Hi Everybody

I hope you have all had a good Christmas. I had a lovely time, sat and did nothing - except watch Mama Mia and a dvd of Micheal McIntyre (very funny!) and went to see my favourite little girl!! I did not even play on the 'puter. This is my first day back - I was not feeling very well leading up to Christmas, so I made myself have a complete break from it all. I am feeling a lot better now.

This is just a quick up-date because I am having trouble up loading the details of the 'January' sale on the website, so I thought I would post them here. (I will be back on over the next day or so, I have got some pictures of Joanna card to upload and some of my sisters bowls to show you!)

Anyway, here are the sale details:

We would like to wish all of our customers a
A HAPPY NEW YEAR
and to celebrate the coming of 2009 we are holding our
'January Sale'
starting at 10am on the 30th December
and continuing until 3pm on the 4th January
25% off all Christmas papers
25% off all Christmas embellishments
25% off all Christmas peel-offs
25% off all Christmas rubber stamps
(including Elusive Image Christmas sheets!!)
25% off Tinkerbella Inks
Zutter Dream Kutzs reduced from £74.99 to £54.99
(only two available!!)
Jewellery craft bag reduced from £19.99 to £15.99
Plus many more special offers
and 10% off all non-sale items
(please note that the Flutterby Stamp is on holiday and there will be no loyalty

points during the sale period)

Here are our opening times over the New Year period:
Tuesday 30th - 10am ' til 4pm
Wednesday 31st - 10am 'til 2pm (sorry, going out for the evening!!)
New Years Day - Closed (will be recovering from the late night!!)
Friday 2nd - Back to normal - hopefully recovered!!
Remember the sale finishes at 3pm on the 4th January, so come and grab a bargain!!
Have a wonderful time and see you all soon!!

Merry Christmas, Everybody.

It seems like only five minutes since I sent out last years Christmas email and what a busy year it has been. Plenty of ups, some downs, but overall not a bad year.

Grant and I have had lots of lovely time watching Jet grow from a gorgeous baby of last Christmas to a beautiful, active and articulate little girl of this Christmas. She now owns a pair of funky wellies and she loves jumping in puddles, just like her mum used to enjoy doing. It will be lovely to see Helen, Nick and Jet settled and enjoying the first Christmas in their new home later this week.

Philip and Katie will also be spending their fist Christmas in their new home, (How my babies have grown!) leaving Grant and I to play Derby & Joan at home alone.

The girls and I are looking forward to quite a long holiday this year. I have put our opening times on the website, you can click here for the full details. Basically we are closing at lunchtime on Christmas Eve and re-opening on Tuesday. It is the longest time that I have closed the shop since we opened four years ago. But we have been so busy this year with all the moving that I think we need to have this break, recharge our creative batteries!

I know this means that you will have to go without your craft shopping fix for a full five days, but I have something up my sleeve to cheer you all up once we re-open next week. Our 'January' sale will start on Tuesday the 30th December.

There will be 25% off of all Christmas stock in the papershop, 10% off of everythings else in both shops. On top of that I will be putting out extra special offers and bargain bins. The sale will last until the 4th of January. How does that sound?

So now, that leads us onto next year and what is coming up. I was hoping to have the workshops lists updated and ready by now but, if you have been in the shop during the past week or so you will know that I have been a bit unwell, so I have not managed to update as fast as I expected. The details will be on the website by the new year, I promise!

I think we are all looking forward to moving into the new year. Although we have had some good time this year (not least with the moving of the shops) it has been filled with a lot of worrying moments with doom & gloom exasperated by the government and the press - and I know that a lot of you have very good reasons to look forward to a new year - so I would like to end this newsletter by wishing you all a very merry Christmas and all the best wishes for 2009.

We look forward to seeing you at the sales next week and we will help you with your crafting next year.

With best wishes from Lynn and The Girls

Still without computer.

Hi Tracy (me) Is still without her computer and to top it all off, when I went over to my mums yesterday to upload the challenge cards. MSN has wiped my e-mail account Clean of all my e-mails.

So I have had to suspend this months challenge, So sorry!! Normal service will hopefully resume after the festive period and the gremlins in my life.

Merry Christmas to all and an apology from Tracy!!

Hi all Just wanted to pop on and say Merry Christmas to you all.

I have not posted the new challenge yet as My computer is broken, hard drive is cupput. So at the moment I am snatching a couple of minutes on the Local Library Internet area.

Hopefully will get these up tomorrow as I am going to see my mum.

So sorry for the delay.

