tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-344010642024-03-13T16:55:00.263+00:00The Creative SpiritThe on-line journal of life as a creative spirit.
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger531125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34401064.post-74691224799786390112020-06-08T15:33:00.003+00:002020-06-08T16:29:19.286+00:00Weekly Catch Up and Random Ramblings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hi Tribe,</div>
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well it's been a mix bag of emotions kinda week, which is becoming the norm rather than the exception. </div>
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The makeshift counter has once again moved from right in front of the door to the side. </div>
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The Government guidelines are still rather sketchy on how we operate face to face contact in a small consulting area which changes on an almost daily basis.</div>
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I can't really criticize as we all seem to be winging it. </div>
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My original idea of putting the counter slap bang in front of the door felt a bit too intrusive, especially as the area is so small and coming out of the work/shop meant that I would be within 2 metres of them when they walked through the door.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eRe71Lca0A8/Xt5IPbQ0akI/AAAAAAABkK8/mKN1TrdjDMkjHXLzaqftao2rJRjMXFxpgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200608_151441%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eRe71Lca0A8/Xt5IPbQ0akI/AAAAAAABkK8/mKN1TrdjDMkjHXLzaqftao2rJRjMXFxpgCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200608_151441%255B1%255D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I have to admit I wasn't keen on customers having their hands all over my stock, but when it's your main USP I am reluctant to give this up.... more deep thinking! </div>
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It's a really odd situation. We have to be prepared for customers to return, but we have no idea when and I have no intentions of opening until I decide when I feel it's safer for me to do so. At the moment I don't! And I know I'm not alone. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KPMtFGIKAWw/Xt5ITGBlg0I/AAAAAAABkLA/7oQO-oY2AvsR69jxnUkkfSO50BO-1-WCgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200608_151456%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KPMtFGIKAWw/Xt5ITGBlg0I/AAAAAAABkLA/7oQO-oY2AvsR69jxnUkkfSO50BO-1-WCgCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200608_151456%255B1%255D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I thankfully have the website set up already, so it's possible for people to buy on-line and use video calling on Messenger, so this may be an avenue to explore.... Virtual consultations. </div>
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The good news is everything is clean and fresh and Steve's done a sterling job of repainting all the outside and making the sanitising station. I really don't know how I would have got through this without him! </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5uKgef_UnAY/Xt5KAnmKPJI/AAAAAAABkLY/z4ihG_k6TPszNfus97Qc-vmAiVMxgjpgACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200608_152328%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="942" data-original-width="1600" height="376" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5uKgef_UnAY/Xt5KAnmKPJI/AAAAAAABkLY/z4ihG_k6TPszNfus97Qc-vmAiVMxgjpgACNcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200608_152328%255B1%255D.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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In other news....<a href="https://the-creative-spirit.blogspot.com/2020/06/charity-kit-1-june-2020.html"> THE CHARITY KITS</a> launched!</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3KUQjeeAwG4/Xt5HQtM-jXI/AAAAAAABkKw/Ey8vbd6hR34R8AtR9vnUMy6DbvyB8XfvACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200529_141926%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3KUQjeeAwG4/Xt5HQtM-jXI/AAAAAAABkKw/Ey8vbd6hR34R8AtR9vnUMy6DbvyB8XfvACNcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200529_141926%255B1%255D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And they are all ready to go. I really do hope that these take off! I make no money on this what-so-ever. Only the postage is covered in the price.<br />
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I don't think I was prepared for the amount of time it takes to make up kits and write the instructions, but we'll see how we go.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fZ3sKMl_Z2Y/Xt5F-1po_iI/AAAAAAABkKA/heo9wInJ2FcpFTFQAdEKn6eUa9JV9S8XACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200604_144656%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fZ3sKMl_Z2Y/Xt5F-1po_iI/AAAAAAABkKA/heo9wInJ2FcpFTFQAdEKn6eUa9JV9S8XACNcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200604_144656%255B1%255D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm currently debating on which of these 2 cards to put in the JULY kit.<br />
I love the idea of the pop-up box card, but writing the instructions is a bit complicated and I don't want people to struggle to make them.<br />
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The concept is easy when you get the hang of them, but whether that converts to explaining it on paper may be another thing altogether.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qt4KYqs0Uxo/Xt5GGRBRqSI/AAAAAAABkKI/LhQ1HxlsKSAoiGi3EnzzVZpn5rAq29LZQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200604_150909%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qt4KYqs0Uxo/Xt5GGRBRqSI/AAAAAAABkKI/LhQ1HxlsKSAoiGi3EnzzVZpn5rAq29LZQCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200604_150909%255B1%255D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I may make kits with these z fold cards. I'm currently at the R&D stage of things....so a blank card is all I have to show you!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BUCRRwZBVVU/Xt5GL2LoiVI/AAAAAAABkKM/rDTSYOC3LVwKdRw7gkkJhY5BxYukkTrLgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200604_151646%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BUCRRwZBVVU/Xt5GL2LoiVI/AAAAAAABkKM/rDTSYOC3LVwKdRw7gkkJhY5BxYukkTrLgCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200604_151646%255B1%255D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<u>BAD HAIR DAYS!</u></div>
