Hello Everyone, So sorry I have not written very much to you on this personal blog.  I have been using Facebook more on both the shop page and my personal page.  However I wanted to wish you all a lovely Christmas.  Thank you for your friendship, loyal custom and most of all the laughs and good cheer over the year.  Thank you so much for the wonderful cards and really thoughtful gifts.  I was overwhelmed by them when I opened them on Christmas morning.  I do hope you are all having a super time and may the new year be " craftier" than ever for you.

Before closing on Christmas Eve the new Do Crafts magazine arrived - love the free stamps and also their new release of dies.

Hope you also like the picture of the Christmas shop window.

Take good care and see you all in the new year.

Una

Here are some card samples from the recent class.  Hope those of you that were on the class enjoyed it and also the ones joining us on Saturday enjoy using them also

Hi Everyone, Sorry long time since I posted something No excuses really with the exception as always I have been busy.  I also lost a very dear friend recently and it has hit me quite badly.  On the surface I have been okay but when on my own I keep thinking about her.  She had a very rare illness, one I had not heard off before but is very rare.  I do miss her popping in to the shop or on the phone chatting to me.  I know she would not want me to be sad as she was an extremely cheerful lady in spite of her illness.  You always know when someone touches your heart that they are going to be a friend forever and that is how I felt about her.

There is a Woodware Sketch Challenge for you all to try.  There is a prize up for grabs so here is the details.

  Also take  look at their blog it is always full of great ideas

Hello Monday and another week.  What a beautiful day to day, so hot.  Lets hope it continues.  Had a lovely delivery of Wild Rose Studio today and all loaded on the website for you all to see.  There will probably be a few favourites.  Me I cannot decide.  I like them all.  Will keep you posted for more new items as they arrive.  Here is a sneak peep at Bella and Annabelle.

Hi Everyone, here I am again with a few more Christmas  cards made today.  These are from the Hunkydory range. No doubt some of you will be going to the Great Northern Papercraft Show at Donnington and you will see the full range there.  If not call in at the store and you will see the card samples on show and we still have a selection of the kits left with more coming.  I also have made a few cards with a Woodware Clear Stamp Set which is being used in the September workshops.  Hope you like.  Really looking forward to receiving Wild Rose Studio Christmas stamps and paper.  Look out for them over the weekend or possibly Monday.

Hi everyone,
Hope the weather has been better over your way than it has been in the south west.  We had torrential rain for a period then lovely sunshine in the afternoon.  Let's hope it stays fine for the Olympics finale' this evening. Looking forward to watching it tonight.  So I think it will be "Jim Jams", a glass of wine and relaxing on the sofa!

Here are a few card samples from Saturday workshop.  We did make our first Christmas card but I forgot to bring it home to upload.  Sorry.  It was very simple but effective.  It was a most enjoyable day and all thanks to Claire and the lovely attendees.  We were spoilt again by Claire's husband who made us a marble cake.

We used a Lindsay Mason set of clear stamps.  Lindsay has a great blog and it is worth a visit to catch up with what she is doing and see her card designs. We are planning our Christmas workshops now and there are not many places left.  Give me a call if you want me to try and fit you in.  I am looking forward to seeing some of your cards and remeber I will put them on the blog if you so wish for everyone to see, so come on get cracking.  

Take good care and have a good week.
Una 

Hello Everyone,
Just thought I would let you know that some more christmas products have arrived,  Stamps from Woodware and one or two of them will be my favourites for this year.  They are now on the website so please take a look.  Prices as usual are very good.

I have been busy making Christmas cards this week with Kanban & Huckydory kits.  Here is a picture taken by Howard tonight of them.  Hope you like.  Will get started on the stamped ones now.

Also wanted to send my best wishes to Liz Slater who goes in for a knee operation on Thursday.  Good luck Liz and hopefully you will be back on your feet very soon.

One beautiful Weekend!