Tracyxx

Good Morning. It is soooo cold and frosty outside. But, of course, that does make it feel more like Christmas!
It has been manic around here.
We were asked to arrange the ladies gifts for the Sargeants Mess Christmas Draw at Hermitage barracks for this weekend. 70 hand decorated glass dishes and candles (plus bag!) later..........I am feeling at the moment that if I NEVER see another glass dish or serviette or candle again it will be too soon!! I will try to get a photo of them before they go out. I must say, though, they are looking fabulous. I almost wish I was going myself.
The www.josonjas-uk.co.uk website is nearly completed. Hurray!! So Tracy and I can move on from that very soon now. And, hopefully, I will be able to spend some time next week updating the www.flutterbycrafts.co.uk website with all of nexts years workshops. How hunky dory would that be?
If any of you have been missing Tracy and noticed that she has not been on the 'puter for a bit, her hard-drive has died - poor love! And she has been working like made all over the place. Should all be back to normal soon.
It has been one hell of mad, bad and busy year this year. But hopefully things have moved on and next year will be more settled.
Take care of yourselves and drive carefully on those icy roads.

Lynn x

Been so Busy

Well it is that time of Year, We apologise that things have been quiet on here for a bit. To be honest things behind the scenes are manic. I have been working so hard on the Jo Sonjas Website and Lynn has been busy with the setting up the new side of that business. The Girls in the shop have been working hard to on samples and future workshops.

So Please accept our humble apologise for the interim.

But it is nice to know That Joanna keeps us on our toes and she has sent me this lovely card to show you all. Using the cricut.

Santa's hat - using the Cricut by Joanna

I used the fantastic Joys of the Season Cricut cartridge to cut out Santa's hat for this card. The lettering used can be from any of the Cricut font cartridges. For those of you who know me red is not really my colour but this Christmas swirls paper from Flutterby Crafts is lovely. I have used Bazzill Bling cardstock, gold card and white glitter card. The embellishments are punches. So quick and easy .... give it a go!

Hey, I have just seen the card that have been posted for the first challenge. Well, what can I say - they are gorgeous, and I hope they bring inspiration to so many crafters. Thank you, Ladies.
I hope over time I get to know you all a lot better. Lets hope things are coming up Roses for all of us!!
It has been a very tiring few weeks but, hopefully, it is reaching the end of manic work and things are getting (slowly) into place.
My new office is sorted, the workshop is tidy (after a fashion!) and the shops are organised (until any new stock arrives!!!)
(We all need to work on getting Tracy up here now!!)
The coach trip last weekend went off without a hitch. Not many people came with us this year so I probably will not be organising it again. I must say, I was very disappointed with the show. It would have interested new crafters, but for us old hands it has not changed a bit over the past 4 years - the stalls are the same, selling the same. Nothing new seems to be coming out at the moment, just re-hashed! It will be interesting to see what the New Year brings.
Anyway, once again Thank you to all that have taken part in the challenge.
Lynn xx

First Ever Flutterby Challenge!!!

Wowee Its here at long last.

This is the first ever Official, Flutterby Crafts Blog Challenge.

Okay the rules:-

All we ask is you follow the chosen topic / techniques for that month.Make your project out of whatever materials you like, paper, beads or a.n.other.

Post your project on your blog linking back to this challenge and then in the comments section underneath this post leave us a link back to your blog, so we can all come and see it.

Next month as the new challenge is set we will announce the one lucky winner of this months challenge. They will recieve a a £10 gift voucher to spend at Flutterby Crafts , Berkshire.So without Further Ado:-

Everythings coming up roses.

we would love to see your projects with roses on, feel free to use whatever medium you choose. Its not just about stamping, its about all techniques.

Here are the design teams Ideas, to give you inspiration.

Joanna

Pamela

Kathleen

Tenia

Stacey

Tracy

We Cannot wait to see what you all come up with.

Joannas' Post.

I have been spending far too much money recently at Flutterby’s but with all the gorgeous Christmas cardstock it’s sooooo hard to resist. Thought you might like to see my recent Cricut cards using the Baby Bug. Since purchasing my Cricut from Lynn last year I have not been able to stop cardmaking. I love my Cricut with a passion. It is so easy to use but beware the cartridges do become addictive to collect! The Joys Of The Season (JOTS) cartridge is fantastic. There are so many lovely cuts that I am slowly working my way through this cartridge. It’s a good job there are a few more card making weeks till Christmas!

The other day I showed my daughter Alice the following Christmas cards. Alice is 8 yrs old (my biggest critic) and she said they were “COOL”. Hope you like them as much as she does!