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I swear it was my neighbours' young daughter who made me do this! Especially when she said 'Sue....your hair has gone all grey!' I have to admit, it shocked me too! I looked like a cross between my mam and BoJo. </div>
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Something had to give! Now, I'm one of those people that think if something worth doing you may as well go for it... life it too short.... I'm right aren't I?</div>
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What the hell.....you only live once!.... so this happened!</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXdF4B-fzPs/Xt5Ggi3m-UI/AAAAAAABkKY/2P2_mg5g9L0eTAtiO_02zmX6lM8hP7VngCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200601_213808%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXdF4B-fzPs/Xt5Ggi3m-UI/AAAAAAABkKY/2P2_mg5g9L0eTAtiO_02zmX6lM8hP7VngCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200601_213808%255B1%255D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My hair is thick and dry, but even the hairdresser leaves my colour on for an hour....otherwise it simply washes out.<br />
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The instructions advised 3-15mins.... and so I bottled out at 15...I should have just gone for it and left it on for half an hour! Anyhow....this was the result!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cY4dzr722V0/Xt5JFCHLD1I/AAAAAAABkLM/M1MTZcNExqUv7lVMLUsDT5Rh0YShUXOfgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200608_151918%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cY4dzr722V0/Xt5JFCHLD1I/AAAAAAABkLM/M1MTZcNExqUv7lVMLUsDT5Rh0YShUXOfgCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200608_151918%255B1%255D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<u>WHAT'S KEEPING ME GOING?</u></div>
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After almost a month of beautiful sunshine, the weather had to go and spoil things. However, I was glad that the garden didn't need watering for a few days. </div>
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I was shocked at the hailstone though... now that I wasn't prepared for! </div>
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If there's one thing I am truly grateful for during this lockdown, it's the chance to really notice and appreciate the garden. </div>
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I've seen flowers open that normally I only get to see in a brief moment during the year, usually when I finish work and before tea. After the rain came the water irises, always a joy to see how well they grow and with the pond always filled with water they take no looking after! </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qBtmkD5b6Wc/Xt5GlhuDFII/AAAAAAABkKc/v7NPSuYeExA_ToP2e68YoLL916cfjTZwACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200604_112725%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1557" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qBtmkD5b6Wc/Xt5GlhuDFII/AAAAAAABkKc/v7NPSuYeExA_ToP2e68YoLL916cfjTZwACNcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200604_112725%255B1%255D.jpg" width="622" /></a></div>
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The fish have long since gone from the pond and the flowers have all but spread over the whole pond. Water buttercups with their sunshine yellow and Water irises the colour of summer skies. Natures natural beauty.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O5CqL7Mr6Fw/Xt5Gx-H63vI/AAAAAAABkKk/1CyNt5i598gCk7sdaaCnHhInOMP_aKUowCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200604_112646%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1599" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O5CqL7Mr6Fw/Xt5Gx-H63vI/AAAAAAABkKk/1CyNt5i598gCk7sdaaCnHhInOMP_aKUowCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200604_112646%255B1%255D.jpg" width="638" /></a></div>
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I've loved watching the bees all over the flowers of my white Hebe. In Autumn and winter, it just looks like any other evergreen shrub. Come Spring the flowers burst into life and it's covered. Perfect for bees! </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--LtVFLzTNYw/Xt5WaXhgKHI/AAAAAAABkLk/bmZpLvvPlCYpdwyrjsGlzAUX1bT7t-_eQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200531_143704%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--LtVFLzTNYw/Xt5WaXhgKHI/AAAAAAABkLk/bmZpLvvPlCYpdwyrjsGlzAUX1bT7t-_eQCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200531_143704%255B1%255D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Well, that's my not very eventful weekly catch up. Strange how the weeks are starting to fly by. At the start of lockdown, a day felt like a week!<br />
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I hope whatever you are doing, you are keeping safe and well. Please leave a comment and let me know you've visited the blog. It's great to see the old familiar names and faces connecting once again and new readers joining in too!<br />
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Until next time, Love and bright blessings, Sue xox<br />
<br />
If you want one of our <a href="https://the-creative-spirit.blogspot.com/2020/06/charity-kit-1-june-2020.html">CHARITY KITS</a> we still have a few left<br />
<a href="https://the-creative-spirit.blogspot.com/2020/06/charity-kit-1-june-2020.html">CLICK HERE</a> the buy button is at the bottom of the post.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34401064.post-81606440649943100472020-06-01T13:48:00.000+00:002020-06-01T14:00:32.847+00:00Charity Kit #1 - June 2020<div class="read-aloud" style="text-align: center;">
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Hi Tribe, <span style="text-align: center;">Introducing our June</span><a href="https://inspiredbyscript.co.uk/collections/charity-kits/CHARITY-KIT" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank"> Charity Kit.</a></div>
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<b>Available for pre-order now,</b></div>
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release date: the first<b> Friday of the month</b>. </div>
