Your Touch of Craft

ONE WEEK TO CLOSING OUR DOORS

2011-08-14T12:03:00.000-07:00

Only one week to go and we close the doors on YOUR TOUCH OF CRAFT for the last time, August the 20th is our last day, we have very mixed feelings on this as we have loved our time in the shop but we must move forward .We have made some lovely friends through the shop and look forward to seeing them away from the shop and just enjoying their company and maybe crafting together. I just want to say to everyone that l know live every day to the full because you just don't know what is round the corner, and thank you all for your kindness.

Stock has been 50% off but we are now selling the rest of our stock at 70% off!!! so rush down and get yourself some bargains.
Thanks Rosina and Suezie for a fun day today at the Nec.

luv to all kay xx

We will be at the Sincerily show on Sunday the 28th at Breckland sports center in Thetford under our new guise HONEY DOO CRAFTS and look forward to seeing lots of you there.

SALE SALE SALE

2011-07-31T13:21:00.000-07:00

In case you hadn't already heard are closing date has been brought forward to the 20th of
August. So everything in the shop is halfprice or less!!! now how often can you get a bargain like that so come along and take advantage of all the offers.
We will miss the shop and it seems extra sad after Rosina worked so hard changing it all round and making it look so good but are looking forward to our new venture. Our first show is at Thetford and we will be trading under the guise of "Honey doo crafts" so look out for us.
Our best wishes go to Shirley who is recovering from surgery hope you are home soon and l do miss you at the shop, Shirley has been so kind coming into the shop on Rosina's days of to keep me company and l really appreciate it, you will be missed tomorrow.
Trish you are also in our thoughts it was lovely to see you on saturday.
hugs all round.
kay x

Thank you

2011-07-24T11:58:00.000-07:00

Amanda and I would like to thank everyone for there overwhelming kindness and support through this very difficult time, I know that without it we would have struggled even more.
We are trying not to be hasty in making decisions but we are closing the shop at the end of Sept as it just doesn't have the same feeling anymore. We will be doing the paper shows and are looking forward to concentrating on them so watch this space.
We already have some good offers so come and grab a bargain or two, all 12 by 12 papers have 20% off, sizzeix has 60% off and there are quite a few products have 30% off jewelery findings and beads are all 40% off and there are lots more.
bye for now,
kayx

A Sad Loss

2011-06-19T05:30:00.000-07:00

Please lift Amanda, Kay and their family in prayer right now if you will. John passed away a short while ago and this is a sad loss for all. Many of you will know him from the shop - a wonderful man, taken unexpectedly and who will be deeply missed.

Much appreciated

Suezie

2011-06-11T13:46:00.000-07:00

Well another week over where does time go?
We are at the leisure center tomorrow so hope to see lots of you there. Amanda is doing a show in Taunton tomorrow so we have split up and gone solo! Normally Amanda and I do the shows together so it seems odd this time . Amy has gone to Taunton to help Amanda and John and Rosina are with me. Chris Stevens is demoing for us I am sure she will do a great job.
The long awaited sara kay stamps are now in stock.
Tuesday 14th of June we have a scrapbook night Rosina designed another great page for us to do, there are still a couple of spaces left so if you wan to come along give us a call.
happy crafting.
luv kay x

TO GOOD TO BE TRUE SALE

2011-05-18T23:32:00.000-07:00

We have a sale on at the moment super bargains to be had Many items are half price so now is the time to pop along and grab yourself some bargains, xwe look forward to seeing you.

take care, kay x

p.s we have a fab class on Wed 25th May , the cutest cupcake box. book now to avoid disapointment.

Messy!!!

2011-05-12T07:02:00.000-07:00

I just had alook at my blogg and have realised l am not so clever after all it is a real mess so sorry folks l think l need some more instuction!!!!!!!!!!!!!

so bye for now
kayx

Suzy West

2011-03-24T01:45:00.000-07:00

Hi there. Sorry it's been a while since I posted over here at YTOC. I had the chance to meet a 'crazy lady' (in the nicest possible way lol!) recently and to hang out with all the YTOC gals which is ALWAYS fun to do. They're like a second family - really. We have laughed AND cried together. I know you guys out there know this - where else do you get such a warm and genuine welcome when you stop in store?

Sorry - I'm waffling and getting soppy too - but I do sooooooo love those guys!

Back to Suzy - or should that be 2 Suzy's (Suezie's) LOL! Boy do I hate this picture of me but hey I guess that's how you all see me huh? It was sooooo weird whenever anyone called out our name, sometimes we both looked up and sometimes neither of us responded thinking it was the other one - so, so funny. In the end Suzy got nick named 'Westie' (affectionately I might add).

Now THIS picture is soooo much better - these guys look so cute together don't they?, so natural - this is a great shot of Amanda when she gave Suzy the 'whistle stop' tour of Bury town centre. And Suzy's page design is fab! I am soooo casing this idea LOL!

Suzy is visiting from America right now and is crafting with Amanda at the NEC in Birmingham. She teaches and creates fab designs for lots of the top companies and you can check out her great blog here. I'm tellin ya! This lady is famous!! She taught at the last CHA too - it's like mingling with craft royalty!!!

Oh yes my friends! It ALL happens here in little ol' Bury St Edmunds and YTOC ya know ha,ha! And our girlie Amanda has connections - she's not just a pretty face LOL! And lucky ol' us - we get to meet some of her fabby crafter/designer friends too. How cool is that?

Safe travels on your home journey Suzy :-) Was super cool hangin out with ya.

Big HUGS

Suezie

craftworkcards Julie Hickey

2011-03-06T09:20:00.000-08:00

What a fun day we had in ytoc yesterday thanks to Julie and our friends and customers who enjoyed watching and getting new ideas from Julie what a talented lady hope she left some of her talent behind for all of us. We got to see the brand new collection called Warren I just love it, Julie also worked with the previous collection botanical and showed us how the collections can work together.
Thank you Wendy for the yummy cakes, (not good for the diet).
Amanda is back tomorrow after a hectic trip and is sorry to have missed all the fun.
Julie has left all the cards she made in the shop so if you need any ideas call in and see her cards. Hope you all have a good week, take care.
Kay xxx

More Julie Hickey Samples!

2011-03-06T03:51:00.000-08:00

Well I promised to share more of Julie's fabby samples so without further adieu.......

These were the lovely new 'dotty' papers - all pearlescent and such pretty colour combinations. And this first sample is such a great use of these shaped die-cuts as well and just perfect for Easter.

Julie shared a variation on the 'rolled rose' technique - this time with the edges folded over and instead of keeping them tightly rolled you let them spring open revealing a pretty 'shabby' style rose. These papers are really substantial but still flexible so they're perfect for being manipulated into these fab flower embellishments.

As always Julie has been super clever piecing these die-cut shapes to 'bridge the gap' on the card at the right of this shot and some of the sentiment circles with a whole lot more text are gorgeous.

This is such a pretty sample and would make a lovely class project and wouldn't it look simply fab hanging on the wall in a craft room or work area?

These samples ony scratch the surface of all the great Craftwork Card papers and products that were demo'd on the day but it's so neat seeing them all made up - kinda makes you want one of everything huh LOL!

Julie Hickey Day & Craftwork Cards!

2011-03-06T03:07:00.000-08:00

Well she arrived! And what a day it was - one full of lovely inspirations, great new products, a fab class and lots of friends dropping by. I couldn't think of a better way to spend a few hours could you? Shame I could only stay a short while myself but I was grateful for the lift - thanks John.

Julie is such a lovely lady and she was a delight to watch. Although not the owner of Craftwork Cards she is essentially the face of the company at all the best shows and events so how lucky were we to have her here in little ol' Bury St Edmunds. Plus she shared that she has recently passed her 'screening test' so we might be seeing her on our TV screens in the very near future too!

Julie's designs are so pretty and effective - they make you just want to rush home and get started and there were lots of lovely samples to photograph from the day. I will be sharing a few more over the next couple of posts for those of you who didn't have cameras handy (or missed her visit). I know she was also leaving a few samples behind in store so drop by and check them out when you can.

I especially loved these pretty box frames that were decorated up. Wouldn't it just be fab to do one of these for a class!

And these were simply ADORABLE! Just in time for Easter. Love, love, love the new 'dotty' card candy and there was even a new 'daisy' design too.

Whether you choose to colour the entire image or just highlight one or two areas they make stunning cards. No stamping, no mess and all on that great pearlescent card stock that takes ink so well whatever medium you choose. I have inked it, chalked it and coloured it with paint and pens myself. Julie was using pro-markers on the day - I must fish my new ones out and have a go lol!

And before I left I just couldn't resist having Kay take my picture with the 'rich & famous' celebrity - okay so Julie would probably say she's neither of these I'm sure, but she's most definately a celebrity in our books - and a very lovely one she is too.
Thanks sooooo much Julie. I know it's not easy having everyone take your picture and I hope I did you justice with some of mine. I hope too it won't be long before we get to see you in action again. Best of luck with the 'acting' career!