Hi everyone, hope you all had a lovely weekend.  It was great to have the sunshine at last.   I think everyone had the "Barbies" and Sunloungers out.  The parties and music were all in full swing when we returned home from our day out.  I do love the music but someone was playing the same tune over and over again.  Did get a bit monotonous after awhile.  Still never mind. There was no class on Saturday, however a few people popped in for a coffee and a chat which was really nice.  Josie brought me a lovely bunch of flowers and the perfume was amazing.  Last week Mair gave me a lovely cashmere pashmina in my favourite  shade of pink which she brought back from her holiday abroad.  How lucky am I to have such wonderful friends! Dare I say that christmas items will be arriving sometime this week.  We have a few Christmas Dies in stock now with more arriving in the next few weeks.  Have had some interesting feed back from CHA in America regarding new products so will keep you posted over the forthcoming weeks as the stock arrives.

Take care and enjoy the sun while it lasts.  Lets hope long enough for the Olympics to take place.

1. Hello Everyone, another weekend and wet again! The only good thing about the rain it gives us plenty of time to stay indoors and craft!! There are some new Marianne dies in stock , new Stampavia clear stamps, papers etc. Pop along if you have time and see them. Most will be on the website from Monday. We had a great day with Claire in our workshop. We used a Woodware Clear Set - Frigates. Great cards for men, children and teenagers. Here are some samples to let you see what you can acheive with the set. I also have loaded on 2 parchment cards completed by Jenny one of our customers. She certainly has advanced in her parchment skills over the the last few months and is self taught. I also attach a card I made using the new Layer Perfect tool. This is my first try and I was quite pleased with it. This was Michelle's idea and as usual she was quite right in saying, it is not just for matting and layering! I am sure over the next few months she will come up with loads of ideas for it's use. Enjoy the rest of the weekend and lets hope we get some sunshine tomorrow.

   Happy Crafting ...

Hi everyone, just wanted to post the other card samples created by Michelle, using the Stampendous Bird stamp we used at the workshop last week.I really like them and hope you do to.  It has been a really popular stamp I have a couple left with more arriving next week for the next class.

On this note we have another lovely class on Saturday using a Woodware clear stamp set when we are making a folder with cards inside.  It is a lovely gift for someone and also for selling at craft fairs.  There are 2 spaces left on the 30th June class and fully booked this Saturday.  Don't miss out on the chance to join us you will not be disappointed.
By for now
Una

Hi Everyone, hope you all enjoyed the lovely day on Sunday and here we are at the end of Tuesday and the sun is still shining. Although I had a lovely day on Sunday by Monday morning I did not feel well due to having been bitten by those awful gnats/midges that always appear in the evening. My head, wrist and one eye have bites on them. I have to stop myself from scratching. So fed up with them I have done a bit of research to find bug bands to wear when I am outdoors. I am going to a garden party in 2 weeks time so want to be well prepared. Just waiting on them arriving along with spray and wipes. I do hope they help. However enough about me, here are the cards from the workshop Saturday. Michelle is going to send me a photo of the others samples she completed. Will post them too. Hope you like.

As many of you are aware Pam's mum is about to celebrate her 90th birthday.  Pam has organised a lovely afternoon tea party for her mother and made all the invitations.  Here is a sample showing the design.  The card at the back holds the details and the recipients name. I am sure everyone was delighted to receive there invitation.

Pam has made the attached card using a Hobby Art set of stamps.  A lovely card which can be used for many occasions.

Hello Everyone,
Oh! what a busy day I have had today.  Graham & Sam from Cheetah Crafts and Michelle from Stix2/Woodware were over to make another video.  It was also hectic in the shop.  Ros popped in but did not have much time to chat to her so hopefully she will manage back tomorrow to see you all at the workshop. (Those who are attending)  The cards look fabulous by the way and I am sure you will all love doing them.  Wish I could.  Pat Kite one of our regulars has sent me a picture of the 40th anniversary card she made for her sister and husband.  She has allowed me to show you all.  Beautifully made with a picture of them both on their wedding day and colour coordinated to depict the Ruby Anniversary. It really is lovely Pat.

I was going to an art exhibition this evening but I am afraid I am too tired.  I am so disappointed as we have some wonderful talented people  in Cricklade.

Hope to see many of you tomorrow.

