.

FUDDLERS

-Tracey

- Anne

SECRET SANTA

If you would like totake part in the secret santa will you let me know please. I will start off a list below, and keep adding to it every time someone gets in touch. I will also put a little reminder in the November newsletter.

PARTICIPANTS

- Tracey

- Anne

As most of you are aware, I love to purchase 12 x 12 paper and card, take it out occassionaly (not too often in case it gets damaged), I ooohhh and rrrrr over it, give it a little stroke and feel, and then put it away till next time.

Well, amazingly enough, I have actually cut some today and used it and even put it on cards. Just to prove it

Dah dah

I even used shrink plastic for this card......perhaps the colours werent quite right

The papers are from a new range in Stampin Up and I am just loving them......

Enough from me. Have a great week and please please please, feel free to post on the blog

Some more holiday snaps

Here are a few more holiday snaps from my trip to Cyprus. It was lovely being with my daughters and we had lots of laughs.

This is the villa we stayed in, it was quite impressive. Photo taken at night.

On our girlie day shopping

trip we came to a compromise with Paul, he could visit the local beer factory in the morning and then join us for shopping in the afternoon. Plans didnt quite work out but the girls and I met Paul after his tour in the "tasting room". Lesley would have loved this, (not sure who the lady in white is though).

Next it was the new shopping centre, we started off at the bottom (three floors of shops) and that is where the toilets were. We were thrilled to find the ice skating rink on the bottom floor

as well

Here we are on our way up to the shops The new shopping centre was advertised as having over 120 retail outlets, ohh we were so excited.

What all the advertisements forgot to mention was that there were facilities for over 120 outlets, with approx 30 being occupied. There were 4-5 cafes there as well, oops. But we did manage to get handbags at bargin prices and we all had a lovely linch at TGIFs. A good day in the end .

The weather was great apart from a couple of afternoon showers. Of course if you are going to get wet in the rain, you may as well be in the pool as well

that is what paul believes, and just to prove it

Here is the most recent pictures of the girls

I am back from my holiday

Thought I would share with you some pics of a few bars Joe and In visited whilst in France

best wishes to everyone

Lesley x x

Our very own Karen

This is the blog candy on offer where our very own talented Karen from Dabblers is part of their design team. http://sophisticatchallenges.blogspot.com

Crich Tramway Museum

this is a recent picture taken at the Tramway Museun at Crich BH Sunday when the weather was very wet!!!

but we all had a great day despite the weather

Lesley x

HELP

Does anyone know where I could get a die cut to make chest style favour boxes

Your help in this quest would be so much appreciated.

Hope you all have a great night tonight at the Dabblers Derby sorry I cannot be there with you all.

Lesley x

Phew its hot

Arrived safe and sound but phew, its hot. Had a great couple of days with girls and caught up with latest boyfriends etc. Paul and I have a few hours to ourselves so what do I do? find the internet cafe.

Happy crafting

Tracey

WOOHOO !

I made it onto a Design Team for a new Challenge blog called Sophisti-cats. 1st challenge 7th Sept. I can't wait WOOHOO !
There's plenty going off already over there with candy and Steve's cryptic craft quiz. If you get chance pop along and take a look.

Hope to see some of you there on the 7th. WOOHOO ! Am a little excited can you tell ? !

Love Karen xxx

Last Friday at Dabblers

I was a little late getting to the Arena last Friday but had a great excuse. Paul cooked me steak and I just had to sit down and eat it mmmm. A big difference to the beans on toast I usually have on a Friday crafting evening.

Here is a picture of us all crafting away.

It was lovely to catch up with everyone and whilst I didnt make any cards, I coloured in some images to make cards with.

This is a picture of Becky who, for some reason is always lucky enough to get plenty of table space, which is really a good job. Becky likes to spread all her crafting bits out so she can see what she has got. Well worth it if you see what amazing cards she produces.

I cant make the next Derby Dabblers on 4th September Sandra has very kindly offered to open up. I must remember to give her the "tea box". The theme for the evening is Christmas Card Stamping.

The next Arena evening is on Friday 18th September, which I shall miss too. The theme for that evening is Stamping.

