Blue sky's and tags (almost dressed) ?

Hi anyone
fab day re the weather - blue sky and a little damp but quite warm !!! (for November). Its the weekend ! - so lots of family stuff going on. Rugby again and a friends birthday party early evening.

 Managed to get a few pictures of the tags for Day 1 of Christmas Prep @ thepapersac - I've decided on the date of 16th November as the first date (this is brought forward from 18th) - so each day there will be a new item.

Tags for Christmas @ home range

each tag slightly different

 Also getting the boys Christmas lists going later today and will put some in the shop - will show them here tomorow. Here are a few pics of the tags - they are 'not dressed up' as yet they need their ribbons and their packaging

ribbon and packaging to come

 Still no comments to win the List it Tool - it could be you - make that comment now


Bye for now

Make a comment !

Hi anyone
another very damp and rather dark morning - definite cold wind. Still waiting for the comments to win the 'List 'it' tool !! - maybe today ?

dress-up collection - first mood board

@home collection - mood board

I've put together the second 'mood board' for my christmas offer - will certainly refine and add to it but it's getting me there for colours and textures and gives a feel of the alternative look. I have both boards together here to compare.
The christmas prep items will be in the shop day by day- the first day is ready to go in tomorrow (a bit earlier than my original date) but sooner is better. Loads of christmas stuff to buy everywhere - I will be trying to get my own shopping done asap - already got my prep stuff from my own stock (all prototype items for the shop) so feeling very smug !

 ANOTHER REMINDER of the 'List it' tool offer. This could be yours :

Bye for now - make that comment now !

Just add a comment to win.

Hi anyone
I seem to start my blogs with a weather report - I do this because just before my first word I look to my left and out of the window. I like to set the scene so will keep it up for now. So. here goes - its a little wet/damp but clearing the sky has visible clouds and in the distance a big thick layer of rain ! not sure if it will blow over to the sea or come here ? Quite mild though.


Also got some pictures of the free gift to mark the begining of my 12 days of Christmas Prep @ thepapersac. Here it is

board without any list notes just to see the picture

with the list notes on the hook

I've got lots of pictures of the new baby but have chosen these ones just to give a good idea of the item. I'm calling it 'a List it tool' - the idea is to use it to mark up any shopping or Christmas wish lists or thoughts or plans etc. while preping for Christmas.
I live my life in lists - there is a list for most things everyday in all my routines. I rely totally on writing these lists which then become things in my pocket or bag when I go to shop or meet or coffee etc - little 'aide memoirs'. The best thing with this design is that each individual list (paper strip) pops onto the pretty board on the hook (not sure if its clear on these pics) so I can add or anyone else can add to it as its diplayed in the kitchen/diner.
The gift List it design has a sort of Christmas scene but not over the top and fits quite well in my space although its a bit too blue for me (I'm going to do a green one for me) My husband Richard said he would leave a comment on the blog to go into the draw and win the List It back because I liked it - not sure thats in the spirit ?

displayed on my wall in the kitchen/diner - ready for action

back view

 This is the back - these hooks can slip over tiny nails or keep the ribbon to hang as above. When Christmas has gone - it maybe better to remove the Christmas style ribbon for next year.

close up of the list it wording

Hope you like the tool - to help get you going for Christmas prep. Just add a comment and you will go into the draw - to take place on November 25th 2011.
Will start with the 12 days of Christmas Prep @thepapersac 12 days before that.


Bye for now.

Wired snow, reindeers and whippycake

Hi anyone
am a bit late today - loads on as usual - weather getting better as the day develops - still dull and damp but it is Novenember !
Been busy with Christmas preparations and am almost ready to reveal the free draw gift - needs to dry before I can show. Doing other jobs too for the 12 days introduction of stuff to buy in my shops - will get direct links when they are ready and packaged- here are a few shots of the materials I will use.

selection of materials up for consideration

love these little reindeer and the wired snow stuff

 I'm a bit of a sucker for pretty packaging - nothing like the pleasure of creating spectacular packaging to make the whole use of it special. Almost (but not quite) as good as getting the gift myself !
On my round of  the blogs - I came across this lovely range of hair/broach things fab idea/look its from a site called whippycake - take a look.

lovely ribbon/tape and string (of course)

bit of a gnome and pegs and a mini tree

Need to get going - will be back tomorrow
Bye for now x

Free Christmas Gift Competition

Hi anyone

bit of a damp day today and been busy with school charity work so not much done. However, have been planning the little project which I talked about last time re 12 new christmas offers in my shops. I've decided to post  them up here at the same time and also I'm adding a free gift opportunity.
My first offer for the shops is almost complete and the free gift thing is 'in development' - I have a few pictures to keep anyone guessing :

Christmas 'Tool' to be !!!

This is not much of a clue but it is something that can be used for Christmas and beyond. All you need to do (TO WIN THE GIFT) is add a comment to any of my posts from now and I will draw names out of a hat on the twelth and final day of my the christmas offers.

That all for today.
Bye.