Snowflake card
This was a very quick card to make. I used the DCWV Metallic card with the Craft Creations paper. The swirls were begging to be glittered but don’t show up very well on the photo. I die cut the scallop square highlighted with a white pen. Bazill Bling was used and embossed with the Cuttlebug folder. The snowflake was cut using the Joys Of The Season (JOTS) Cricut cartridge. I cut the snowflake again with shadow all being accented with the gorgeous Kaiser Kraft pearls (which I can’t get enough of!).

Snow Card
I used Joys Of The Season (JOTS) Cricut cartridge for the snowflakes cut at various sizes accented with pale blue gemstones. . Bazill Bling cardstock was embossed with the Snowflakes folder. Plantin Schoolbook cartridge was used for the text using DCWV Metallic card. Craft Creations paper was used for the background. All items available at Flutterby’s and cartridges available to order.

Good morning, Everybody.

I have just had an email from Deborah Foulkes. At last Saturdays workshop she was waiting for a very happy event. Her daughter was due to make her a Grandma at any time. That 'anytime' happened yesterday!!

Congratulations, Deborah and very well done, Sarah. A bouncing 9lb 12oz boy called William. Not a dry eye in the house.



I feel that there will be loads of cuddling and not much crafting done this weekend!!



Lynn

Something Pretty For you!!

Well, it is only a week to go before the monthly Challenge starts, right here!!!!

I hope the DT are all busying away to get the designs to me.

So in the mean time. I hope everybody going to the NEC on Sunday has a great time.
:-( I am not going, Boo Hoo, I have a demonstration in my Home town to do.

Don't spend to much. Save it for Flutterbys.

Above is a picture of a Beaded snowflake I have made. See you soon. I hope.
Lynn has me locked away in a dungeon, working on the Jo-Sonjas-uk website. LOL!!

Tracyxxx

What a weekend! Having had an early (very early) start yesterday it has been a very interesting, great fun and relaxing weekend.

The Christmas Gift making day was extremely successful for the ladies that took part. I keep meaning to take photos on the workshop days so that you can all get a feel for it, but I get carried away and forget. Anyway, Nicky and I made everybody work like mad to decorate a beautiful glass bowl, a candle with matching mat and a memoboard. It was hard work, but great fun. Then Katie came in and things quietened down while everybody made handbag charms. Not bad for a days work!

Then I had my day off of work (Thanks to Catherine & Toni looking after the shop with some help from Nicky and Katie!). Grant and I went out for a lovely walk with the dogs this morning and managed not to get wet!! After that we went out for a drive and did some secret shopping - well we did not actually buy anything, mainly because there was nothing to buy, but we did see a new aquarium that we would like. Looks like we have sorted out a joint Christmas present.

A little doze over my book while Hubby watched rugby this afternoon, then off for a superb dinner with the Phil and Katie. What a wonderful end to the weekend and I still have got Monday to look forward to!

I did not get any beading done, though. Looks like I might have to do some of that tomorrow!!

I hope you have all had a good weekend and that the coming week is good for you all.

Lynn xx

Good Morning! It's not too early today, only 5.30am! And it sounds like it is wet and windy outside.
Anyway, I came down to write a quick newsletter but the I cannot get on the site to - so I thought I would write in here instead.

We have got the Christmas gift workshop today and I have been lying awake half the night thinking about it. We are going to be playing with decorating glass dishes and candle, making a memo board and something with some beads (don't ask me what, Katie is coming up with the idea for this one!). Just a nice little group today and we have one COMPLETE beginner, a lady called Sue, who I meet each morning when walking the dogs. She fancies having a go at making her Chrissy Pressies (mad lady!). She says she has never done any crafting before. She is in for a treat.

The reason that I wanted to send out a newsletter today is to prompt everybody that this is the last weekend to book seats on the NEC coach trip for next week. I think there will still be seat available, but the late tickets will have to be purchases at the gate.

I want to welcome all the Design Team members. I am looking forward to seeing what you all come up with. And thank you Tracy for organising it all.

Guess what? I am having a day off tomorrow! Not sure how much I am looking forward to it. The weather is supposed to be grotty and Hubby Dear is already moaning about having his Rugby viewing interupted! I might have to take some jewellery making stuff home and catch up on MY chrissy present preparations! But the good news is that we are not cooking the dinner. Being wined and dined by Katie & Phil! I understand that Katie has been practicing her roast pork in readiness and that it is superb - according to Phil, who is a smooth talker like his father!

Anyway, better go to make the early morning tea now and then get on with some work.

Have a great weekend & enjoy some crafting.

Lynn x

New DT Member!!

Hello Well the design team is set and ready to go.

I would Just like to introduce one member for Now.

Joanna :-

Joanna was a little bit resistant to join but we cajoled (bullied) technically, to bring her work to you. Joanna is a Whiz with the cricut and we wanted to have someone whos talent lay elsewhere to stamping.