Hugs

Suezie

JULIE HICKEY IS COMING TO BURY ST EDMUNDS

2011-03-01T11:29:00.000-08:00

Don't forget this SATURDAY 5th March Julie is in your Touch of Craft from 10am so come and say hello to her and see what fab cards she makes,she will be pleased to see you, don't miss this opportunity.
take care. Kay x

Picture Updates

2011-02-26T00:36:00.000-08:00

Finally got a couple of snapshots of items we posted about recently that I thought you might like to see.

First up is Kay's stunning handiwork from the Tim Holtz workshop. I want, I want, I want the blue one LOL!

I was reminded of Chris who popped into the shop this week saying 'I want' I want' - she was talking about the Tim Holtz items she just HAD to have LOL!

But then again the more I look at this one the more I am liking it too! And to think I'm not a fan of Tim Holtz - but these I really likey so who knows - I could be? My daughter needs to see these - she is a fan of TH and would love to make something like this so a gift like this coming my way next Christmas might be rather cool. Must send her a picture too :-)

Next up are a few shots of an upcoming class project. This class is filling up fast so you'd best hurry if you still want on it.

It's aimed at beginners and experienced alike so we've kept it simple. This is a card making kit. I give these as gifts so I've been hoping for a chance to introduce you all to one - it's a great way to make your crafting pay so worth learning. And better still you get to take a fun class and go home with a ready made gift - all for the one price! Pretty neat huh?

The design is simple because there is soooooo much involved for a 2 hour class - trust me I know - I have been pre-cutting the chipboard shapes for you all. But you won't get off that lightly. We're working with those WOW glittered embossing powders so you'll need to die-cut your cardstock once we've glitzed it up. Fun, fun, fun!

I often hear 'oh I didn't know we needed that' in class so girlies don't forget to bring your basic supplies along PLUS a dry embossing tool for lots of scoring (we'll provide the embossing heat guns) as well as some of that fabby red tape for boxes. If you haven't yet discovered this stuff you simply MUST get yourself a reel for all those neat card kits you are gonna want to make and give after this class!

Hugs

Suezie

Putting on the Glitz!

2011-02-21T09:49:00.000-08:00

Hi guys - Suezie checking in. First up - gotta say I was lucky enough to see Kay's creations from her workshop with Tim Holtz up close and for real and they were lovely - the blue one was especially nice - gee I think it could even convert me LOL! Just cos I'm not into Tim Holt's 'grunge' thang doesn't mean I can't appreciate many of you who are and the lovely things you spend hours creating.

I thought maybe since Kay had done a shout out for the next class page that I'd post a quick picture. We get to put on the 'glitz' for the next couple of classes. Told ya I was into that glittered embossing powder didn't I?

These are sooooo not my colours so I was surprised to be working with them but I'm really glad I did cos I like how it turned out. After all I did choose them myself! The papers are by BoBunny and from a series called Jazmyne which is part of their glittered range. The accents are die-cut in chipboard and glitter embossed so we're gonna have lots of fun with this technique plus I added a few handstitched stems in at the last minute - sorry girls if you aren't keen on sewing but I liked the way it looked - it's not too much and it's by hand with pre-pierced holes so it should be just fine.

I've made a few other changes since this photo like the title frame being a bright glittered purple to make it 'pop' out off the page too - so much nicer than the one in the photo. If I hadn't taken the page into the store already I'd have taken fresh snapshots of it - sorry.

The next class uses the same paper range and colour scheme plus the same chipboard style die-cut and glittered accents so don't worry if you can't make this one. I'm using the same techniques across two classes even though the projects are completely different. We will be making that handmade card kit I promised. The sample for this is in store too if you'd like to see it and that class runs on 2 March.

Hope you can join us :-)

Suezie

Tim Holtz on the road, Julie Hickey Craftwork cards,does it get any better!

2011-02-19T10:33:00.000-08:00

Hi all, Just had to tell you what a great day it was today,did my Tim Holtz on the road workshop,We did three canvases, the first 2 I liked ,but the 3rd one wasn't really my cup of tea and I didn't manage to get the last one finished so will do that on Monday. It rained all the way to Birmingham and all the way back John did all the driving bless him leaving Bury at 6am and not one moan. We are back to NEC tomorrow for the trade show so another early start! but I do love to see what is out there.
Suezie came into the shop this afternoon with Wed 2nd of March 's class all I can say it is not to be missed, so if you haven't booked don't miss the opportunity it's fabulous, you will be creating your own chipboard and glitter embellishments as well as making a gift for you to give to someone.
Don't forget all you craftwork card lovers Sat 5th of March 10am till 1pm Julie Hickey will be demoing in ytoc not to be missed.

take care,
kay x
.

Last Night's Class

2011-02-17T00:04:00.000-08:00

Just stoppin by to say last night's class was a really good one. Anyone remember I posted this picture a while back? Oops! This doesn't have the word 'Sweet' in the upper left corner (sorry old photo) - you'll just have to trust me it WAS sweet.

This as it turns out was a beautiful page - and NO - I'm not just saying that because I designed and created it either. I'm not that vain (I hope LOL!) It had to been seen up close and for real so it's in store for anyone who missed it and it looks great in a frame - never mind an album - this is one for the wall.

Next class date is 2nd March and will be a handmade card kit - the kind that's perfect for gift-giving. I love to share the pleasure of making things with others so we get the joy of making up the kit with handmade envelopes, card blanks and liners as well as various elements and even home made embellishments. The recipient gets to enjoy making them whether they're a card maker or not. They'll be perfect for a beginner trust me - now would I lie? And all this wrapped up in a pretty handmade box too! Hope some of you get to join us for that one. I'm excited already and I haven't even made my sample yet!

Beyond that I think we'll be looking at a page with Spring in mind (would be cool if those fabby papers from American Crafts are here by then) but for now I'm off to play with some chipboard and have fun creating something different.

Happy Crafting!

Suezie

Oh and don't forget Rosina has a Saturday class coming up PLUS Julie Hickey in store on 5 March!

Some Weekend Crafting

2011-02-14T03:54:00.000-08:00

Hi there, Suezie here.

Amanda and I hung out at the store this weekend - both days - and no we didn't camp there over night but we did get a good chance to catch up with each other as well as get some crafting samples done. We needed to play with the embossing powders to make scrap book pages and 3D projects so I thought you might like to see a few we came up with.

First up Amanda used this fab stamp to create this stunning glittered page. Thanks Sarah for the use of these ADORABLE photos of your daughter - so, so cute and those curls are precious. It's always a joy to work with pictures like these and Amanda did a beautiful job. The touch of 'bling' adds even more sparkle to the page and I love it. Note the swirl on the nesty die-cut scalloped circle accent - a really lovely touch.

Many of you might not think of stamping on scrap book pages let alone embossing but I urge you to take a fresh look, branch out and give it a go. If you are unsure then take a close look at the flowers on both pages. They were each stamped on a scrap of paper, embossed, cut out and then added to the page. This allows you a bit more freedom too and is perfectly acceptable. Both techniques work really well. For a few more pictures you can check out my blog here.

Next up was one of my pages. Some pretty red and black lady bugs and again a cute subject in my photos - my grand-daughter Maddycakes. Like I say it's a joy when you have good photos. My ladybugs are stamped directly on to the page but my flowers, leaves and lettering have all been stamped, embossed, then cut out and added. Mostly because I'm not as confident at embossing as Amanda but like I say - both techniques work really well.

Between us we made up several items but I'll close with sharing a joint one with you. We made up a basic box, decorated it with paper and some stunning glitter embossed die-cut accents (shame you can't see them up close and for real - sorry). These were made using the WOW! Clear Sparkle embossing glitter and if this one doesn't convert you then nothing will. This product will be featuring heavily in a future class just as soon as I can create a project for you all. Spring is around the corner so I have my thinking cap on girlies LOL!

And I have been lucky enough to bring a pot home from the crafting weekend so I can have a play and create a few more samples so I guess maybe I should quit blogging and go get to it huh?

Enjoy!

Suezie

Paper Roses

2011-02-11T23:42:00.000-08:00

I just had to stop in and thank Kay for taking such good care of me, making me a cuppa etc. So glad I could amuse you Kay :-) Between you guys at YTOC, Jess, my hubby and even MY MOTHER! - I've had more 'mickey' taken out of me this week than the last two put together! Just wait till all you guys get something I can laugh at LOL!

Anyhow I also stopped by to thank Kay for showing me how to make one of those fab roses (while she babysat me) this week and to share a couple of pictures as proof.

I love this photo of Kay looking so happy (and healthier - well done you for sticking to the diet, you're looking pretty good there Kay) doing what she loves - crafting.

Amy jumped in on the tutorial too and these were our finished roses. Aren't they pretty?

And these were some I made later that evening at home. You can check out how I made the leaves over at my blog here for a step by step picture tutorial. I had so much fun with these. It feels so good to be crafting again - even if I do still lean to the left LOL!

I for one am excited at seeing Julie Hickey. I met her at a workshop last year and she is so nice and friendly. I hope I can make it to YTOC on 5th March!