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A 5.00 donation from each purchase</div>
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will be given to help small charities</div>
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who don't get the same support as the larger ones.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KQ2PIfmGAgI/XtOoJyBD6yI/AAAAAAABkH0/vSpaZ5eXl0cA_sv5bbOyaIL73ka1_3uhwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200529_141926%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KQ2PIfmGAgI/XtOoJyBD6yI/AAAAAAABkH0/vSpaZ5eXl0cA_sv5bbOyaIL73ka1_3uhwCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200529_141926%255B1%255D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The finished cards</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yc2E207iTxg/XtOnU5nI40I/AAAAAAABkHQ/qXxvvtv2ZdojjM8cb9Udwcv4T4al7mBdQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200529_135839%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yc2E207iTxg/XtOnU5nI40I/AAAAAAABkHQ/qXxvvtv2ZdojjM8cb9Udwcv4T4al7mBdQCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200529_135839%255B1%255D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Card 1 - Portrait style<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DPJz66vLgaY/XtOniIeaqfI/AAAAAAABkHc/63e0WeTpjNIEw0m6PUR-DbRkw1nh82vKwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200529_141856%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DPJz66vLgaY/XtOniIeaqfI/AAAAAAABkHc/63e0WeTpjNIEw0m6PUR-DbRkw1nh82vKwCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200529_141856%255B1%255D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yLYRF9ecNGk/XtOnxH3a8TI/AAAAAAABkHo/2ZMDG14jJq07dteO9n37eZ1lpObo71soACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200529_141909%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yLYRF9ecNGk/XtOnxH3a8TI/AAAAAAABkHo/2ZMDG14jJq07dteO9n37eZ1lpObo71soACNcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200529_141909%255B1%255D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Card 2 - Landscape Style</div>
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<b>LIMITED NUMBER OF KITS AVAILABLE</b></div>
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<strong>WHEN THEY'RE GONE THEY'RE GONE!</strong></div>
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<strong>Kit Includes:</strong></div>
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2 x <strong>WHITE</strong> Folded Cards measuring 10.5cm x 14.7cm.</div>
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2 x <strong>KRAFT</strong> backing cards</div>
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2 x <strong>WHITE</strong> Matching envelopes</div>
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The kits include ALL THE PRE-<strong>C</strong><strong>UT PAPER ELEMENTS</strong> for the top</div>
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A <strong>STRIP OF DIAMANTES </strong></div>
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and includes <strong>FREE SHIPPING TO THE U.K!</strong></div>
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All you need is glue.</div>
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We recommend P.V.A. applied with</div>
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a cocktail stick for the more delicate shapes.<br />
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If you'd like to help support our charity of the month,<br />
here's the payment link<br />
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<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post" target="_top">
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<input name="cmd" type="hidden" value="_s-xclick" />
<input name="hosted_button_id" type="hidden" value="46YC49TBY45BQ" />
<input alt="PayPal – The safer, easier way to pay online!" border="0" name="submit" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/GB/i/btn/btn_buynowCC_LG.gif" type="image" />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_GB/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" />
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We hope that these kits will be a great success<br />
over the coming months.<br />
Every little helps!<br />
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Love & Bright blessings,<br />
Sue xox<br />
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<br /></div>
</form>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34401064.post-4654009993051337022020-05-30T16:03:00.000+00:002020-06-08T16:29:55.554+00:00Weekly catch up and random ramblings <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hi Tribe,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We ventured into the studio yesterday, mainly to catch up on maintenance and get this kit idea off to a start. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I set Steve to work on rubbing down the paintwork on this dilapidated cottage that I fondly refer to as my second home. But first.... he needed to trim back the bush as he couldn't get near the windows!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">During this lockdown I've noticed how blue the sky is. Something I haven't seen since I was a kid! I doubt anyone believed it when I used to reminisce how blue the skies used to be, but thankfully they've now seen it for themselves. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In a selfish twist, I'm glad the plane companies are going out of business. Not only for the environment but the economy too. If more people spent their money here we would be more financially stable as a country and don't even get me started on the carbon footprint all these travelling planes cause. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have to admit, it was a hot day... perhaps too hot (Did I really say THAT?). It was so hot Steve went on a mercy mission to get the last remaining ice cream lollies out of the home fridge. </span><br />
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I finally put all doubts and worries aside and the work on the new Charity Kits has started! As I said in a previous post it's really bothered me that the smaller charities are down on their vital fundraising. Their shops are closed and the events that they rely on so heavily cancelled. So, I'm making it a priority. </div>