Our blog challenge is for all techniques you see. So we are Unique.

A couple of Joannas Cards are posted above. She has no blog at present.

DT News.

Well Firstly I must apologise for my adsence, I have just been so busy, behind the scenes.

The New Flutterby Design Team Members, will be hearing from me this week, and then I will post the info here for you all to see.

The First Challenge will be set on the 3rd Wednesday of every month.

It will just be a monthly Challenge to begin with.

The Design team ideas are to get your creative juices flowing.

Then all you have to do is leave a comment, underneath the challenge post Saying you can find my entry on my blog, Link back to this site and enjoy.

Every month Lynn will pick a winner from all those taking part and issue a little prize.

Watch this space First Challenge will be on the 19th November.

Thankyou, Thankyou, Thankyou.

I would just like to take this opportunity, to thank each and everyone of you who has supported Lynn over the last couple of weeks with the expansion.

I Really enjoyed the opening weekend and having spoke to Michelle Saxon, Yesterday, (did you know she is a personal friend lovelies, I have friends that are famous LOL!!!) any way I digress. Michelle was saying; what a great time she had and how lucky we all are to have such a brilliant shop. She even compared it to some of the craft shops she has been to in the states; and said the layout, style and feel would not be out of place over there.

Thankyou all once again for all your support this weekend too. Lynn informs me it was just as busy this weekend as last. (Yippee! How many empty hooks for my {I mean Our} Penny black fund are there now.)

Don't forget to check out the website and our new forum too.

Tracyx

Dt Team Update and a call out.

This is the last call. For Dt Team members for Our Challenge Starting Soon.!! (see previous post for details).

I have a few people selected, but have not notified anyone yet. You have until friday, to get in touch.

Now this is a call out for someone I need to get in touch with, as I have no details.

So Joanna, You know who you are! (Lovely Cricut Good luck card In the shop.) I need you, Please get in touch with Lynn, she has my e-mail.

Tracyxxx

Wow. What a weekend we had! It was great. Michelle was on good form and made some wonderfull books & bits using the Bind-it-all and Graham stamped away on Saturday. Michelle and Tracy then held court on Sunday, Tracy made some gorgeous cards using the Jo Sonja Decor Crackle, mirraboard and a serviette (but don't tell that I said they are good!!) whilst Katie did a great job in the Bead shop all weekend.

It was such hard work getting the shops ready, but we got there - although behind the scenes things are in terrible disarray!! Nicky and Ruth did a wonderful job of organising both shops, Tracy set us up with some good entertainment for the weekend and Anne worked the urn well making masses of teas/coffee. Thank you girls for all of your help.

Anne had to work the urn because the Hubby (our usual tea-boy) decided to go off fishing with Dale (Tracy's hubby) - hence the photos at the top of the page!! He seemed to think that all of his hard work and the fact that it was his birthday meant that he could skive for the weekend. Don't worry I will sort it out with him - he will not be getting away with it!

Also I had some VERY special visitors on Saturday. My Mummy and Daddy turned up for the opening. It was such a wonderful surprise. They live over 120 miles away and because I had a house full of visitors for the weekend they were unable to stay. So it was wonderful that they drove all the way over here just for a few hours and then had that horrible drive around the M25 to get back home. They really are the best and I love them dearly!

Anyway, I have put some photos of the new shop at the top of the page - so you can see what a treat it is. I could not find my camera when all the fun was going on, so there are no 'action' shots - but it was good fun.

I will take some photos of the bead shop and try to get them on here soon.

After all that excitement what did I do today? Back to normal - housework and some painting of my new office!

Thank goodness the rain was today and not over the weekend.

So I think I am going to go off to bed now and get some well earned sleep.

Talk soon. Lynn x

Ta Daa!!!!!!!! Design Team Call

Well as We are Going to Be opening the new shop soon. (Saturday, Yipee! I am getting so excited.)

We thought we would start our very own challenge on this here blog.
The Challenge will be set every Wednesday and you have until the following Monday to get your entries in.

What do you have to do :-

1) Make a project, it can be a card, scrapbook page, ATC or other item as long as you follow the theme of the week.
2) Post it on your blog, with a link back to this site.
3)Then leave a comment in the comment section, underneath the challenge on this blog linking back to yours.

Not got a blog, no worries. e-mail your project to Tracy at tracywatkiss_1@hotmail.com and she will post them here for you.

It is just for fun, but once a month a lucky person will be chosen from everybody who has taken part that month, to win a Prize. To Be confirmed. (in other words, Tracy Needs to speak to Lynn.)