Hugs

Suezie

countdown to Julie Hickey

2011-02-10T12:04:00.000-08:00

Hope you have all got the 5th of March (sat)marked in your diaries. can't wait to see what she is demoing. She will be in the shop from 10am showing us all the great card ideas that she has. All you ladies that are lucky enough to be doing the workshop (and I am not one )boo hoo, it starts at 2pm bring your own tools and yourselves and we.ll do the rest

We had a lovely visit with Suezie today , her daughter Jessica is staying with her and they came into ytoc. Jessica left her mum in our capable hands! while she popped into town as they couldn't keep going left!!!!!!!!!!!!sorry Suezie we are not laughing at you but with you, because Suezie has a balance problem at the mo and only wants to go left. But we had a good gossip and made paper roses. It doesn't take much to keep us amused.
Don't forget class on Wed 16th we are making a lovely scrapbook page,there are still a couple of spaces left so if you want to come give us a call.
well bye for now look after yourselves.

Saturday Class

2011-02-07T12:06:00.000-08:00

Hi folks! Wanted to quickly post the project from Rosina's class this last Saturday. These classes are proving to be very popular and it's not hard to see why.

The project for class was this mini fold out photo album in a lovely colour combo of blue and green florals.

It unfolds to reveal several sections for photos and then each section opens out revealing even more space. Pop in some cute photos and add a bit of journaling and a few extra embellishments and you have the perfect gift for capturing memories of a special even or trip.

How cute would these be made up for your bridesmaids to remember the day or for each of the kids to keep their favourite vacation snapshots in?

Hope those of you who were there enjoyed tis class - I know Rosina sure enjoys teaching them!

Enjoy!

Suezie

They're Coming!

2011-02-05T23:57:00.000-08:00

Girls there are some ab fab papers comin soon to a store near you! I already have a scrapbook page layout rolling around in my head after looking at these so I for one can't wait. I'm desperate to do a page, or a card, or a project - something. Just as soon as I can stand long enough I'm there.

Apologies that my little birdies are the wrong way round - amazing how you can take a photo, play with it, upload it and still not notice it's all going in the wrong direction LOL! Sorry.

These fab papers are from American Crafts and a range called 'city parks'. I'm not sure when they're due in exactly but the birdies would be super cute for Easter and Spring. This range features a wonderful 'raspberry' colour and a pretty almost 'duck egg' blue as well as kinda 'mustard' yellow and 'lime' green. There are some lovely colour combinations in this range and some lovely patterns too like hot air balloons, big bold blooms, birdies and funky circles (which would make funky flowers all on their own) plus spots, stripes, checks - just about everything you'd want - even a bit of stitch embossing on the lime green too.

This is my favourite pick for a scrapbook page and I think maybe it'll have to be a class page girls. If I could've whipped these papers away with me yesterday I would have. Amanda I'll have a couple of sheets of each of these designs on order if you please - one set for me and one for a class page. I can't wait!

Enjoy!

Suezie

More Make 'n' Takes from CHA

2011-02-05T23:15:00.000-08:00

Well as promised I'm back with more lovely pictures of Amanda's make 'n' takes from CHA and this first one's so stinkin' cute!

5. Aren't these colours just yummy? Kinda reminds me of ice cream - mmmmm, mint choc chip, vanilla, strawberry and even a bit of raspberry ripple - all those colours are in there and they work beautifully together. Amanda must've had so much fun with all these mini workshops.

And maybe a feature shot showing that cute little saying. I love the tree.

6. This one's a little pocket card held together with a 'belly band'. Was it a border punch or a die Amanda?

As yet I don't have any of the Nesty lacey dies that cut 'loops' or better still those lovely new 'beaded' ones - how neat are they! You know the ones that are flying off the shelf. They're on my wish lish :-). They make such a difference don't they - and all in one swift cut of the die too - could crafting get any better? Oh I bet there are some fab things coming soon. Anyone getting excited yet? (besides me that is LOL!)

This shot shows the inside with a really cute saying - "a cup of tea to say THANK YOU for all the things you've done and wish that the day will bring you Happiness & Fun!" and a pocket to tuck your T-bag into. This kind of project is perfect for sending to a long distance friend or just for keeping in touch.

7. And I've saved the best for last girlies! Would ya look at this beautiful rose pin. The paper in this project makes all the difference and how cute to add a wee bug - love it! It's simply amazing the things you can make when you manipulate a scrap of paper.

I have yet to make a rolled rose despite drooling over them and Rosina and Kay have been making some absolutely stunning roses in store. Maybe I should've just put a box full of them on my wish list huh?

Well did you guess my favourites? I pick #4 - waving daisy card and #7 - rose brooch. We'd love to hear which ones you liked best so post us a comment. Who knows maybe I can talk Amanda into parting with one in a random draw. Would ya like that?

Let me know and maybe I can have a word with her for ya :-)

Next post is some yummy papers that are coming this way.

Blessings

Suezie

Catching Up

2011-02-05T13:32:00.000-08:00

Today I stopped in at YTOC to catch up with Amanda and the girlies - seems like ages since I last saw everyone and as we know Amanda has been to CHA in America and back since then. There was so much to catch up on so be warned there are lots of lovely piccies in this post :-)

First up I took photos of some of the lovely make 'n' takes Amanda made while she was there. I love make 'n' takes don't you? I have at least 2 favourites from this group - can you tell which ones they are I wonder? Oh but I have more favourites to come later too.

1. The first I'm sharing is a pretty scrapbook page full of butterflies, butterflies and even more butterflies! I kinda think Amanda should add some of those fabulous stamped and embossed butterflies she has been making to this page - wouldn't they just look adorable in pink or blue glittered powder with 3D wings? And that pretty scalloped edge is a new border punch - am so loving that one and I wasn't the only one who admired it either.

2. This next one is a calendar birthday pocket which is such a neat idea.

And this shot shows the calendar pulled out - this looks like it was nice and easy to make but so effective. I love the bright colours in this project too.

3. And how cute is this little house! Isn't it just adorable? I just love those roof shingles and that deep vintage red colour as well - such a lovely shade of red.

Thought maybe I'd share a close up shot of the details as well.

4. I loved EVERYTHING about this card, clean, simple, great colours, polka dots, giant scallop and pretty papers and just wait until you see what happens when you pull on the daisy's stem girls!

Up pops a daisy! Isn't this just the cutest flower card? And if you pull it back and forth the daisy kinda waves at you - so, so sweet! This die is coming but you might have to be patient - NOT one of my strong points LOL.

I have several more photos to share - GOSH just how many make 'n' takes did Amanda do? I'll save some for tomorrow so check back. As today was my first trip out and about and a real struggle thanks to this 'oopsy daisy' virus - get it 'daisy' - well it made me smile anyhow; I am suddenly all tuckered out this evening so I'm turning in for an early night. Rest is supposed to be helpful for Labyrinthitis apparently. Blog posting will just have to wait until another day but I will tomorrow - promise :-) I have things to post on my own blog too (thanks Kay & Amanda) plus I have Rosina's Saturday class item to post as well as a trip to Northampton and back to collect my daughter and bring her home for the week.

So in the words of Arnie - 'I'll be back!' (and with lots more piccies)

Hugs

Suezie

2011-01-30T08:48:00.000-08:00

Where does time go, Amanda's trip to the CHA is already half over, hopefully she will see some exciting products.
Some great new products in the shop. Sheena Douglas stamps,a new blade to attatch to your clever cuts cutters and the new more compact cutter from clever cuts at only £12.99 with 3 blades. The well loved rocker blocks from crafters companian they make stamping soooo easy I lurve them, to add to that we are the only store at this moment in time to carry the six fab new colours from WOW, can life get any more exciting! yes it can. If only I could have taken some pictures of these products! but l think Amanda has my camera and I need a lesson on how to!he he. Yet another project on my how to list, I hope I have time for all these projects I have lined up for me to learn.
well I guess thats all for now as Hebe is sitting by me asking for her dinner (she knows she is boss!) take care and happy crafting
Kay

2011-01-21T06:12:00.000-08:00

What a lovely day today, the sun is shining can't wait till it is warm as well.
The class on Wednesday evening went well even though Suzie wasn't feeling her best' hope you are feeling better now Suezie. Everyone seemed to go home happy having had a few hours me time and created some really cute pillow boxes, just think of the fun they will have thinking of what to fill them with.
Suezie's next evening class is on Wednesday 16th of Feb. starting at 6.30pm if you would like to book call us on 01284 761222.
Rosina's sat morning session for Feb is on the 5th. the sample is in the shop it is a mini flip album . She is really on the ball having made a very cute easter basket for the following month, it is getting very hard keeping up with her,he he.
Amanda is of to the CHA in the States next week with WOW so gets to see everything new thats being launched there (she tells me its hard work yeah!!)
Remember Julie Hickey is coming instore to demo in March, her workshop is now full and l didn't even get a place. We are looking forward to having her here.
take are all, happycrafting. kay xx

W

Love is in the Air!

2011-01-08T00:53:00.000-08:00

I thought since Amanda and Kay had changed the background on the blog - a new look for a New Year :-) that I would title this post 'Love is in the Air!' in keeping with all those lovely fluffy clouds LOL!