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Oh the irony of paying a small fortune for a diary this year! I bought this and remember almost fainting at the price.... but it went with my branding so I clenched my teeth and bit the bullet!<br />
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Now it looks like it's going to end up being a notebook, what with all weddings cancelled and such like.<br />
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Perhaps I'll buy a cheap one next year!<br />
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I'm thinking of launching the Charity Kits on the first Friday of every month.<br />
This will give me enough time to make the kits, write the instructions and get the blog post written.<br />
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I've designed the cards already. I just have to decide on how many to make available and what charities to support.<br />
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Steve managed to get the paintwork rubbed down, but the more he sanded the more wood fell out. The heat was unbelievably hot and too hot to paint. So we ended the day on a high, but knew when to stop. at least.<br />
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Yesterday seemed much more optimistic. I'm not sure why. Perhaps it was when the government announced that we can meet in groups of up to 6 people? And while I have no intention of leaving my little town at least for the time being, it does mean we can see the grandkids, which is brilliant news.<br />
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Regarding opening the work/shop. While I'm happy(er) to be in there I am not happy to be open to the public anytime soon. Even though I have all the measures in place that I physically can, it all seems too soon and way out of my comfort zone right now.<br />
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The numbers may be dropping as a national average, I know fine well that they are NOT dropping here and while R number is nearer 1 than 0, I won't be opening to the public.<br />
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I have a website and I'm happy to do messenger video calls, so the only advantage of opening is that the public can see and touch things. Touching things is not permitted under the government regs even with hand washing.<br />
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Whether this is a good idea or bad, I have no intention of putting my life or the lives of my family at risk... it's as simple and clear cut as that.<br />
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We drink very little and haven't had a drink all lockdown, but last night it seemed right to crack open the Pimms that has been in the cupboard for at least 2 years and have a celebratory drink.<br />
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I'll leave you with my only lockdown ' non-essential' purchase.....my beautiful, solar, moon-gazing hare and the beautiful blackbird friend that serenades me first thing ona morning and last thing at night.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;">If you read my blog posts all the way through, please can you leave me a comment, a message or simply a quick hello? It will be nice to have something more than a thumbs up that we usually get on FB.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;">With love and bright blessings, Sue xox.</span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34401064.post-12225255693477608912020-05-28T15:42:00.001+00:002020-05-30T12:20:11.056+00:00From books to charity kits Hi Tribe,<br />
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After losing my centre vision the thing I miss most is the ability to read. I loved reading. Then someone pointed me in the direction of Audible and quite frankly it changed my world. </div>
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At first, I absorbed myself in marketing books, but there's only so many 'I became a millionaire overnight' success stories you can listen to and all of them were a far cry from the little business I had built up. Talks about social media calendars and planning went right over my head. I don't do strategy and funnels.... it's just not my way.<br />
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I was about to give up and delete my subscription when <a href="https://millyjohnson.co.uk/">Milly Johnson</a> popped up on the best sellers list. I listened to the brief audible snip, oh how I laughed! I realised she was not only a very clever writer but hilariously funny and an amazing storyteller. Added to that she came from my neck of the woods and wrote about brides (<a href="https://millyjohnson.co.uk/the-books/white-wedding/">The White Wedding</a>) .... a territory I was familiar with. Over the next few months, I went through every book listed on Amazon and couldn't wait for the next one to be released. I followed her on all social media... (Do you ever feel like a stalker?) I was desperate not to miss her updates.<br />
If you are going to start listening or reading her novels I suggest you start with <a href="https://millyjohnson.co.uk/the-books/the-yorkshire-pudding-club/">The Yorkshire Pudding Club. </a></div>
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<br />
Just as I had ran out of Milly's books to read she recommended <a href="https://www.carolematthews.com/">Carole Matthews</a><br />
and one of her books <a href="https://www.carolematthews.com/books/paper-hearts-summer-kisses/">Paper Hearts & Summer Kisses</a>, a story about a paper crafter, stood out. I loved the story and could really identify with so much of Christie Chapmans life.... as a paper crafter with a passion but also the drama and shock of been given bad news and taking comfort and solace to get you through the bad times. Then somehow and I can't remember how I found that Christie was a real person and the news of her young sons brain tumour and the book was based on her. So I followed her on Facebook .<a href="https://www.facebook.com/HopeandChances/"> </a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/HopeandChances/">'Hope & Chances Creativity'</a>.<br />
I'm not a srtalker honest... I just love following the people I love.<br />
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Now then, you are probably wondering what all this has to do with anything much... but there's a wonderful sense of synchronicity going on here...so bear with me....<br />