Here is the thing. (Design Team Call)
We need a couple of Design Team Members, to Get the ball rolling and give everybody inspiration.
To be on the design team, you will not get any freebies but the chance to showcase your work in your style on this prestigious Site.

What do you have to do to get on the design team.

1) Submit three examples of your work, using whatever techniques you like to do ( not limited to just stamping). Send them to Tracy on the above e-mail.
2) Tell us a little bit about your self and what you love about crafting, including what got you started.
3) why do you want to be on Flutterby Crafts Design Team.?
4) Closing date is Next Wednesday the 22nd October, Your first Challenges will be needed for the following week.

Good Luck!!!

I am speechless!!

Yes, it is true. I am speechless!

It is 'The Boss' here. I have wrestled the blog away from Tracy for a few minutes. I need to speak about the most amazing couple days that I have just experienced.

On Saturday evening, when Grant and I left the shops, I could not for one moment imagine how we were ever going to get the shops moved and everything ready for the 'Grand Opening' next Saturday.

Grant and I went into the new shop early yesterday morning (7.30am on a Sunday!!). The carpets were all covered in mess, there were tools all over the place - it was a state.

We set to work! By 10am the tools were cleared and the carpets had been cleaned. It looked clean & tidy, but empty. Then people started arriving. So many of you came! It was brilliant.

I have never experienced anything so uplifting. It was amazing.

Within an hour or so the old papershop was empty and the new shop was a mass of boxes full of bits needing homes. While some of the ladies set to work filling the shelves in the new shop, others set about cleaning the old papershop.

Then the men went to work. Shelves were taken down, slatboard was moved about and suddenly the old papershop became the new Bead shop.

By 4pm the New Papershop had full shelves and walls, the New Bead shop was filling beautifully. Everything ready for tweeking during the rest of this week.

Grant and I were totally overwhelmed. It was wonderful and I cannot even begin to thank everybody enough.

Then today we arrived to start tweeking and we find that even more of our wonderful friends and customers turned up to help.

It has been a fabulous weekend and I cannot thank everybody enough for all the help that has been given to us.

When you all see it next weekend you will see that all the hard work has been worth it. West Berkshire has a most amazing new craft shop! We look forward to seeing you.

Lynn x

What a Diiference!!

Lynn has sent me some photos of the way the expansion is progressing, and all I can say is Oh My Word!!!!

You are all in for such a treat you are going to love it.

The pictures make it look so much smaller than it actually is.

New poll

Hi Everyone,

Just a quick post today, to say we have added a new customer poll to the site. Its on the bottom left hand corner.

Thankyou to everyone that took part in the last poll, it really helps us. As we get to see, what you the customer, would like us to do.

And Another Week Dawns!

Its Monday again, and nearly time for me to bid you all farewell, until the 18th October.
Lynns' Grand opening day, of the new shop.

I have had great fun over the last week. was lovely to see you all again.

Check out below, for all the information for the Big Day!

Grand Opening of
The New, Bigger, Brighter, Better
Papercraft shop.

Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th of October

The Opening weekend is nearly upon us. We have Been Working so hard, to provide you with a better craft shopping experience.

Come along and join in the fun.

Michelle Saxon and Danni will perform the Opening Ceremony at 10am

On the Saturday we have Free Demonstrations by :-
Michelle Saxon of QVC fame
Graham Hansford
Tracy Watkiss
On the Sunday
Michelle and Tracy Will have on going Free Demonstrations.

Also going on throughout both days will be * Make and Takes.
Check out the new Permanent Demonstration area. Browse through the peeloffs and decoupage, in style, at our purpose built, peeloff and decoupage lounge area. Browse the Mass array of papers. Check out the Inspiration Wall.
Beaders you have not been forgotten.
Your domain will now be in the old papercraft shop, so many new things to come.
But best of all! You will have, your very own, Jewellery/ Beading Demonstration Area too.

Come along on the day, help us Celebrate.
You will then be able to come and get your crafting Fix on Sundays too - Yes we will be having Sunday opening from then on. 11am - 3pm are the new opening hours for Sundays.


* a Small charge will be taken for Make and Takes.

Its Saturday!!!!!

Wow! My week up at flutterby is flying past at a rate of knots.

I have been working hard on the new look website, all to be revealed in about 3-4 weeks, and for all of those that asked, yes we will be having a well equipped on-line shop.

Goodies Galore have been arriving this week. In store now we have the Christmas Edition Making cards.

Sakura have finally got their act together and produced a real Christmas red and green glaze pens. Hooray!!!!

We have got all the new dark and deep metallics - they are absolutely stunning. Stardust and quickie glue pens have all been restocked also.