We girlies at YTOC have talked about keeping the blog more updated and we're going to try to do better - we promise! We should be getting hooked up to the net in-store in the next week or so to make this easier so hopefully throughout the year you'll get regular posts from all of us on the YTOC creative team. And who knows where that may lead to? We love to share our crafting with you and we love to see your own creations when you bring them into the store too so please bring them in to share.

In keeping with our promise I'm sharing a page sample that I dropped off in store yesterday. This is for a class coming up on 16 February that I will be teaching so I hope you like what you see.

There are some really pretty details going on in this page including some yummy papers from Basic Grey and my ever favourite Bo Bunny polka dot papers too . There's a good supply of these polka dot papers in a wide range of colours in store and a just as well - I use them all the time - I just love em'. In fact I liked how this page turned out so much I am re-creating it today so I can have a copy for myself.

For those of you who take the scrapbooking classes maybe you should try this for 2011 - create a class page for yourself and then set aside an afternoon at home to re-create it for a friend or family member and you'll have an album full of pages to keep for yourself by the end of the year plus some lovely crafting gifts to give away too! Anyone up for the challenge? I know I am!

I hope you've enjoyed this sample. Rosina is creating a super cute Valentine mini album today in class so I'll try to get a sample picture posted for you. Those of you that are booked onto the class - hope you have a fab time.

I have a few more pictures over on my own blog here if you want to stop by and take a look.

Hugs

Suezie

January Class

2011-01-06T10:23:00.000-08:00

We wanted to post a quick picture of the project for the class due to take place on Wednesday 19 January. The theme is Valentines Day - yes we know Christmas has only just come and gone but do you know how many Valentine's projects we've been seeing on the net lately? Absolutely loads - that's how many and it wouldn't do for us to be left behind now would it?

This class is called 'pillow talk' and Suezie has created three different sized pillow boxes perfect for filling and gift giving to someone you love this February. Actually they'd look every bit as pretty decorated up for Easter, Birthdays and yes even Christmas 2011 if you really want to get ahead. In fact you really won't want to miss out on making these cute boxes because the possibilities are simply endless.

You can check out more over on Suezie's blog. There are still just a few places left and I know Suezie is really looking forward to catching up with you all as are we. And don't forget we still have Saturday classes planned for this year too - these were very popular last year so we plan to continue offering these.

Can we take this opportunity to say we hope you all had a great Christmas (and that you got a few new crafting goodies too) and to wish all our customers a very happy, healthy New Year for 2011.

Happy New Year

2010-12-31T13:00:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, hope its a really good one for each and every one of you.

We are looking forward to the new year, it has to be better than the last.

There are some good things happening in the shop. Next sat the 8th Jan at 10am Rosina has her first project of the new year, it is a mini heart scrapbook, not to be missed.

Suezie is with us for her first class of the year Wednesday 19th Jan starting at 6.30pm and the title is "pillow talk" l hope l have wetted your appetite. Book early to avoid disapointment.

Amanda is in the shop most Saturdays so if you have any problems with your stamping and embossing come along and see her.

Well, happy new year see you all in 2011.

luv Kay xx

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T08:46:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas to you all , have a fab time, and Happy New Year to you all. Hope its everything you want it to be.
We look forward to seeing you in the new year we have some brilliant workshops and demos booked, so watch this space.

Merry Christmas.

kay xx

Julie Hickey!

2010-11-24T12:03:00.000-08:00

YES!It is now confirmed so make a date in your dairy Julie Hickey of Craftworks is joining us for a morning of demos and for some lucky ones a workshop in the afternoon, places are limited so please book early to avoid disapointment.

Amanda will be back in the shop on Saturdays now and will be doing some demos on stamping and using the super Wow powders so if you have any questions or problems with embossing pop along and see her.

Why don't you stop by and check our sale out, we have lots of goodies on offer.

take care bye for now

Kay

Hinkley

2010-10-10T12:59:00.000-07:00

Another busy day in the life of your touch of craft. Up at 4am! and on the road before 5am we certainly know how to live. We arrived in Hinkley before the sun was up and then it was all hands on deck as we had to be ready by 10.am and yes you got it we were! just, phew. Very pleased to say we had another good show and back home in Bury by 7pm.

bye for now
kay

Our trip to Leigh

2010-10-09T10:46:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone out there,

We have a card class on October 26th, 6.30pm start. We will be making a paper poinsetta out of punches to embelish a card and at least one other, that is still in my head! should be a fun evening.

It has been a very busy week for us, as Amanda and I went up to Leigh in Lancs on sat to do a show. We left Bury at about 1.30pm got a phone call from John about 10 mins later we had forgotten some important bits and pieces in John's car so we turn round back to the shop, at last we are on our way! We arrived at the hall with 25 minutes to spare before the hall closed for the night! So unloaded the car in record time and just dumped it in our allocated spot. We had the evening to ourselves so went to a Toby carvery that we had seen on our way in and had a lovely meal, little did we know at that time it was the last food we would eat until late the next evening.

We spent the evening in the room sorting out about a thousand little jars of embossing powder having spent hours and hours sorting them into a unit the previous 3 days and hammering a front on them so they didn't move! I think it was the 6th attempt at loading the car that did it, the cover popped off!!!!!!!!!!!!! We know how to live it up. hehe. We had a super show and met some lovely people and look forward to seeing them at our next show up there.

We arrived back in Bury at about 10.30pm straight to bed and ready to start the new week..

Card workshop

2010-09-25T11:36:00.000-07:00

Well here l am again and l have been very productive this week and organized two workshops, a beginers card making on Wednesday 20th of October at 10.30am for two hours and an evening one and am going to be honestl can't remember what date l have booked it for so, l will post the date on Monday after l have been back in the shop.
Tomorrow Amanda and l are going to Ally Pally Shirley, Chris and her granddaughter Bethany are coming with us so a real girly day out. It is nice sometimes to be on the other side of the counter.
It was lovely to have Suezie back with us for a scrapbooking class on Wed evening l think everyone enjoyed it.
Monday evening is crop night that is the 27th Sept at 6.30pm so why don't you drop by and do a bit of crafting with us l know Hanna is looking forward to having a play on the cruicut expression to see what she can cut out. Hope to see as many of you that can make it.
bye for now.
Kay

Bundiddlyumious!

2010-09-11T13:02:00.000-07:00

Hello to you all.

Sorry it has been so long since i posted , my only excuse is that time seems to fly by.

We are having a make and take morning Sat 18th of September from 10.30 am which consists of coffee cake hence the title! and some crafting the cost is just £5.00. We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible.

The September crop is on Monday 27th from 6.30, everyone is welcome.

I hope Amanda has a good time up in Scotland she is demoing the awesome WOW embosing powders that are now in the shop there are over 100 colours!

We are looking forward to Rosina's return from her hols i'm sure she will have a few tales to tell.

Bye for now.

kay

Craftwork cards

2010-08-13T09:42:00.000-07:00

Craftwork cards new collection has arrived. In fact two collections have arrived, the first is Vintage rose and the second is Blossom.I love them both. We have lots of new colours in the card candy and some lovely new sentiments, also a good selection of there card blanks, so pop in and see us.

bye for now.
Kay

New Class dates confimed

2010-07-28T11:08:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, just thought i would let you know that our first crop seemed to go really well, we look forward to more of you joining us as time goes by. The next one is on Monday 23rd of August from 6.30pm onwards, we look forward to seeing as many of you as possible.

We have also booked 2 more classes, Wednesday August 25th starting at 6.30pm. We will doing a scrapbook page with the brand new paper collection from craftwork cards, i'm sure you will love the papers we do! The second date to put in your diary is 22nd September again an earlier start 6.30pm. Classes do get full quickly so to avoid disapointment book early.

The fab new embossing powders and embossing glitters are now in stock, Amanda has been very busy making up a board with all the colours and it looks lovely,well done Amanda.good job!

have a good week.

bye for now. kay

Our day at Craftwork cards

2010-07-22T11:40:00.000-07:00

So our day started very early (4 am!!!!!!!) First Amanda and i picked Suezie up, then Rosina, at that point i probably then fell asleep and no i wasn't driving. We had a good trip to Leeds, and Amanda even let us have a loo break!!! Sue, Julie and all the other members of the Craftwork Cards staff had done a lovely job, the tables looked really nice all pink white and pretty, with a little boxes with cupcakes in for each of us looking very appetizing mmmm.

We had lots of time to check out all the samples that had been made with the new papers which were very pretty. We also had chance to made a cute little bag and a couple of cards with the new papers. Then we were treated to a review of all the new paper collections that they are launching monthly. There are some lovely ones coming out and we will be keeping you informed of there arrival in store so watch this space. Thank you Craftwork cards for a lovely day.

As soon as i can get the Camera from Amanda i will try my best to get some pictures up for you to have a sneak peek at what is coming your way!!!

Thanks

Kay

A week in the life of Your Touch of Craft

2010-07-18T09:06:00.000-07:00

We just don't know where time goes, Monday morning found us back in the shop just in time for a delivery of some new stamps that a friend of Amanda's designs, her name is Marion and she is a clever girl.

