Oh! my goodness I made a mistake with my stand number.  The correct number is B16 sorry for the error.

I keep forgetting to post here now I have my own Facebook page for the store,really sorry I should  copy what I have said then transfer over.   I will make a mental note to do that from now on.

Lots of new stamps have arrived and more will be coming in this week ready for the Malvern Show.  Some nice spring paper packs which will co-ordinate with the stamps are available.

I did enjoy my day at the What HiFi Show in Bristol, contrary to my thoughts yesterday.  Saw all the latest "techie" coming out this year in TV's, Music Systems, Projectors, sound systems etc.  I wouldn't mind one of these super size screens with the overhead projectors to watch all my crafting DVD's!  They do not come cheap and you would need a very big room but just imagine the enjoyment.  Howard really enjoyed himself but I managed to tear him away in time to get home for dancing on ice.  Anyone who has not watched Avatar the movie I would recommend it as it was great.  We did watch part of it again at the show on a 56" TV!!

Today I have been busy packing up stock for the show and also some orders have arrived.  Bella the elephant, the clear stamps from Wild Rose arrived today so they will be at the show.  Remember Michelle from Woodware and Stix 2 will be demoing on Saturday.  Thursday and Friday I will be stamping and colouring in using the lovely FlexMarkers for a change so do pop along and see me.

Will keep you posted on other items as they arrive.

Do have a good week and hope to see you all either Thursday, Friday or Saturday.  Stand 5

Hi Folks, Sorry no posts this week.  I have been busy checking over stock and resorting displays in the store ready for all the new products coming in later this month.  Sunday I am off to the NEC for the Trade Gift Fair.  I really enjoy it as I get to see my suppliers and their new products for the spring/summer season.

At the moment in the USA,  CHA the craft trade fair is taking place with all the new and exciting products coming in to the UK from the major american suppliers.  At the end of this month our very own trade craft fair takes place again at the NEC.  It is such a busy time but always very exciting.  There are some amazing products coming out and I get as excited as all of you in anticipation of seeing them all and choosing what I think will be best suited to my customers.

We had another busy day in the store on Saturday with our workshops.  Unfortunately 2 people did not turn up or call to say there was a problem.   It was a mum and daughter from Fareham in Hants. This left 2 available places for those of you who could have taken them up. I am so sorry for this as I know I disappointed a number of you looking for a space.

Here is a pretty card I completed while Claire was doing the class on Saturday.  I coloured the satin ribbon with a ProMarker to match the backing paper.  Hope you like it.  The topper is from a Kanban sheet.

Enjoy the rest of the week and hopefully we will not get any snow.

Una

Hi Everyone, as promised the date of Michelle's next workshop is now on the website under events.  I have 4 people already booked on it so best get your name down.

Here are some lovely pictures of wedding cards made by Liz Rose of Cricklade.  She was asked to make one for a friend so designed 3 for her to choose from.  I would find it very difficult to make a decision as they were all really special.  I hope you like them too.  The paper is from a new wedding collection I have in the store.  The large butterfly is a Marianne Die and the butterfly border is a Martha Stewart one.  Liz also made a money envelope to match to go inside the card and box.

Back in stock today are the XCut nesting dies including the Paisley Leaf.

Getting ready now to have dinner before the TV Awards show, so will sign off now and speak with you at the weekend.

Una

What a fabulous day we had with Michelle Johnson.  It is amazing what can be achieved with a glue gun, foils and mica powders.  The Woodware clear stamp set is a very useful one to have in our stash.  I also liked the heat embossing as sometimes we forget how wonderful it looks once we have layered it on a card.  However creating the flowers with hot glue turns them into something really special. I do hope you enioyed the day as much as I did.  I got home  at 7.30p.m after clearing up, totally exhausted but happy.  Here are the sample cards made.

Have arranged another day with Michelle so will post the date and details here on Monday.  So tired I forgot to take the date.

We would be grateful if the person on the morning class who accidentally took the sample card home with their own could return it to me so I can give back to Michelle.  She needs it for her next class.

Meris won the goody bag so call in and collect it as soon as you can.

Andrea made a ring for Michelle and a beautiful bracelet for me with a lovely heart on it which says "Made with Love".  I will treasure it as I love it.  Thank you so much Andrea.

I have arranged a crafting day for the Parchment girls to get together for a session on the 18th February.  No class as such, just the chance to get together for a chat and a coffee.

Hi Everyone,

Well what a busy day we had today.  A full house morning and afternoon at the workshops.  And I must say they were both very enjoyable.  Claire made some lovely cards and one which hasn't been done for some time; a swing card.  As I said in a previous post we were using a Papermania Urban set - Bird Song.  Here is one of the cards completed.  The rest will be put on the workshop gallery and also I have loaded some on Facebook for those of you who like to blog with your friends. You can get a link from the website.  This weekend well tomorrow really I will list some more workshops for you.  We are now taking bookings for April and May.  I can't believe it, but you all wanted dates for your diary now so I will put them up tomorrow.