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For the next week or so I am mulling over what I can do to keep the business afloat. I'm doubting that I will have an weddings to make invitations and stationery to make for the rest of this year. If you read the <a href="https://the-creative-spirit.blogspot.com/2020/05/how-did-it-get-to-this.html">last post </a>you'll realise I have more paper, card and envelopes than UI can shake a stick at and I also had that nagging thing at the back of my mind that I should be doing something to help not only myself but I realised that small charities with their fundraisers gone and the shops closed and that they too would be struggling.<br />
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After a lot of thinking, I was pretty set on making subscription boxes. With more and more people finding comfort and joy in being creative, I had everything I needed to get started. the more I thought of the generous task ahead the more I put it off. Afterall if I started this, how would I keep it going when the couples returned and the quiet season became my busy season once again?<br />
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Then a really weird thing happened. A link popped up on my Facebook feed. Christine was offering Charity Kits for sale to support the NHS I followed the link and found her blog <a href="http://hope-chances.blogspot.com/">Hope & Chances</a>. On reading further I saw that this was not a new idea of hers.... she's been doing it for a long time..... since June 2013 in fact! What an absolutely brilliant idea! And something I could manage on a monthly basis. Not too taxing or time-consuming if this got crazy busy in the wedding world! I ordered a kit in support of her idea and to get some idea of what was involved. <a href="http://hope-chances.blogspot.com/2020/05/charity-kit-may-2020.html">The May Charity Kit </a>arrived!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6jPKIT_qzYc/Xs_asV4eZ5I/AAAAAAABkEE/frs_dKBYO7gaYSoz53YgKj2sailgQZAOQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200428_155838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="995" data-original-width="1600" height="396" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6jPKIT_qzYc/Xs_asV4eZ5I/AAAAAAABkEE/frs_dKBYO7gaYSoz53YgKj2sailgQZAOQCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200428_155838.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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WOW! Stunning! I haven't that many dies and was thinking of something simpler, that perhaps would suit kiddies more. Then the Rainbow kit was released. Not one but 2 smaller cards RAINBOW CARDS can be seen <a href="http://hope-chances.blogspot.com/2020/05/charity-mini-kit-3.html">HERE</a> Perfect! I'm looking forward to handing these over to my paper mad 10-year-old granddaughter Daisy to make!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nEgLWzoVM74/Xs_a6SDZFJI/AAAAAAABkEI/Ta18hQowwIcu8QNz53A17YegGANkENYJQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200518_130142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="819" data-original-width="1600" height="326" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nEgLWzoVM74/Xs_a6SDZFJI/AAAAAAABkEI/Ta18hQowwIcu8QNz53A17YegGANkENYJQCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200518_130142.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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YES! YES! YES! This would be perfect... but I didn't want to roll this out without checking with Christine first. So I contacted her and she very kindly agreed it wasn't a problem AMAZING LADY! Please do pop over and read her blog <a href="http://hope-chances.blogspot.com/">HERE</a> and help her <a href="http://hope-chances.blogspot.com/p/charity-kits.html">charity card fundraising</a> by buying her kits. They are awesome little gems and great fun. All you need is glue and some gems if you want to embellish your cards.<br />
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Now, I'm in the process of putting together my first kit designs. The board backed postal envelopes have just this minute arrived and all being well, I'll be ready to rock and roll by the end of next week!<br />
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I think this will give me a great focus and get my backside moving back into the studio. It's been a very strange time of ups and downs both emotionally and mentally and I know I'm not alone.<br />
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The one thing that has kept me going through the dramas of my life is taking a simple piece of paper or card and making it into something incredible,<br />
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Crafting is good for the heart and soul, of that there is no doubt. Paper crafting especially gives great pleasure. it's readily available and affordable. What's not to like?<br />
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Please find Christine and Hope and Chances</div>
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Blog here: <a href="http://hope-chances.blogspot.com/">http://hope-chances.blogspot.com/</a></div>
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On Facebook:<a href="https://www.facebook.com/HopeandChances/">https://www.facebook.com/HopeandChances/</a></div>
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& Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hopeandchances/">https://www.instagram.com/hopeandchances/</a></div>
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With love and bright blessings, Sue xox.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34401064.post-79625213589402906572020-05-27T17:55:00.000+00:002020-05-27T17:55:04.432+00:00How did it get to this? Hi Tribe,<br />
On the 26th February, we finally got round to changing the window and adding a beautiful rose and leaf screen at the back, This was so overdue it was embarrassing, but when you are busy with orders these things seem to get put on the backburner.<br />
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Not only did it look pretty, but it also made the window</div>