Tuesday was uneventful and Wednesday saw more goodies I do love it when parcels arrive it is exciting to see what Amanda has ordered. then when we closed Suezie arrived for a sewing tutorial. Amanda, Rosina and I were put through our paces and we loved it (I am hoping to post a pic of Amanda concentrating really hard). We didn't leave the shop till 11pm.

Friday was very hectic we had a huge delivery maybe some sneaky pics and also a visit from Jackie who needed to make some wedding cards which we had already made once but she couldn't find them, I bet she finds them now that she doesn't need to. Hope your family liked them Jackie.

Suezie visited us to get everything ready for the first waltzing mouse workshop, Shirley also popped in it is lovely to see everyone, I nearly forgot Liz as well and she is so good and makes such a good cup of tea, I am looking forward too crafting with her on Wed, she has promised to help make the teas again as we have a Suezie class they are making a mini book and we will be making some new friends as there are a few new ladies coming along which is great.We love the fact that we have made some really good friends through the shop.

Suezie's workshop went really well, the girls worked hard and made some lovely cards and well done Trish i think you won the little goodie bag.

I am so excited tomorrow morning really really early!! Amanda Rosina Suezie and myself are off to Leeds to Craft work cards and John is running the shop solo! so go along and say hi. We will take some pictures tomorrow to show you how we get on in Leeds, so until then .

bye for now.

2010-07-15T10:10:00.000-07:00

Amanda Rosina and myself had a lovely time Wednesday evening with Suezie teaching, she did a really good job of it and we were pleased with what we made. hopefully we will have some on show at the Thetford show.

We have had some new stamps in designed by a friend of Amanda's, and expecting lots of new stock over the next few days, its like christmas for us when it arrives i really love some of the Cosmo cricket papers that fingers crossed will be with us and all out for quickly.

Don't forget we are having a crop next Friday evening from 7pm, try and come along as the more the merrier.

bye for now .

Bo Bunny

2010-07-07T11:40:00.000-07:00

Well Rosina and John had a busy day in the shop today. I felt it was safer to stay out of the way!!! Now the reason for the busy day was New Bo Bonny papers one of the ranges is the peacock Lane range, very pretty, so they had to move things around to make room. Hopefully it wont be long before i start putting some pictures on the blog, there will be no holding me then!

We are looking forward to the Sincerily Yours Papercraft Show in Thetford it is on Sunday 29th of August 2010, as we are hoping to launch a new product, which will be exclusive to YTOC!

Now i hvae teased you i am off!!!

bye.

HERE GOES.........

2010-07-06T11:49:00.000-07:00

Well here goes my first attempt at blogging!

I will be keeping you up to date with all that is going on at Your Touch of Craft.

We are having a crop on the 23rd of July 2010, from 7PM in the shop so please come along and help make this a regular event for a nominal fee of £5.00. This will also include the use of the shops diecutting machines. Of course no evening is complete without the compulsary tea and coffee and "biscuits" and who knows, we do have some multi talented customers who we are now pleased to call friends who are also very clever in the bakery department!

This leads me on to the Saturday projects. On the second Saturday of every month we do a mini project this Sat (July 10th) Rosina will be showing you how to decorate tags for every occasion. If you are interested in joining us for this the cost is £5.00 and runs from 10am till midday. Please phone or pop in and book your place so we know how many kits to get ready. August's project is a very pretty home decor wreath. And again Rosina will be showing you how to make this. September project is rather a special one and we hope to see as many of you as poss, maybe I will keep you in suspense on that one until a later date!!

I am really pleased to say that Suezie's first waltzing mouse extended workshop is full, and everyone is really excited about it, the date for the next one is TBC.

And my final little shout out is.... a bigs 'Thanks' to Chris for popping in and showing us the super card that you made, we loved it! We love to see what you are making so please bring it in and let us see!!!

Ok so they say the first is always the hardest to do so it has to get better from here (i might even learn to put pictures on next time!!) :-)

Thanks Kay x

Mum's Taking over the blog....... Watch out!!!

2010-07-06T03:32:00.000-07:00

Hello all....

Well as you can see i am not very good at keeping the Blog up to date so as of today..... mum is in charge!!

Thanks Mum!

Amanda

Donna Downey

2010-05-28T02:56:00.000-07:00

Hello All.....

Long time no see i know!!

OK for those of you that were booked on Donna Downey's Workshop back in April we have finally managed to get a re-scheduled date..... 13 - 14th November. I have sent out an e-mail but if you haven't received it please e-mail me on info@yourtouchofcraft.com. If you are new to the info that Donna Downey is going to be teaching with us at Your Touch of Craft and would like to know more, please e-mail me and i will send you the details.

Take Care
Amanda

DONNA DOWNEY UPDATE

2010-04-16T05:15:00.000-07:00

All those attending the Donna Downey workshop...... She is still in Germany. Please keep an eye on this blog for info.........

Donna Downey

2010-04-15T08:34:00.000-07:00

So I know you have been waiting a very long time for the information on Donna Downey's work shops that she is teaching for us.

I am sorry it has taken so long to sort out but this just seems to have taken forever.

So here we go..... first things first, unfortunately Donna has had to move her dates forward a week. She is now teaching for us on Sat 13th and Sun 14th November 2010.

We are still awaiting confirmation on the new venue, butit will be in Bury St Edmunds.

The cost of the workshop does NOT include accommodation but we are happy to give a few names of places that are nice to stay and easy access to the new venue once it is confirmed.

On Saturday 13th November Donna will be teaching one class of about 5-6 hours..... yes that is one class.... it is a fantastic class that Rosina and I took in the summer, it was SOOOOOO much fun.

Fabric Scrapbooking - "Gotta Love Everyday".

This is a 20 page 8x8 canvas scrapbook album..... It was GREAT FUN to do and I know you will all love it.

After that class we will be keeping our Bury St Edmunds shop open (5 mins walk!) or you can pop into the bar and have a few drinks.....

On Sunday 14th November, Donna will be teaching two classes:

Paint, Watercolor and Doodle... - "Laugh Often, Wonder and Live Artfully"

A 6x6 Acrylic and Chipboard Album, and will be about 3 hours long.....

Then we have lunch and a chance to take a break.

The final workshop of the weekend is called "Elegant Garden"and is a 12 x 12 mixed-media fabric page.

The cost is £115 per day or £195 for the 2 days. This includes the kits but you will also be given a supply list well in advance so that you may gather together the items required to enjoy the day to it's fullest potential. We will hold stocks of any items you may require, however, please try and order in advance to avoid disapointment.

We will require a 50% deposit at time of booking. This will be a non refundable deposit unless we have to cancel the event for reasons beyond our control. The balance is due one month before the event. Numbers are strictly limited, so book early to avoid disapointment.

Donna is a very popular teacher, she is great fun and full of knowledge. You will come away excited and enthused!

To book, please call or e-mail

01284 761222
info@yourtouchofcraft.com

I look forward to hearing from you.

Amanda

Well Here We Go Again!

2010-01-21T04:25:00.001-08:00

Well Tomorrow Morning at 6.55am Rosina and i will be on a bus heading for Heathrow Airport. We are Flying out to a very rainy Los Angeles to the Winter 2010 Craft and Hobby Association Trade show in Anaheim LA.

We get there Friday at 7.30pm and should be at the hotel by 10pm (i hope!). That is 8am on Saturday here in the UK!! So we will have a very long day travelling but i hope it will be worth it.

We have Saturday to recover and then the show start on Sunday at 9am! We have the day at the show and then a fab class with Suzy from my Little Shoebox on Sunday evening.... Suzy's classes are so much fun.

Then we have Monday, Tuesday and some of Wednesday to walk the show and buy lots of goodies for the shops and then we fly home on Wednesday evening! We arrive back here on Thursday and then i am back to the Mildenhall shop on Friday! Blimey where did that week go!

So while we are away, My fab mum and dad are holding the fort..... my dad will be looking after the Bury Shop..... so go easy on him... and Mum in the Mildenhall shop.... so please go easy on her.... the computer system (and all the little ways of the base) take some getting used to!

Keep an eye on here, as i will try my best to down load a few pics and show you what is happening while we are away!

Take Care
see you in a week
Amanda x

Christmas Card

2010-01-12T23:31:00.001-08:00

I know Christmas is long gone now but I wanted to take this opportunity to thank all my customers for the many lovely hand made cards I received this year. They were all so lovely and it means so much more to have 'hand made' ones.

As many of you know I opened up a store on RAF Mildenhall in November 2009 and so I have been keeping super busy getting it up and running. I have been made to feel so welcome and am getting to know and entirely new group of crafters.

I wanted to share one of the cards I received from a lady who claims NOT to be very good at card making would you believe! I found her card stunning and I was so thrilled that she felt she wanted to share it - and photos of her lovely family with me.

It is actually an album card made from a paper sack - the kind used to take a packed lunch in. I just love the red, black and white colour scheme.

The card opens up to reveal pockets that hold individual photos of her family members. I like that she's used a Martha Stewart border punch to decorate the edges of her pockets. It's also nice to see stamping 'white' on black.