What else - Oh! I know, new Marking World peel-offs are in stock, with some really beautiful and unusual designs.

For the Beaders amongst you, Lynn has had a delivery of some really scrummy, yummy beads.

Today the men folk are back working in the shop, so we will be cracking the whip. How dare they dissappear like that, I mean honestly, did Dale really need a day off to go Fishing and why are Grants Bosses so nasty as to expect him to go into work, when we need him.

Well better go as Lynn wants to put the ball and chain back around my ankle and the till table again.

Such is life!

Thursday Morning.

Good Morning, from a damp Newbury. Although It looks like it may clear up.

We have been busy bees this week, with more still to come.

The New shop is coming on at a cracking pace and the Signage went up yesterday. We all stood and admired it for at least 15 Minutes, with beaming grins from ear to ear.

Now I have to thank some people for all their hard work on the refurbishment. (hang on tight, An Oscar award winning speech is about to occur.)

Grant comes first for all the work he has done, Knocking down walls, building new walls and preparing for the plasterers to come in and soooo much more.

To the guys that levelled the floor, plastered the walls, built the ramp and veranda and the adorable rockery.

To the sign man, for the most beautiful sign.

Now I have to thank my own Husband; cause Lynn says I have too, for all of the painting he has done and believe me there is a lot of painting. Oh, How I have enjoyed the piece and quiet.

To each and everyone of you that has popped in to add your oohs and aahs, to support and encourage Lynn.

Lynn her self for not actually cracking up on us just yet, she has pencilled in the nervous break down for two weeks time, when the shop is up and running.

(round of applause and tears may commence now).

Lynn and Tracy went on a jolly

Today Lynn and Tracy went off to Trimcraft to see some of the new goodies that will be coming out soon - but we are sworn to secrecy.

We spent a wonderful day in the company of Michelle Saxon of QVC and we have talked her into coming down to do a demonstration soon.

So watch this space!!

We also got to play with the new acrylic covers to go with the bind it all and the new leather clasps/ closures that make your books look fab.

Tracy introduced Lynn to a whole new world of Trimcraft, Lynn never new existed - the haberdashery side of the warehouse, so look out for some fancy new lace trimmings and things coming soon Lynn spent way toOO!! much. LOL ( Ha Ha Tracys' wicked laughter).

So what have we planned tomorrow. We are going to see Jenny and then to check on the men folk at the new shop to make sure all the work is on schedule. I cannot believe how much has been done but just how much is left to do. You are going to love it.

we have got lots planned to keep you all busy, but Lynn is not letting me tell you, and it is killing me!!

Ohh and Tuesday we are talking to Mr Graham 'handsome' Hansford of funstamps fame and an all round Mr Nice Guy to come and Demo too.

Good Morning

What a lovely morning we are having too.

Things are moving swiftly on with the expansion into the new shop I hear, and as soon as Lynn gets the photos to me I will post them all here for you to see.

Are you Getting excited yet, I know I am.

We are going to have some fab, special events coming up. Planning them all is going to be such fun.

We hope you all enjoyed the beautiful weather and it was lovely to see people come upto the shop on one of our very limited sunny days.

On a more personal note Look what Tracy Nabbed at a boot sale, she is going to paint it up with the Jo Sonjas' acrylic paints and Crackle decor and add a Serviette or two. In these tight times, recycling the old to make new is Good fun. Its going to make a fab Christmas pressie for someone.

Good morning- to you all

Just to give you something pretty to see, the picture is of a card I made using the Jo Sonjas' paints and mediums. All products are available in the shop.

Well What a busy time we are having here at flutterby.

Not one, not two, not even three but four Distributor reps came into the shop today, and of course Lynn had to order with all four as all the delicious goodies are irresistible.

So what happening in our world.

So much at the moment - the work on the new shop is coming along nicely we have a nice new floor all done on the inside. The outside paving area is done to spec and we even have a nice little rockery put in.

Lynn will be taking photos so we can see the progress being made for before and after shots.

Nicky is off On her Hols soon - Who said she could go and why is she not taking all of us thats'

what we want to know. LOL!!! Don't panic she does not go till the last week of September beginning of October so still a couple of workshops to do before she can swan off and relax.

How is lynn going to cope, Ha Ha, she has kindly asked me to come up and give you all headache for the week, so if you have got any questions pop in, it would be lovely to see some of you. I am not saying I will get much work done but will try.

We will all be getting together over that week to discuss exciting things and special evening events and the Sunday specials. Oh err was I supposed to mention that yet. OOOPPPSS to late.

Been a Bit hectic Here!!

Well with one thing and another, things have been a bit hectic for everyone at flutterby for the last week or so.