Have great fun crafting and look forward to catching up with all your creations very soon

Dabblers at Arena Ilkeston

Well I had a really good night last night - met up with lots of friends, watched them make beautiful cards - I didn't do much crafting myself though. I did however stamp some images of a VW camper van kindly lent to me by Karen. Pam let me use some sentiments to complete some of my cards. I also looked through a North American SU catalogue along with Pam and several other Dabblers. Brenda who is going over to the States soon has agreed to take small orders as she is having a SU party whilst she is over there. Thank you Brenda. Whislt I didn't do much crafting I had a briliant time chatting to people and watching them create. See you all soon

Lesley x

Dabblers

Off to Dabblers tonight at Arena Ilkeston and really looking forward to it - Pam is picking me up and we are getting some tea on the way!! See you all there soon

Lesley x

Catastrophe last weekendl

Whilst I was out galavanting on Saturday my favourite plant/bush/tree Solanum crispun or Chilean potato tree collapsed. It has been tied up and growing up the side of the shed for the past 4 years and even though it has been cut each year and well cared for the shear weight of it just pulled it away and it broke. Paul tried his hardest to put it back up but no chance so it has been cut to nearly nothing. There are stil some branches and flowers about 10 feet high and we shall just have to see how it gets on over the next few months.

This is the plant that Paul took the cuttings off a couple of weeks ago but it looks as though they aren't taking. Oh well, at least we tried.

Although I thought I wouldnt be able to make it to the Arena this Friday, I can so am look

ing forward to catching up with everyone.

Here are a couple

of photos taken at Debbies Stampin Up party last Friday. I had a really good night and think I may have worked everyone too hard, a

gable box and 3 cards

were produced on the night. And this is Jayne's card.

Baby elephant at Twycross Zoo

This baby elephant born at Twycross Zoo on 8th August 2009

Simples

I went to Twycross Zoo with famliy on Saturday and gues what they have: Yes: 'Simples' and lots of them

what a weekend

Had a lovely evening Friday night at the Dabblers and we missed everyone who couldnt make it. There was glitter everywhere, as well as flying ants (as I shiver). A big thank you to Pam and Christina for the biscuits and goodies.

I managed to have a play with my rollers and was impressed with the results. I will put up pictures as soon as I take them.

Saturday it was shopping and I shopped till I dropped. Met Paul in town for lunch and then he went and purchased a great big garden frog for his pond. It was too heavy to carry round so we left it at the shop until the end of the day. More shopping more walking and eventually we came home, mashed a lovely cup of tea, sat in the garden and then realised.......we had forgotton to pick up froggy. F

inished tea and off we went again.

Sunday was a busy day and we cooked Sunday Lunch and the folks came and we managed to see lots of the family. Paul has taken cuttings off one of our trees for a friend and I am now looking after it in the hopes that it takes. If anyone has any tips for cultivating plants, please let me know.

Sorry the picture is a bit dark

I am really looking forward to Debbie's Stampin Up party on Friday and hope to see lots of people there, until then, have a great week.

OOPPS - for some reason I scheduled this to go out on 10th October???

Hello!

Sorry I missed Dabblers again last night (if you noticed LOL) - I had grandkids all day, and they just pooped me out. Will try to do better next month.

Hope you all enjoyed getting covered in glitter (esp. Jayne of course). Have you all got your snowy glitters ready for Christmas Cards? I have at least three different sorts, so eager to try them and see which ones are most effective.

Enjoy today!

Delivery of essentials

Jayne has had a delivery of essentials which will be at Dabblers on Friday, tape runners, cello bags (by request), foam pads as well as other sticky stuff.

Tracey

UPDATED Jackie has asked for A5 Cello Bags, sorry Jackie A5 weren't ordered this time but it will be added on to the list for the next order

TOP 5 ESSENTIALS

What are your top 5 essentials that you use to craft?

Please add to the list below, if you have time. This will help Jayne when she places the next order. If you dont know how to add to the blog, send me an e-mail and I will try to help

Tracey's are 3d foam, clear sticky tape for inserts, glue pen, glitter, tape runners

What's on in August

Anyone got any idea of any craft shows, workshops, demos or anything else that may be of interest that is happening in August?

I am just trying to get our newsletter together and cant find anything anywhere for August??

Tracey

Shop 'til you drop!