This is the tag from the front and just behind is the insert where she wrote her Christmas message. The jingle bells are a lovely touch and the whole thing looks amazing!

I am inspired!

Amanda

Donna Downey

2010-01-07T08:34:00.001-08:00

HELLOOOOOOO

2009-12-29T05:12:00.000-08:00

Yes i know it has been FOREVER since i blogged... but you know me busy busy busy!!!!

This is just a really quick blog to let you all know that we are just about finished arranging all the details for Donna Downey's Visit in April.... Watch this space and the shops for info. We hope to have it all confirmed in the first week of Jan. In the mean time if you haven't already done so, get your name on the list with your e-mail address so that we can contact you will the info.

01284 761222

Happy New Year to you all
Love
Amanda, Kay, John and Rosina xx

2nd Sneak Peak!

2009-10-01T12:31:00.000-07:00

Well life has been manic as ever. We have been madly working behind the scene trying to get the new shop ready to go.....

We have also had more of our CHA stuff in and the rest is on the way..... can't wait for it! Some of the stamps are in, the ribbon and buttons arrived today and the rest will be here by the middle of next week.....

We have started to move the shop around in preparation for all the new stock.... i have NO idea where we are going to put it!!!

In the meantime here is the next sneak peak for the Autumn workshop.....

Ok, off to sort out buttons!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Take care

Amanda x

First sneak peak!

2009-09-28T12:23:00.000-07:00

Yes, here it is the first of our Autumn Workshop sneak peaks!

Suezie Howard's Christmas Home Decor Project.

Keep watching this space for more coming later this week!

Hampton Art Stamps

2009-09-15T11:42:00.000-07:00

We finally managed to get the Hampton Art Stamps out today..... they are lovely. Can you believe that the forgot to send me the Show special stuff with it!!!!!! They were lovely and i was really looking forward to getting them..... hey ho, they have to pay to send them now!

We are expecting the rest of the stuff from CHA in the first week of next month...... so much i have no idea where i am gonna put it all!

In the meantime, we have a Demo on Saturday 26th September 10 - 4pm with Dawn Inskip. She will be demoing the 2 new BoBunny Christmas Ranges..... Looking forward to her coming, it seem that it is the only time we get to catch up at the moment.

It looks like Donna Downey will be teaching for us the weekend of 23rd - 25th April 2010. As i am sure you can imagine, this will get booked up very very fast, so those of you that would like to come on her class please get your name down asap. We will be taking names and when a venue and final price has been confirmed we will require a non-refundable deposit to hold your place. Rosina and i attended one of her classes when we were out at CHA as it was one of the best classes i have ever done. I loved it, she is so much fun and makes everything she does fun.

We are also looking at having Suzy from My Little Shoebox come and teach as well! This next 6 months will be manic! (more than usual!).

We are getting sorted out for the Autumn workshop and the sneak peeks will be on here in the next few weeks. We have 4 more places left on the workshop so if you fancy coming along let me know asap.

OK I should be ordering the stands for the new shop so keep smiling and pop in and see the new stuff when you are passing!

See you soon
Amanda x

NEW STUFF!!

2009-09-02T06:32:00.000-07:00

Only Me!

Just to let you know that we have finally started to get the new stuff in from CHA. Decided to use a new shipping company. They have been really good but things take time to work out and sort out at both ends so things have taken a little longer that i thought. Anyway, we have the new My Little Shoebox in and some Cosmo Cricket and SEI and Making Memories and lots more that i can't remember!!! and lots more to come. The next to come will be Hampton Art Stamps, and some fab acrylic and chipboard albums......

We have a new member joining our team. Jo starts work with us on 14th September. She will be at Norwich, Monday Wednesday and Saturday and the odd Sunday to begin with.

We open the 3rd Shop in a few weeks time so everything is very busy with that. Trying to get everyone where they need to be!

We have a Demo day on Saturday 26th September 10am - 4pm with Dawn Inskip. She will be demoing the new Bo Bunny Christmas Ranges and some lovely stamps. Suezie is also still doing her demo's the 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month. This Saturday we are showing you what the Bigshot is all about and how the nestabilities work so that will be good fun.

We have got a lot of the classes booked in now. I was supposed to be putting the list on here, but i am at the Norwich Shop today and i forgot to bring the Diary from Bury so that will have to wait!

We have the Autumn Workshop n Sunday 11th Oct 2009. We are almost full so if you are undecided..... be quick! We sat down this week and decided on the classes and papers so we are quite excited now. I just have the headache of getting it all together!!!!

OK i had been go and get some more work done.

See you soon
Amanda x

New Stock......

2009-08-18T03:29:00.000-07:00

Hello All.... check me out posting this many times in a matter of days not months!!!!

Well just wanted to let you all know that the new stock is starting to arrive. We have a load of the Martha Stewart Punches in and MLS and Hampton Art Stamps are in the air as we speak!!!!.

New Class list will be published in the next few weeks so keep an eye out on here!

Loads going on and coming in.

See you soon.
Amanda xx

lol......

2009-08-13T02:14:00.000-07:00

To quash all rumour..... we are not closing the Norwich shop!!!!!!!

I am looking for staff if that helps!!!!!

Some Picture......

2009-08-11T11:53:00.001-07:00

Well i just thought i would let you see some of the pics we took at the show and throughout the week......Hope you enjoy them!

So get the worst one out the way..... but the chairs were really good...... marion was on jiggle mode at this point!!!!

This is a pic of the first ever aligator i have ever seen in the wild!!!!! I made Marion get out and take this pic!!!

Check out all these ribbons...... ribbon heaven!!!!

This was fat free cupcakes...... they were made out of Ribbons!!!!

And Fat Free Chocs!!!!

And this was part of the Doodlebug stand.... i have to say that this is prob one of the best stands at the show..... very bright and fun.

OK the rest of the pics i have are of some of the stuff we have coming in so you will have to wait for the sneak peaks!!!!!

Have Fun

Manda xx

Part 3...... Donna Downey Class and more!

2009-08-10T13:17:00.000-07:00

So Sunday saw the first of our classes for the week. So we were up and about early. Marion and Rosina enjoyed a swim and some sun while i ran around getting pics printed as the printer i have in America didn't like my Laptop very much!!!!

So when i get back we decide to go for breakfast at Bob Evans and then head over to Angela's shop for our class with Donna......and what a fab class it was..... so different to anything i normally do but soooooo much fun... although i still haven't managed to finish mine yet!

The class was supposed to be 5 hours but we were there more like 6 hours +! It really was great and we have all the bits and pieces coming in for you all to have a go yourselves!

So after the class we decided to finish off a lovely day with a lovely meal..... so we headed to the Cheesecake factory for Dinner...... i see a food thing going on here!!!! lol

We Decided on the Monday that we would have a few hours by the pool then do a little bit more shopping and if we had time a manicure and pedicure..... which was lovely, but they said it would be about 45 mins and 2 and a half hours later we walked out! We went to my fav restaurant ..... Lone Star steak house for dinner and then home to bed as we had a very early start in the morning for class and the first day of the show..... the reason we were there!!!

So we were in Florida!!!

2009-08-10T12:45:00.000-07:00

Ok so we have arrived and because of the time difference we are all up and about at 4.30am but all waited to show face until about 6am!!!!

We were in the pool by 7.30am!

So after a swim we decide what the day ahead would bring. So we head to Florida Mall for a little retail practice, and lunch them Michaels and Joann's for some craft shopping! Then Dinner and home....

Saturday i had a few bead places i had to visit (a few new bits in the shop for you to look at (and buy!!)). And we checked in with Angela to make sure we had everything for Donna's class on Sunday. We then popped to Celebration for a wander around and Dinner..... We decided to have a salad for dinner and ended up in a fish restaurant!!! But we did have salad!

Then Marion and Rosina decided that it would be rude not to have desert so Marion had Key lime pie and Rosina had Strawberry shortcake!

So after a lovely dinner we head home..... just after we unload the car (god knows where we thought we were gonna pack everything and it is only the second day!) a massive electric storm hit and was with us for about 3 hours!!!!

More to come in the next post!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-08-10T12:12:00.000-07:00

Yes i know it has been a VERY long time since i last did a post on here but when you read this you will see why!!!

So here goes and with pictures as well...... Thanks Marion!

OK Thursday the 23rd July saw Rosina and myself head down to Gatwick airport to meet up with Marion and Fly out to Florida to the big trade show.... CHA here we come.

Rosina and i got to the airport before Marion, so we checked in and had the checkin lady hold the seat next to us in Premium economy....

When a very nervous Marion arrived at the airport she checked in and said her good bye's to Ricky.

So off we go... i wasn't sure that Florida was ready for us but we were on our way....

We go through security and Rosina and i were through no problems.... but Marion was stopped for a body search.... ok that out the way we here a voice say "who's bag is this?" yep..... it was Marions...... so bag searched... body searched and then round the corner and we ALL had to take our shoes off and they were xrayed again...... ok thoroughy searched..... (was begining to think Marion was gonna get pulled for a strip search.... cos they had just about everything off her!)

Ok We are through and now time to eat and shop.... what more can a girl ask for.