I met a lovely couple on holiday for a week down here from the Midlands.  They sold their craft shop about 2 years ago and are enjoying their semi retirement!  I do hope I see them again they were extremely friendly and really nice people.

Claire brought me in some novels so I am off to bed with a cup of hot chocolate for a good read. 

Take care and thanks to everyone who dropped by today and hope to see you again soon.

Una

Gosh it seems such a long time since I blogged .  Trying to get back into the swing has been difficult since our Christmas break.  Taking down the decorations, putting them away and reducing left over stock has kept me busy.  You may still be able to pick up a bargain.  It is always worthwhile as you can be well prepared for birthday presents or even next Christmas.  Still got some Thank You cards to do. Surely I will have time tomorrow after my walk.  We will see!

I am looking forward to the workshop on Saturday using a Papermania Urban set.  Can't wait to see what Claire has made with them.  I know one of the projects is a swing card.  I do like making these.  We don't usually hold workshops in January due to my heavy commitments but as you were all wishing to get back into the swing of things they are on 14th, 21st and 28th January.  Hopefully for you Parchment crafters the classes will start sometime soon when Sue contacts me with dates.  Until then if there is a free Saturday in February I can organise a date when you can all meet up in the shop and possibly complete your own projects as a group.
It is always a chance for a cup of tea and a chat.

There are a few Do Craft, Portabella Road items in stock including stamps, ribbons, papers and embossing folders.

Hopefully you will have noticed I am now on Facebook.  A link has been put on the website at the bottom left hand side.  Please take a look and possibly I would love you to become a friend of Once upon a Time...  Over time I hope to have loads of items posted on it and details of new products etc.  It would also be great to hear what you are all getting up to in your crafting life.

Speak with you all soon.
Una

Hi Everyone,
Just a quick message to say, hope you have had a lovely Christmas day.  We had a wonderful time with loads of gifts.  I just want to say I was overwhelmed with all the gifts you gave me.  I love everyone of them, Ceramic Mug set with Chocolate Spoons & Truffles from Janet & Louise, Christmas Mugs & Biscuits from Claire, Scarf & Bracelet from Ros, Ring from Andrea, Soaps from Pat, Wine from June, Chocolates from Lisa, Handmade Peg Bag and Tissue Holder from Margaret, Scarf & Chocolate Santa from Michelle (Stix 2 friend), Chocolates from Mair,  rather Special Body Lotion and Shower Gel from Pam and a large  Floral Table Centrepiece from my dear friend Rachel.  I hope I haven't forgotten anyone, there was so much.You are all truly special and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.  My "thank you cards" will be made when I return to work.

We are just relaxing today  as I have a rather sore throat and feel a bit tired after the hectic day yesterday.  Still loads to eat so we are having a buffet  later on.  Bacon and Egg sandwiches, Orange Juice and Coffee were the orders for this morning.

Speak with you all soon.
Una.

2 Days to Go!!

Hi Everyone, only two more shopping days left before Christmas!!    I braved the crowds to do my food shopping as I will be working right up until Saturday at 4.00p.m.  It was an absolute nightmare.  Shopping trolleys packed to the max were jamming up the aisles as I tried to weave my way through.  I had my list ready to score off what I wanted but it just became impossible.  Why does everyone buy so much food for 1 day!  All the stores will be open Boxing Day and I am sure it will be just as busy as ever. Shopping finished after what should have been a 45 minute task - it took 2 hours! I headed home.  Guess what I forgot the items for the stuffing!!! I will pop in and see Harold my local butcher, he will sort me out.

Then headed off to see Gemma at Pure to have my nails done.  Had a really relaxing time, a lovely coffee and my nails look divine.  She makes a fabulous job of them, so if you are thinking of spoiling yourself I would get down and book an appointment after the new year.

Tonight wrapping the last of the presents and sorting out my table decorations for Christmas day.  Then off to bed ready for another busy day in the store and if I have time my thank you cards for all the lovely "pressies" I have received but still to open on Christmas morning.  I am getting sooo excited now!  Just like a big kid.  Oh well so what it is fun.

Will speak to you all soon.

Una

Saturday 17th December

Well you saw it, used it and loved it!  Thank you to all of you who came out on such a cold wintry day to have a play with the new Layer Perfect Tool.  Both Diane and Sam were really impressed with all of you.  I was so pleased that Janet mastered it straight away. Clever girl!!  I am sure all of you who have ordered one will enjoy using it and will let you know as soon as they arrive in store.

Thank you also to Andrea for the lovely ring she gave me and Michelle arrived after lunch and gave me a beautiful Scarf, hand knitted by her mum.  I will take a photo of them both and let you see them next time.

Attached today is a photo of last Saturday's workshop as promised.

I am having a lazy day at home tomorrow in preparation for next weekend.  Only got food shopping to do this week as "pressies" are all bought now and wrapped thank goodness.

Some new spring papers have arrived and also the most gorgeous wedding 12 x 12 papers in greys and pinks. Love them all and will be suitable for cards as well as scrapping.

Speak soon
Una