To all the ladies on the mammoth stamp tour tomorrow, I hope you have a wonderful day and find lots of goodies! I'm gutted that I won't be joining you but I think my sister may notice if I'm not at her wedding tomorrow!

See you all soon,

Becky :)

Ilkeston Dabblers at Arena

Yesterday evening was great and well attended. I did some stamping on parchment with a brilliant stamp loaned from Margaret - hopefully with take some pics and put them on the blog at a later date. Karen also lent me her VW camper van to stamp some images out and Pam let me borrow a Penny Black one which I in the process of finishing and hope to put on the blog soon. Thankyou all for lending me your stamps.

Tracey gave me a lesson in using SU crayon's Marvy's and pencil as I still need to perfect my technique for painting/colouring images - many thanks Tracey

I was lovely to see everyone and look at their creations. Hope to see you all there in August.

I also recieved my goodies from SU - can't wait to try them out and my things from a Pampered Chef Party I attended several weeks ago.

Lesley x

July 17th

See you all tomorrow at Arena - Lesley x

Aston on Trent Well Dressing

Hi, 

Well I did it YIPPEE, the Aston on Trent Well Dressing that is.  I have been making cards all year long for this event.  Friday night saw me in a panic getting everything ready and piled up in the hall.  I didn't get to bed till late and 5.30 Saturday morning I was wide awake.  Loaded the car at half 8 full of apprehension and off I went to collect mum.  We got to the event and they werent ready for us, we were too early so had a quick cuppa with sis who lives in Aston.  10.00 we went back and set up the stall.  Mum and I didnt stop all day long it was so busy.  The weather stayed nice apart from a couple of drizzles of rain which didnt cause any concerns.  Left about 5.00 shattered as I am not used to standing up all day.  I had 5 cards to add names/numbers to for the Sunday so did those and went to bed as we had to repeat the day all over again on Sunday.  

Sunday wasnt as busy but still another great day and the weather stayed nice for the event.  I met lots of wonderful people, some may be joining us at Dabblers and others I have arranged to meet up with in a couple of weeks.  Standing again really took its toll and even though its Wednesday, my legs havent yet recovered.

So now I have to start making cards all over again for next years event.

Tracey

RAF Waddington Air Show pictures

I thought I would share some photo's with you frmom the air show!!!

Waddington Air Show - Lincs

Hi

I've just returned from a hectic weekend at Waddington Air Show & it was very hot. Joe and I went on Friday morning in our caravan & stayed on the sports field. The local Lincolnshire Caravan Club DA have run a meet there for several years. But we have not been for ages, this was the first time we've been since 2002. We saw exellent flying displays from the Red Arrows the French Patroulle, and a Polish display team. There was loads to see and do. I was very hot yesterday on the airfield and despite' slip slopping' the sun cream I have managed to get a bit burnt on the back of my neck luckily it is not too sore. We did find nice little tea place in the cool in hangar 5 where the Lincs WI was doing a raoring trade with bacon butties sandwiches home made cakes 'proper' tea from a pot etc. I was sooooooooo cool there that we went twice!!!!

When we finally got back to the caravan my feet were throbbing!!!

Lesley x

Crafting El Fresco

I was so sorry that I couldnt make it to the Dabblers Friday night but hope everyone had an enjoyable evening.  If anyone has anything in particular for a theme that they would like to do in August, please let me know.

I havent been crafting the last couple

 of weeks so no new cards to share 

with you but, I thought you would like to

see the photos of Pams SU party, el fresco.  It was such a lovely day and too nice to be indoors.

Tracey

Made at Dabblers last night

Just made the three cards last night but I had already coloured the images at home during the week using my brand new Copics :o)

I have entered this one for the Stamp something Christmas in July challenge. Thank you to Pauline who very kindly allowed me to filch a sheet of her Christmas papers :o)

I stamped these two little bridies at Viv's one time when I was up there for a crafting day

Unfortunately I left early than normal last night as the heat and humidity of the week finally got me down :o( Sorry girls, it wasn't anything you said or did :o)

My first try at uploading here...

...so I hope it works okay :o)

Made it this morning so I could play with my new Copics!

It was good to see you yesterday Lesley however briefly it was :o)

Hopefully I'll see the rest of you on Friday evening.

Jackie xx