We decided that as we were traveling nicely we would check into the lounge and enjoy a bit of pampering so we went to the lounge first to eat and get the energy to shop....

Bacon buttie and orange juice for Marion and myself and Rosina had Smoked Salmon...... very nice it was to...

Then we went off to shop and i think i thought i would have a lot of time on my hands cos i bought 5 books! And some dime bars! Priorities!!!!!

So we finish the shopping and head back to the lounge for the final hour..... another drink and a pastry to keep us going until we got on the plane.....

Then we head down to the Gate...... Marion went all quiet again (those of you who know Marion will understand why it was a surprise that she was Quiet...... but she really doesn't like flying).

Get to the gate and Marion hands over her ticket....a Red light came up and Marion said "oh no now what... is there a problem?" No madam you have been upgraded..... and can you believe that she was gonna turn it down... she asked for her seat back in Premium with us. After a little persuading she excepted the upgrade and i think she is glad she did.

So after a slightly delayed flight (an hour) we are off...... 8 hrs 35 mins later we are in a very warm Florida and a Thunder storm hits the Airport. We get our luggage and go through farmers and fisheries... (they ask if we have food!!!!!!) then Marion and Rosina hand over the cases again as in Orlando you have to get on a tram over to the terminal and you can hand your bags in and they bring them over for you..... What we didn't realise was that because of the Thunder storm it would be over an hour before the cases were brought over as the transport was metal it couldn't be used in a storm!!!

So we finally get the car and head home.... 8.30pm (1.30am your time) we arrive at home sweet home. We are lucky enough to own our own home in Orlando so it really is home for me. (Pic taken on a previous trip!)

So we were there....... the rest to follow.........(easier to do it in stages with pics!).

Yes i am still here!!!

2009-06-25T13:37:00.001-07:00

Hello All...... first of all let me tell you all that we have finally confirmed the date of the Autumn Workshop. It is Sunday 11th Oct........ same time and same place. Further information to follow, but it will be the 4 classes, goody bag and a make 'n' take.....i am pleased the date is set and now Sara (if you are still up for it!?) and i can get going on getting it all sorted out.

I am off to the Largest Trade show in Florida at the end of July. Marion (from Sugar and Spice) and me are going to Florida..... mum said she didn't think Florida was ready for us so now Rosina might come as well..... i am sure we will have a great time as well as finding lots of new goodies for all the shops.

Very excited that shops 3 and 4 may very well be on there way.... just a few strings to tie up before we go completely public..... but i am very excited about them.

Life as usual is very busy in the Fletcher house hold. We did the Newmarket Bead Fair on Sunday. The organisers moved my stand this time and it was really odd not being where i am used to being!!!! I am not sure if i was moved cos they told me off last time or just cos they needed the room.....but i have asked to be in a different place next time.... i felt like i didn't belong where i was.... not nice at all. As it was Fathers Day, i gave dad the day off, Mum worked at the Norwich Shop and Rosemary very kindly offered to help me out at the show. She was great and i couldn't have done it with out her.... THANK YOU VERY MUCH you are a star.

We had had a manic week the week before the show as we had 4 classes in total, 3 of which were taught by my mum..... i really don't know how we got through it but we did. Then when we got back on Sunday we had some of my dad's family over to stay for a few days.... it was lovely to see them but as we were all very very tired we really couldn't give them what we really should have but i hope they understand.

Life carrys on.... we are all knackered but still smiling..... and i am thinking of taking on more shops............ i must be mad but i love it.

Not much else to tell you. All of those of you that are looking to come on the workshop..... the Spring one was a great success and everyone loved it. The places are limited and it is filling up quick so come in and get your name on the list.

OK, i am going to turn my Computer off now!!!!!!!!!!!! No really i am!!!!!!!!!

See you all soon
Manda xx

From Florida

2009-06-04T05:26:00.000-07:00

Hello All from sunny Florida (well not so sunny today!)

As every a day in the life of all at YTC and Beads and Bears is always busy. I have the mamouth task of trying to pack all the lovely goodies i have bought! Not much papercrafts this time i am afraid, (that is the next trip in July!). This was (is) a big bead buying trip, and my goodness have i spent out this time!!! Judith..... you will pleased to know that your large silver beads (Should) be here today! talk about cutting it fine hey! I will have the new stuff in the shop by Monday. I fly home tomorrow and land Saturday late morning, and those of you that know me, know i am not a very nice person without sleep, and i HATE the night flight home. I am not sure if that is because i am going home and i LOVE it here in sunny Florida or if it is because it is a night flight! I think a little bit of both really.

There are a few things that i miss about home..... my bed is one of them. I think the beds here are really hard and i normally have a bad back (but that could be all the shopping as well) anyway, as i am here on my own this time i am in the master bedroom downstairs in our house. So i hatched a plan..... i am the original Princess and the Pea girl! I have brought a matress down from one of the other bedrooms and put it on top of the HUGE matress down stairs. I have to climb onto the bed and then get on the other matress. The bed is about 4 ft high!!! It is quite funny. If i get clever i will post a picture on here for you..... but me and technology are not the best of friends!

I had a small problem with the hire car as well...... The brakes were not working properly (just a little problem then!) and in the middle of a rain storm yesterday..... the wiper blades stopped working...... Fab i thought now what do i do!

Well i took the car back and i really lucked in! I had already received a free upgrade on the original car and then they decided to give me a bigger upgrade and i got a premium car for the price of an economy! Bargin!!!! lol

The healthy eating has go out the window...... i have had Vanilla cake for breakfast almost every day!

OK This is not getting the packing done...... See you all on Monday.

Amanda x

I am still here!!!!

2009-05-15T04:34:00.000-07:00

OK this one is for you mum!!!!

My mum has been nagging me to get on here and tell you what has been going on!

And you know when so much is happening you forget what has just happened...... well that is were we are at at the moment.

Life at YTC and All About Beads & Bears is always busy. I have to say it is getting hard to keep on top of the stock at both shops.... they Bury shop is getting busier and busier (for which i am not complaining one little bit!) and we are really pleased with how the Norwich shop has picked up.

Oh while i remember..... those of you that attended the Spring Workshop that Sara and i did back at the end of March, will (I hope) be pleased to know that we are planning on doing another one in September. We are looking at 13th September at the moment so pencil that date in and we will confirm just as soon as the venues confirms with us. It will be a similar layout as the spring one but we promise to put in a few more loo breaks for those of you that requested it! haha.... see we did read the comments forms you all filled in!

It will be 4 classes and lunch again, and if we have time at the end we will do the mini make n take. Oh and of course a little goody bag for fun.

In the mean time..... life Carry's on at both shops. Suezie is Demoing in Bury the 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month from 9.30am - 1pm (ish). This weekend is some lovely summer papers and nestabilities i believe. I leave that all to Suezie to deal with on my behalf.... Thanks Suezie.

We also had Mum's birthday this last week so we had a lovely family dinner on Monday (her Birthday) and then on Tuesday a few of us got together at the shop and did our own thing. I had a little go at the pop out dies from ellisons and i was really please with just how easy they are. I also got to make my own mini book that everyone made on the spring workshop.

It was a really fun evening and we all had a really good laugh..... particularly at the thought of Rosina and Brian in Ibiza. Rosina is going to go clubbing in the foam and win a wet t-shirt comp.... looking forward to seeing that scrapbook with that in!!!! You go girl!!!!! hahaha

Anyway, for those of you that were booked on Annie's Scrapbook class last Thursday, i am very sorry that it had to be cancelled but poor Annie has a chest infection and Pleurisy. (spelling a bit off i think!!!). The whole family has been very under the weather this week so i am hoping they are feeling a little better. Get well soon xx.

We will of course let you know when we are rescheduling Annie back. She was planning on doing a lovely Mini book with the bind it all. Just keep an eye out for the new date.

Suezie has a papercraft class on Wednesday evening. If you pop into the shop tomorrow (Saturday) i am hoping she will have the sample so you can see what it is. We have a couple of places left on the class so if you want to join us let them know in the shop. They will put you on the list!!!!

Ok i am off to carry on with my blog about our house in Florida now. Anyone looking to go out to Sunny Orlando.... check it out! (when i finally get it finished!!!) www.afloridavilla.blogspot.com

See you all soon
Manda, Kay and Rosina x

No i Hadn't forgotten i had started a blog!!!!!

2009-04-22T06:54:00.000-07:00

As ever life at Your Touch of Craft has been manic.....

We Did the Workshop which i have told you about and that was a great success. The week before the workshop i got the keys for our second shop in Taverham in Norwich. So we had to decorate, put new floor down and a new ceiling up..... no end to my talents you know!

Then the following Sunday we had the Thetford Papercraft show on the Sunday, which was a really nice day and very very busy, so we were all shattered. My Dad, Sister and Brother-in-law were at the new shop putting the slatwall up while mum, myself and Suezie did the show. (no rest in my family..... Sunday is get it done day!).

We then had 4 days to get the shop stocked and ready for opening Good Friday. We were still hanging beads on the Friday but we did get in and open. We can only sell Beads and Teddy bears over there at the moment, but i am trying to get the papercrafts over there as well! Watch this space as they say.