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far more accessible from the other sie. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tTGbG5EJRvY/Xs0yBxnSolI/AAAAAAABkCE/w3i1ub77oxElleH3myb8wGxTCnNpsgSNwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200229_140559%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tTGbG5EJRvY/Xs0yBxnSolI/AAAAAAABkCE/w3i1ub77oxElleH3myb8wGxTCnNpsgSNwCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200229_140559%255B1%255D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We also covered the shelf with stunning glitter vinyl </div>
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which would enhance any of our invitations and stationery. </div>
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Little did we know that less than a month later we'd be closing the doors and not knowing when or even IF we'd be opening again.<br />
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I'm not sure the penny had dropped for most people but I actually shut shop almost a week before lockdown.... I just got the most horrible feeling and just HAD to do it.<br />
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All businesses were instructed to stop what they were doing and STAY AT HOME! I'm sure people didn't realise the implications of this and with hotels, pubs and venues shutting shop, weddings were postponed and overnight the customers who I had relied on to keep my shop open disappeared, with no real understanding of when they will reopen.<br />
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I worried for them I contacted all 15 couples who had weddings booked so far and who had already had stationery from me and told them I would do their change of date cards free..... but as yet I'm holding off printing them as some couples postponed till August but even then they seem unlikely to be going ahead. I'm afraid it's a waiting game.<br />
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Anyway..... before lockdown I placed a last-minute order for card and envelopes.... listen if I was going to be closed for any length of time I wanted to make sure I a) Had enough crafting supplies to get through and b) make sure I had the stock for when I reopened as there's going to be delays in supplies when we do open.<br />
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Thankfully the order came the day we shut shop! </div>
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O.k. I really do have enough paper, card and envelopes to last me a lifetime.... but I wasn't quite thinking straight. I didn't worry about not having a haircut for 6 months, but card and envelopes? NOPE! And then I ran off to buy white gloss and emulsion.... just to keep Steve busy decorating you understand! (Slight giggle here!)<br />
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The first 3 weeks were spent with Steve working from home and me generally cleaning all those places that get missed when you work 6 days a week. At last, I could once again see out of my windows, the corners of the room got hoovered and even the skirting boards looked at me surprised when I offered them a damp cloth! Once Steve was furloughed the ceilings got painted and the doors and those still in shock skirting boards got a new lease of life. The garden had an early spring makeover, the grass was but and then..... it all sort of went downhill after then.<br />
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The novelty of a stay at home person soon wore off. It wasn't a holiday as no-one could go out. Daily updates became almost an obsession and the statistics became horrifying. But the good thing to come out of all this is the change ALL business owners have had to STOP, re-evaluate and rethink their businesses and where they are going. It's been a time of majors.... Major ups and Major downs, but the one good thing small independent businesses have over large national ones is that we can pivot and swivel at the drop of a hat. We are more flexible and adaptable. Here-in lies our strength.<br />
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I've seen the most awesome things happening in the small business world. Clothes manufacturers have been making gowns, Gin makers have been making hand sanitizer and restaurants have been making and delivering means for those self-isolating or shielding. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">STOP - PIVOT - SWIVEL </span></div>
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I'm going to put this on a t-shirt!</div>
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I love designing and making wedding invitations and stationery, but there are times in the year when there simply is no business and with the current covid19 issues it seems very unlikely to me that there will be any weddings at all this year and I certainly don't think that couples who haven't already booked will go rushing out to book this year at least. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fQ8qBWjl6QE/Xs1GIpe5Z3I/AAAAAAABkC4/JwzojRmahOUqfUSc-cO5Mn7OaH4rIA8KwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20181127_220316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fQ8qBWjl6QE/Xs1GIpe5Z3I/AAAAAAABkC4/JwzojRmahOUqfUSc-cO5Mn7OaH4rIA8KwCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/20181127_220316.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Late Autumn into Winter is not many people favourite time to get married so it's generally quiet for me. Last Winter I offered Personalised baubles, LED bottles and other small personalised gifts which certainly helped keep me solvent through the lean times. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kPYqmGokOi0/Xs1E8pjag-I/AAAAAAABkCo/ISZ_7ZchKEEE9YQdrmfwyyphabFTCOJ1wCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200207_151734%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kPYqmGokOi0/Xs1E8pjag-I/AAAAAAABkCo/ISZ_7ZchKEEE9YQdrmfwyyphabFTCOJ1wCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200207_151734%255B1%255D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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As well as the <a href="https://inspiredbyscript.co.uk/collections/wedding-invitation">wedding stationery </a>I already make and offer <a href="https://inspiredbyscript.co.uk/collections/cake-toppers">cake toppers,</a> <a href="https://inspiredbyscript.co.uk/collections/t-shirts/T-SHIRT">t-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies</a> along with making <a href="https://inspiredbyscript.co.uk/collections/business">small business stationery </a>for fellow crafters... again all these help to keep the wolves from the door, but not enough to do full time. </div>
