Hi everyone and a special welcome to my new followers.
Please grab a coffee or tea, even better, a glass of something stronger! You might need it!
I am afraid this is a bit of a photo shoot, so I apologise in advance.
Firstly I have been bursting to tell you some news.
Are you sitting comfortably - then I will begin!
In a garden centre about 5 minutes from here, we had a Hobbycraft Store. Not a huge one but great if you wanted something quick. The big store is about a 25 minute drive, depending on the traffic, could be even longer. The staff were very friendly and one of them, I had known for a number of years.
Hobbycraft, then out of the blue, decided to close it.
As a support to the staff and local crafters, who couldn't get to the big store, I decided to email the CEO. No mucking about, go straight to the top!
I didn't expect a reply and even stated this in my mail.
Well I got a reply, straight away!
I will cut it short now. The outcome was, the CEO, Catriona Marshall, asked to meet me for a chat.
We arranged a date and met up with her and a guy called Bruce Gibson.
I explained, as in my email, that due to public transport here, that she had now cut off many people access to craft products. People in the villages without cars, would find it impossible to get to the big store. Not just older people but Mums with young children too. Also, as I buy in bulk, canvases, boxes etc. if I didn't have a car, there was no way I could get there and back on public transport. It takes 2 buses and about 1 1/2 hours just to get there. Then the same home, fully loaded! It would also put the price up for my market sales and that is for the charity I support.
Our meeting lasted 2 hours and unfortunately, as she explained there was no choice, the store is closed.
It is a shame, but Catriona and Bruce were very nice and seemed to take on board my comments re the stores. One of them they agreed with and said it was already being gradually implemented in all stores.
I am still getting people moaning to me about the closure.
I have been very lucky, as they have made me their first public Discount Card holder. I was very chuffed and it will certainly help to offsetting petrol expenses.
Sadly, it doesn't help other people.
Right, now to the photo shoot! I bought this pack of letters at Ally Pally from the MDF man.
Sorry the first photo image is a bit p... sorry, wonky! Hubby was behind the door holding the cord!
At first I didn't know how to decorate them and then I had a moment!
You know, the wave comes over you!
I had bought some Decorators Caulk ( a type of wall filler) in Aldi, so I decided to apply it in waves like snow drifts. I let it dry overnight and then covered it with white acrylic paint.
The first snowman is an old Whiff Of Joy stamp and a favourite of mine. I love snowmen but they have to be special looking!
The snowflakes are a mix of different makes put together. Spellbinders and Marianne Creatables.
They have been glittered with Stickles, Star Dust.
The snowman, as all of them, have been coloured with Distress Inks. Then glittered to look like snow, with Dries white Cosmic Shimmer glue and sprinkled with CS Iced Snow glitter.
All bought from The Craft Barn
Isn't he gorgeously cute?!
Another LOTV stamp called Penguin Friends.
Meet Mr Snowman, an old LOTV stamp and another old favourite!
Wakey Wakey!!! Are you still with me? It's over now and I promise my next post
will be short and sweet.
Have a lovely Sunday and thanks for stopping by and leaving me such gorgeous comments. They always make me smile and encourage me to keep crafting.
Hugs,
Carolxxxx