In the middle of all that we are still running the classes at both shops and they are going really well. Suezie has had some lovely ideas with some of the new stuff we are getting in every day!!!

Suezie is demoing for me the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month from 9.30 - 1ish. So if you are in town pop in and say hello and see what she is doing.

That said, this Saturday is our 1 year anniversary in the Risbygate Street shop..... where does time go. So we have Dawn Inskip of Bramwells coming to demo the new K&Co Wild Raspberry range. We have put the bit and pieces out in the shop now and they are selling really fast..... Dawn does some lovely things to please pop in and have a cake with us and see what she is doing.

We are also finally launching our Loyalty Card on Saturday so now you can get something from us for spending your pennies with us.......

Ok I am off to carry on putting the stock for the Norwich Shop on the computer now..... i can't keep putting it off!

Take Care
Amanda

We did it!

2009-03-30T13:29:00.000-07:00

Yes the Spring Workshop was on Sunday and it was a success! Four fantastic classes taught by three awesome teachers - Annie, Anna and Suezie.
Here are a few peaks of the day..................

If you were there - thank you! We really hope you enjoyed your day as much as we did, we have read all your comments and taken everything on board that you have said.

As soon as we have got a date for the next workshop we will let you know and hope you will be able to make it.

Spring Workshop

2009-03-30T11:37:00.000-07:00

Well i thought it was time that i added a few bits to this.... Sara has done a sterling job of getting the sneak peeks on here for the Spring Workshop, thanks Sara!

I was hoping to be able to attach some pics from the day on here but i think i will have to ask Sara again!!!! This is a new Laptop and i can never find where anything saves.... i think it is in one place and then i go to find it, and it is no where to be seen!

Anyway, i think everyone enjoyed the day. It was hard work for Sara and i, and although we were shattered when we were finished we did go home with a smile on our faces. We had some lovely compliments which gave us a great boost.

Thanks to all the Teachers (Suezie, Annie and Anna) everyone had great projects to do, and i think everyone got everything finish, ready to show off when they got home. Thank you ladies, you all did a lovely job.

The room looked lovely once we got everything set up. Sara spent ages do all the decs for the day and it was so worth it.... well done you.

The only thing we could have done better was the baking of the cookies...... they were just a little (very little) over done, but if that is the worst that happened i think the girls did good!!!!!!!

Anyway, on to other things.... for those of you that don't know, we open the new shop in Taverham on Good Friday so life here is manic. Myself, my dad and my brother in law took the old ceiling down, put a new one up and laid half a laminate floor on Friday. I have to say that i found muscles i didn't know i had by Saturday morning!!!! I am sure all the stress will be worth it on the day!!!!

OK i am off now to get the last of the orders done for the new shop.

Take Care
Amanda

Last sneak

2009-03-26T06:30:00.000-07:00

This is the last of Sunday's classes - how gorgeous does this look? It is a mini book by Annie

See you Sunday

Sara x

Sneal Peak number 3!

2009-03-22T08:37:00.000-07:00

This is from our teacher Suezie Howard

Don't you just love the colours!

Only a week to go, I hope you have all received your letter with class information, tool list and directions.

Sara

Sneak peak 2!

2009-03-17T07:25:00.000-07:00

Here is Annie's layout sneak peak...............

Spring Workshop

2009-03-07T12:15:00.000-08:00

First sneak peak of one of our classes and we hope you will agree it is gorgeous!

Anna Bowkis: Spring Wreath:

so if you haven't already booked yourself a place, phone and book now, details are here!

Make It!!

2009-02-21T13:46:00.001-08:00

Well i know it has been a while since my first post......... but once you have read this you will see why!!!

My fab help in the shop (know as Mum and dad) have both been really really poorly. Having returned from an 8 week trip to Florida they have both had Chest infections since they got back. And those of you who know me personally will know how much they help me out in the shop. So a HUGE Thank You to Rosina for helping me out greatly (as allways) once again, and helping keep the shop going! Couldnt do it without you. That said.... Last sunday saw the start of the long awaited UK Trade Show - Stitches. I was taking Mum and Dad with me but mum was just to poorly to come ( so you know just how bad she was!).... So early Sunday moring saw dad and myself get in the car and head to sunny Birmingham!!!! We got there at 10am and we were on our way back by 2.00pm!!! So as you can see it was not fab, but we were both worried about Mum so headed back to see how she was.

Monday saw an even earlier start for me. I picked Suezie up at 6.45am and Rosina at 7am!!! And i am really not a morning Person!!!!!!! Got to Birmingham at 9am. I have to say that Monday was a much more productive day!!! Wait until you see what we have coming in..... There is some lovely stuff. Not so sure my Bank manager will think that!!!! anyway it was a really really long day and i finally walked in at just after 9pm!!! Thank god we have lots to talk about between us..... as it kept me awake to drive home.

Then Tuesday saw me and Dad back in Birmingham. We bought the contents of the Beadsmith stand..... all you beaders will love it!

So this saw us back at the shop by 8pm on Tuesday night. There the Acrilic book workshop was already underway. Most people seemed to be loving the workshop but most were also suffering with some illness or other!!! Anyway everyone had fun and i will get some pics on here (just as soon as i workout how to do it!).

Wednesday saw me running around like a headless chicken trying to get sorted out for departure on Thursday for the Make it show! (i am the first to admit i am not a very nice person to be around when getting ready for a show!). So i finally got home at just after 10.30pm and had been on the go since 6am!

So Thursday saw D Day and we were off to the Make it Show at Farnborough..... well so we thought! Myself and dad decided that if we got up early and loaded the trailer first thing that we could leave the car and trailer outside the shop with the hazard lights on and be ready to go just as soon as my brother in law got there......

All ready to go and a HUGE bag of goodies to get us there, we get in the car and seat belts on..... Karl goes to move the seat back and says to me.... why isnt the seat going back? (it is electric so should just go back!).... i dont know, start the car and see if it works then! Yes you have guessed it the battery was DEAD...... so we try and jump start it... nothing happens! So we phone our brakedown service and they say they will be out in about an hour!!!! And an hour later the lovely little man turns up... have you come far i ask..... "no just the back of Glasswells" can you believe i sat in the shop for an hour wasting time waiting for him to get there from Glasswells!!!!!! So we finally got away at 1pm!!!! so much for our 10am etd!!!!! Finally got to the show to set up at 3pm!!! Thanks for all your help Karl, Auntie m, and Unlce L. I really couldn't do it without you

Anyway we are now staying at my Auntie m and Uncle L's house and doing the Make it show. We are having a really good show. I really enjoy this one, once i finally get here and set up. We have breakdown tomorrow evening and then the drive home! Can't say i am looking forward to that bit!!! (thanks for the Grid Wall Marion xxx)

So now you have an idea as to why it has been a while since my first post!!! I am SOOOO looking forward to getting back into the shop on Monday and an very early night on Monday night!!!

The spring workshop is just about full so if you are undecided, better make decide pretty quick..... it really will be a fab day. Our teaches are all really good fun, and some great projects coming your way!

Now i am off to fall into bed, really for another busy day tomorrow!
Have a great week
Amanda x

Well Here Goes!!!!

2009-02-08T14:08:00.000-08:00

So this is my FIRST official blog!!! I am such a tech biff that i really don't know what i am doing!!!

Just to let you know that the new class list is hopefully going to be available by the end of this week......

Those of you that know (or don't know), my parents have been away in sunny Florida for the past 8 weeks!!! Yes i did say 8 weeks..... they flew back in on Friday to our lovely cold snowy weather! So mum is back in the shop to help out. This frees me up to try and get myself sorted out. First thing is a trip to Essex tomorrow to see my fab friend Marion who is being an angel and lending me her Gridwall for a show i am doing at Farnborough in 2 weeks time..... Thanks Hun you are a star xxx.

Then Tomorrow afternoon/ evening i will be doing my best to try and get the class list out... so check back and it might be here...

I am also off to the UK trade show on Sunday, so really looking forward to seeing all the new and exciting bits and pieces on offer..... and hopefully lots of lovely new goodies for all of you!!!!

Ok that is it for the first post.... check back i will be adding i promise!!!!!

Spring Workshop

2009-01-20T04:37:00.000-08:00

Meet other local scrapbookers for conversation, inspiration and fun!

Sunday 29th March 2009

9.30am - 5pm

The Masonic Club

High Street, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 9AE

£65 per person

Includes:

*Goody Bag

*4 Classes

*1 make and take

*lunch

*refreshments throughout the day

*on site shopping

Class Teachers:

Anne Hafermann

Anna Bowkis

Suezie Howard

To Book Contact:

Your Touch of Craft, Tel: 01284 761222

Bookings will be taken over the phone with a valid credit card.

All Bookings need to be paid in full to secure your place.

Cancellation policy:

*Should we be able to resell your place a full refund minus a £10.00 administration charge will be issued.

*We will take all reasonable attempts to fill cancelled spaces.

*The following charges will apply dependant on date of cancellation only if the space remains unfilled.

29 January 2009 - 50%

28 February 2009 - 80%