So the blog has been neglected.

We will be sure to update you with whats been going on Soon.

Lynn has got visitors, Helen (Daughter) and Jet (Grandaughter) have come a visiting so I am sure we will all here how little Jet has grown since the last time we saw her.

Tracy has been snowed under with demo work and making samples and so has Ruth and Nicky.

Chat soon

Another week has flown by!

Well gosh its monday morning here already. Lynn is having a well earned break this week, bet she won't stay away all week LOL!

On Sunday Nicky and Lynn went of to Woodware for a retailer training day, where they were using the NEw Francoise Read stamps and being taught by the lady herself. So watch out to see what they got upto whilst there.

Me myself I was at Wrexham Artstamp show, which turned out to be quite an adventure thanks to the atrocious weather this weekend, We all hope you are all dry, safe and well!

Lynns Newsletter went out and for those that are not on our e-mailing list, the newsletter is printed below

So its goodbye from me for now and over to Lynn:-

Hi Everybody

Did you all survive the school summer holidays? What grotty weather! We had a great time, though. Well....in reality Ruth, Catherine and the Children had a great time - I just showed everybody where they needed to be and supplied the crafty bits!!


So, the Kids are back at school and life (as we know it!) settles down to normal (Nicky is back working mornings, hurray!). The dark nights are coming (bleak by 8pm!), so time for loads of crafting and I am, hopefully, going to kick start it for you with this newsletter.

Let us begin by making a nice cup of whatever you like to drink and settling down for a long read. This letter is FULL of news, so it is going to be VERY long. Sorry, but I think you will like it.

Where do I start? Let's begin with the workshops.

If you look at our website, you will find that all the workshops have been updated with all this terms information (we are introducing a few new classes). If you look at our website you will also find that there have been other changes going on.
Apart from the workshop updates there has been a blog started, we have a poll, details have been put on about the girls and some new gallery items have been added.

How is all this for 'wonders will never cease, Flutterby's getting the internet sorted!'? And at what point in the early hours of the morning did I get all this work done? Well, I better let you into the secret so that you will all realise that I am not quite the heroine you all thought.
I did not do it (no surprise there, then!).

We have a new member of the team! And she is going to be in charge of co-ordinating the workshops, setting up a programme of demonstrations and dragging us into the 21st century with the internet.

Who is this paragon of virtue? It is someone that we all know and love, Tracy Watkiss.

Tracy will be working for us from a distance (for a while, 'til we manage to force her to move up here!) and coming up monthly to work in the shop (mind you, having read what she says about us, she might get the sack before has the chance to make her first visit!).
Then we thought, if we are going to have Tracy working with us and she is going to be setting up a demonstration programme, we had better set up somewhere where the demonstrators can....well.....demonstrate. We looked at moving the papers around in the paper shop, but could not fit it all in. What are we going to do?
No point in Tracy doing all that work organising things if we have no where to enjoy it. So we thought we had better move the papercrafting shop into a bigger space!

So we are moving!!!

But, before you start hyperventillating, don't worry - we are not moving too far. Only as far as the next building, into the shop that used to be the motorcross shop.

Think of all that extra space. Think about a permenant seated area where demonstrations can be set up at any time. Think about being able to sit comfortably and look through the peel-offs & decoupage sheets at your leisure. Think about somewhere that hubby can comfortably sit and wait out his time, while you have a quiet wonder around. Think about full wheelchair access into the shop. Think about no more stairs into the shop. How do all think these things sound?
I know that some of you had already heard about the move - but now you all know about it.
The work starts on the unit during the next week (after 15+ years of motorbikes, there is a lot of work to be done!) and we are hoping to have the big opening sometime in the middle of October. So watch out for more details as the time goes on.

Oh, and we will be increasing our opening times by opening on Sundays.

How is all that for exciting news?!?

And what is happening to the other shops? Well, the bead shop will stay as it is and the old papershop will become a gift shop where we will sell the bits & pieces that we make when demonstrating and showing off - of course you can also use our masterpieces to get inspiration.
Well, with all that going on - what else have I go to tell you?

Ah, I suppose I had better give you all the info about the NEC coach trip - you are all badgering me for the details! It takes place on the 16th November. The cost is £24.50 for adults, £23.50 for consessions and £16 for the under 16's (this includes the entrance ticket). We will be leaving Flutterby's at 8.30 am and will be leaving the NEC at 4pm. I have put an application form on the website on the events page and forms are available in the shop.

Remember that your ticket also lets you into the Crafts for Christmas show. If anybody would like to use the coach trip to visit one of the other shows being held that day, please can you let me know. We are happy for anybody to purchase a seat on the coach, but I cannot guarantee that we can get the advance tickets - you may have to organise your own ticket. Talk to me and I will see what I can do.