Next Sunday is Father's Day so hope those of you who Dad's have managed to finish your cards for them. 


If you are in Cricklade on Sunday it is Festival Day in the town.There is going to be loads of entertainment with Twist and Shout Dance Group as one of the Acts. So for all the young ones it will be great fun. It is always a great day for the dads too, I think they enjoy strolling down the High Street enjoying all the activities. I have some free programmes in the shop so if you are passing please call in and collect one.  We are keeping our fingers crossed that the sun shines as in previous years.


I wanted to show you the lovely Exploding Box created by Catherine Tetlow for her Mum's birthday.  Catherine has put a great deal of time and effort into creating it.  She is a relatively new crafter but what a lovely job she has done.  You would think you had been doing it for many years so well done Catherine.

Hi everyone, hope you all had a great weekend.  I certainly have.  It has been a bonus as it has been a really short working week due to the Jubilee weekend prior to it. Weather still not very good but the rain held off for a change.  We have loads of branches from the trees down in the garden due to the storms but Howard is slowly cutting them up for firewood for the winter.

We have many of the new Sizzix Framelit dies in stock now and I will be loading them on the website tomorrow.  Also new 8x8  paper packs in from GCD Studios.

Just received the pictures from Michelle of the cards you are all making at next Saturday's workshop.  They are stunning and you will be doing something new which I am sure you will all enjoy.  Can't show you them before the workshop as it will spoil the surprise!!!  Look forward to seeing you all.

Hello everyone, isn't this weather just great, although not when you are working.  Did not get home until 6.15p.m tonight as I had a very busy day.  Howard is not well with a bad chest infection poor thing.  So while I am blogging he is tucked up in bed feeling sorry for himself.  never mind " nurse" Una is attending to all his needs.

I wanted to show you the lovely Memory Box Pam has made for her mum's 90th birthday in June. It really is lovely and you can see it has been made with much TLC.  I hope you all like it as much as I do.  I am awaiting a photo of another one made for a girls mum's 70th birthday.  When I receive it I will post here for you to see.

Here are the two samples as promised. with a view of the Teabag folder from the side.  Hope you like them.

Sorry I have not been updating the blog for awhile. I have been posting on the Facebook page and keep forgetting I need to keep this page up to date too.  However here I am.  There are some lovely Sizzix Framelits in stock, new Express Yourself  DIY toppers( great for quick cards) and stamps of course.  Here are some of the cards from the workshop on Saturday.  Still have 2 to scan in and promise to do that asap.  I also have a picture of 3 quick cards made by Michelle Johnson using the Express Yourself  DIY toppers.I am sure you will agree the cards are really lovely.
We had a really lovely lady join us on Saturday afternoon for the class.  Her name was Angie and she was here in Cricklade for a little break with her husband.  She told me she really enjoyed her afternoon and hopefully will be back in the next couple of months for another class.  Thank you for all the lovely comments Angie and look forward to seeing you again.

By the way, thank you to everyone for there patience in waiting for the Layer Perfect.  I am told it will be with us finally by the end of the month.  At last you will say, but it has been completely out with my control and this is the first definite word I have been given on it.  You will be pleased to know that I will have it before the launch on Create and Craft by Barbara Gray.  Those that have their names on the list will have first pick before I put it on open sale.  Please confirm by email if you still want it and my sincere apologies for having to wait this time.

Looking forward to the bank holiday and a nice rest. Still tired after the hectic time at the Shepton Mallett show. I don't seem to have stopped all week although I had a nice day off on Thursday. Just listed the new Sizzix Framelits on the website. Oh! I love them all. It's great to see Sizzix catching up at last with Spellbinders and there is much more to come. Take a look and see what you think. Still the same great price at £13.99 each.
Have a great weekend and will load the pictures of cards on as promised before long.

Here I am again.  I bet you are thinking that was quick!  Just had to share these cards created by Meris recently after reading the May issue of Making Cards.  I think they are really stunning and hope you do too.