Now, what else? We are starting a Drop-in-Jewellery class for a Thursday lunchtime. Details are on the website. We are arranging some Saturday Christmas Gift & Greetings workshops - more details coming soon (if I can drag Tracy away from playing with blogs & stuff!!).
So, how was all that? Exciting times or what? Probably you have all finished your drink now and you are itching to get up and stretch your legs. I won't keep you much longer.
I just needed to get in a quick word about my favourite subject. It would not be my newsletter if I did not mention her. Darling little Jet is a chip off of the old block. She loves finger painting!! A crafter at 14 months!! Wow! I have some lovely masterpieces. What a great Mum she has, who lets her just go for all that mess and have wonderful fun. Marvellous!
Right go and have that leg stretch, make a fresh drink, take a look at the website, then get on with that crafting.
Have a great weekend.
Regards, Lynn & the Girls (including Tracy!)

Workshops abound.

We had a workshop last night and the lovely Nicky was Hosting to teach you all the delights of Pyramage!

I hope you all had a fab night ladies.

Nicky gave lynn the night off and I know she was very thankful, to get home and have a proper evening meal!

I would just like to add Why? Do reps think that 5pm is a good time to call on a shop after they have been open all day and are about to close. ITS NOT!!! We are tired and appreciate you to visit earlier even a phonecall before arrival helps us help you. LOL!!! Rant Over!

Back to the main reason for the post today.

Workshops we have several on going every week ones and then we do special one off all day events. Both are very well organised and sure to be a hoot.

So why not check out the Workshop pages on our shop website Here once there just click on the relevant link.

I will be posting about our specials soon!!!

Well I will be away now until Sunday!! Wrexham Art Stamp show.!

I'll be back with all the gossip then.

Happy crafting

Tracyx

Thought you Might like to have a look Around!!

Well things are on the up and up and we have been adding things to the website today:- Want to visit Just Click on the picture of the shop to the right >>>>>>>>>>

Busy Day today as preparations for the workshop this evening are in full swing which also means another late night for Lynn.

I digress, thought for anybody that has not paid a visit yet, we would tempt you in with a couple of Piccies of the inside of both shops.


Wow they look so tidy!!!! We normally have something creative in mid prep spread out on the
Counters LOL!!!

Wow!!!!!

Well Good Morning and Welcome to this Our Very own Blog spot. We have been pulled kicking and screaming in to the 21st century. LOL!!!

So who are We?
Its all in the blurb to the Right; but to give you a little more detail:-

Flutterby Crafts - Newbury - West Berkshire
Is a delightful Little Craft shop and bead shop, we may be little but we have BIG plans, more of that later.

We stock a wide Range of papercrafting goods, Ideal for the cardmakers and scrapbookers out there. Our Beading shop is very popular for all those Jewellery makers and is ideal for embellishing your craft projects in a variety of different ways.

More recently we have started to stock Jo Sonjas' Artist Acrylics for those of you who like to express yourselves with paint.

We Offer Workshops and events in all the above and we will try to keep you posted here as well as on our website and online shop.

So thats the Shop! But Who Are WE!!!

Lynn :- The Gaffer, The head honcho, She who must be obeyed (by Grant, her other half). The Hirer and The Firer!!! (Lynn we love you we do!)

Nicky :- Card Maker Extraordinaire, You'll find her in the shop and taking the cardmaking and papercraft workshops.

Ruth :- \Patience of a Saint, and excellent Beader/ jewellery maker, and great with the little crafters (Ruth runs the childrens workshops, Yes we do Childrens workshops and Parties. How Cool are We!).

Katherine :- Ruths Daughter, and an avid cardmaker/scrapbooker, and about to become Our Wedding Co-Ordinator to help all those wishing to make their own Invitations.

Katie :- We borrow her from her proper job, Katie runs our Jewellery workshops and is beautiful/ intelligent/ an excellent all round crafter ( doesn't she want to make you spit, Seriously we lover her, and we have to because she may become the Bosses D-I-LAW)


Others you may see dotted around.

Jenny (we are not worthy) :- Join Jenny to make some fantabulous products, using the Jo Sonjas' and Kaiser ranges. She loves it so much she bought the company - well the wholesale company that supplies these wonderful products to the uk, but thats close enough.

Grant - TEABOY!!! Lynns hubby

ME:- Tracy, web girl, In charge of blogging and wedsite updates. You may see me occassionally around but considering I live a bit further away from the shop, 3 1/2 hours away to be exact, it is only occasionally.