Hi everyone, Sorry I seem to forget to post here now as I always write something on our Facebook page.  We have had a great time at the Shepton Mallett show and it was just magic meeting so many lovely crafters.  Tomorrow is the last day and the show closes at 4.00p.m.  Then it is pack up and back home.  For many of you that can only manage on a Sunday you will probably pick up a lot of bargains as all the stand holders hate packing it back up for the return home.  Perhaps I will catch up with you then or back in the store next week.  I have even managed to make a few cards in between demoing.  Will share them all with you sometime next week.

Silly me I forgot here are two of the cards from last weeks workshop.

Take care and speak with you soon.

Una

1. We had a great day on Saturday with Michelle Johnson using the BigShot.Everyone enjoyed using loads of different materials to die cut. Also how to use a die to create a swing card. It certainly is a great tool and you can use virtually every type of die on the market with the exception of Spellbinders grand dies. That's how versatile it is. So a great big thank you to Michelle Johnson.

   
   

   Had a lazy day Sunday trying to get rid of this awful chest infection again.  It was so lovely with the sunshine.  I think it is Vitamin D I need.  Hopefully this good weather will last for a week or two.  

   
   

   I have a busy week ahead with stocktaking due on Saturday as this is the end of my financial year.  It must be the worst job ever counting stock!!!!  Never mind soon will be over. We have another workshop on Saturday with Claire using a Stampendous stamp and Sizzix Framelit set.  There is one space left due to a cancellation if anyone want's it.

   
   

   Speak with you soon to let you know what new stock will be arriving.

   
   

   Una 

There are more samples of the cards on our Facebook page and will be added to the card gallery soon.

If anyone wants to share their card samples with us please email me a copy and I will add them to the gallery.
Speak with you all soon.

Hi Everyone, just wanted to share a few cards with you from Saturday's great workshop with Claire. We used a Stampendous unmounted stamp and what an array of cards it makes. Claire used all of the image and part of the image to show you how versatile it is. The class will be repeated at the end of the month.

I hope you enjoyed the lovely weather on Sunday, it was so nice to see Spring arriving.... The daffodils are all coming out and the buds are appearing on the trees. Even the birds are singing. I spent a few hours in the garden pruning and weeding and did enjoy myself. It gave me inspiration to come indoors later on and make some cards for family birthdays later this month.

Today Monday the new Kanban color core card arrived along with the new stand. I stopped doing other things to get it set up and filled with this wonderful cardstock. The colours and prints are superb and I can't wait to use it.

I had some lovely ladies in from Bradford today. (They were visiting family in the area) We had a lovely chat and shared ideas on our cardmaking. Thanks to them for stopping by.

Off to bed now with my hot chocolate so speak with you all soon.  Hope you like the cards as much as I do.

Una

Thank you so much to everyone who voted for me in the Origin Craft Awards 2012.  I really appreciate your kindness.  I was overwhelmed when I opened the envelope and saw the certificate.  It really made my day.

To have  customers like all of you is a great honour  and I hope that I can continue to help you over the forthcoming year.  Thanks once again from the top to the bottom of my heart.

Hi Everyone, Just thought I would like to share this lovely card by Natalie, a customer I met on Saturday at the Malvern Show.  She enjoyed Michelle's Hot Glue Techniques and was so inspired she went home and tried it out herself.  I am sure you will all agree she has made a lovely card.

Pam is going into hospital on Wednesday for an operation and I am sure you will all join me in wishing her a speedy recovery.

I have nearly finished putting everything back on sale from the show and have changed the layout slightly.  Don't worry you will still be able to find everything.

Off to bed now as I will have a really busy day again tomorrow.

• Once Upon a Time

  Last day today at the Malvern Show and what an absolutely great day it was. Michelle started demo-ing at 9.00a.m and finished at 4.15p.m. We did not even stop for a break just ate as we went along. Everyone loved her techniques with the glue and bought the products to try at home. Managed to pack up and get home for 8.00p.m, had some dinner and now checking emails before an early night. Thank you to everyone who came along to visit us, and hopefully a number of you will visit the shop in the near future. Having a rest tomorrow before sorting out everything on Monday.  Will load some new card samples in gallery on Monday.

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