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So, with all hands on deck and me feeling pretty useless I was sort of transported back to when Inspired by Script was born. As many of you know I started life as a calligrapher and lettering artist. My work involved commercial work and commissions but I also created pieces for sale, generally working with positive, inspirational and motivational quotations that I either wrote on canvas or made into little books. I got to thinking what do people need right now? How can I help? What can I do? And then BOOM! Affirmation cards! Something from the past that helped me so much when times were really low! </div>
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Of course, I found an old set and realised that after putting them to bed almost 10 years ago I needed to revamp and almost reinvent them! </div>
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Before I knew it the boxes were being replaced with tin ones and my finger had clicked the buy now button on the packaging website!</div>
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A new up to date instruction card</div>
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replaced the small booklet.</div>
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And the tins made them more durable.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hgpk3M158Yw/Xs1IGzeChoI/AAAAAAABkDU/Z0lS6qLGrPwq8-x1gBkx1qvs9J-TVLciACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/50%2Baffirmation%2Bcardfss%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hgpk3M158Yw/Xs1IGzeChoI/AAAAAAABkDU/Z0lS6qLGrPwq8-x1gBkx1qvs9J-TVLciACNcBGAsYHQ/s640/50%2Baffirmation%2Bcardfss%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The cards were made larger and the font more modern</div>
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<a href="https://inspiredbyscript.co.uk/collections/personalised-gifts">I listed them on my website </a>and sold 7 straight away!</div>
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That doesn't sound a lot but when you haven't sold anything since the middle of March it becomes a big deal! </div>
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So then my brain started to go into overdrive. What could I do to keep the business alive during what could possibly be the worst year ever and potentially see me shutting up shop forever? </div>
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The recent week and extraordinary synchronicity that seems to thread through my life would give me the answer when I least expected it... but I'm going to leave that for another day. </div>
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I hope if you have a small creative business you are seeing a way through what feels like dark wood. I hope you are finding new ways to pivot and market your business and most of all I hope you are reaching out to those around you and to others when you need them </div>
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If you've found a way of adapting your business, I'd love to hear. </div>
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Pop me a comment below, I promise to reply. </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;">with love and bright blessings, Sue xox</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34401064.post-36863690297383891392020-05-26T11:31:00.002+00:002020-05-28T13:28:55.645+00:00It's been a long time! Since I've seen you....move over darling!<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hi tribe! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">WOW! A whole 6 years and 5 months <a href="https://the-creative-spirit.blogspot.com/2013/12/my-good-things-jar-2013.html">since my last blog post</a>!..... really where does the time go? So much has changed and yet so much has stayed the same!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've toyed with the idea of starting a new blog... many, many time, I dreamt up titles and started with good intentions, but somehow nothing seemed to fit! Nothing felt quite like the warm comfortable space that I created way back in September 2006</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In those days blogging was still new and I created it as a sort of diary with photos recording my thought, my pets, my garden, my spiritual life, my passion for all things paper and my little business <a href="https://inspiredbyscript.co.uk/">Inspired by Script.</a> (Yes I'm still hanging on in there!) 21 years who would have ever believed that!?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Facebook was still relatively new and Instagram hadn't been invented! the only way to get photos n your blog was to buy a digital camera and laboriously download them each night, save them to your hard drive and then upload from there. Now we have photos on our phones and can add them in an instant!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Through this blog, I made many friends also with the desire to share their lives with the outside world. Blogging wasn't the commercial venture it seems to have turned in to these days. It was simply a way to connect and share our passions and deepest thoughts. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Since those early days... I've met my soul mate <a href="https://stevesmithjewellery.com/">Steve</a>, my son got married 11 years ago and I've become a grandma of 2 awesome kids Daisy who is now 10 and Mylo who is 8. My cat family has left and been replaced, but I still have <a href="https://the-creative-spirit.blogspot.com/2006/09/members-of-my-family.html">Dodger</a> (now 17 years old). </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TmtsmJeMg6E/Xs0AvqkXeYI/AAAAAAABkAw/W4KB6i4HW-UxvQa25Xbh_7_C1Cx4Ql27QCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/20200113_141607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TmtsmJeMg6E/Xs0AvqkXeYI/AAAAAAABkAw/W4KB6i4HW-UxvQa25Xbh_7_C1Cx4Ql27QCPcBGAsYHg/s640/20200113_141607.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So why restart this blog rather than leave the past behind and start something new and fresh? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The whole COVID19 (Damn thing!) Made me do it! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm not going to lie and tell you that everything in the garden is rosy. Like most people, this has been a very emotional time of ups and downs and whys, ifs and buts. I've spent hours trying to find the positives in this whole world-altering thing (and I have) but I've also spent hours in tears, mourning the loss of life but equally, kindness seems to set me off just as much. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've loved the fact that the earth has time to recover from the pollution which has ruined the eco-system, I love the laypeople are speaking to each other, caring for neighbours and stepping up to the mark and for once considering others before themselves. (That's how it used to be yanno!). I've loved how parents are finally interacting with their kids and also getting creative with them. Teaching them about nature. Speaking of nature I think i9t's truly awesome how people have had time to STOP and actually take note of the little things around them. People who are lucky enough to have gardens are now appreciating them and seeing the benefits of being close to nature by just stepping outside. The small joys of life suddenly become a big deal during lockdown! </span><br />
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Above my own little builtin sanctuary,</div>
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aptly called the Zen Den</div>
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And here's a non staged picture taken today.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Back to the blog!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I came to realise that no matter what titles I came up with, they didn't quite fit me like this old familiar glove. I toyed with the idea of deleting all the old posts and starting fresh. I looked over some posts and thought either OMG! 'What???? Did I really write THAT!' or simply cringed at others, however in my higher wisdom, I've decided to keep the posts and the blog and most of the elements on it. If you choose to read past posts that's fine, there are some hidden gems amongst them (I promise).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That was life then and this is me now. Not sure I am wiser, but I'm definitely older. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is me. I make no apologies for being me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Take me or leave me, I am what I am!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you are new here.....welcome, This is just my on-line journal of life as a creative spirit. Homelife mixed with studio life. The ups and the downs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Probably a mish-mash of all sorts of random shit mixed in. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Please feel free to connect and leave a comment. It will be good to see how many people this reaches. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">with love and bright blessings, Sue xox</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34401064.post-36115610799582140792013-12-28T17:28:00.001+00:002013-12-28T17:28:28.218+00:00My Good Things Jar 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
As the year draws to a close it's easy to focus on all the negative things that have happened throughout the year. </div>
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I saw this idea sometime in mid December 2012 and was determined to start one for myself.</div>
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The concept is simple. It costs very little to put into action And will help you realise it's the small things in life that bring the joy and reflections of all the good things that happen Throughout the year.</div>
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Take a Kilner jar or something similar, This could be a pretty box or container with a lid like a teapot perhaps And starting on January 1 fill the jar up with pieces of paper writing on each piece anything good that happens. </div>
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Then on new years eve of that year open up the jar to see all the good stuff that has happened that year. I am surprised and impressed with how full mine actually became. With all the bad news in the media and the normal struggles of everyday life it's easy to become entangled in the web of negativity. </div>
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I'm thinking of creating some of these jars for my brides and grooms And will call them wishing jars. Guests can write on pieces of paper or card and add them to the jar. The bride and groom can then open the jar and read the messages from their friends and family. </div>
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Why not start the jar for 2014? I think you'll be as surprised as I was as to how much good stuff happens. I wish you all the very very best for 2014</div>
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If you are on Facebook.... come and join our dedicated group: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/523613324344976/?bookmark_t=group">Good Things Jar 2013</a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34401064.post-46107599992288599692013-11-11T10:54:00.001+00:002013-11-11T10:54:18.959+00:00Lance Cpl Ben Hyde - We Shall Remember Them<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 12.727272033691406px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="messageBody" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.38;">In memory of all those lost in battle.... but in particular Ben. The people of northallerton will NEVER forget.<br />Special warm hugs to John and Sandra today who lost their only son and who have devoted their time to the Ben Hyde Memorial Fund to raise money for others and their amazing courage and determination to see the 'Justice will be done'. We are all behind you xxx <a href="http://www.benhydetrust.org.uk/about-ben" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>www.benhydetrust.org.uk/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>about-ben</a><br /><br />Lance Corporal Ben Hyde was one of six Royal Military Policemen who died on24"'June 2003, killed by a mob in a fire-fight at a police station in the town of Al Majarr Al Kabir Southern Iraq.</span></h5>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34401064.post-45652588123088877992013-04-29T16:18:00.000+00:002013-04-29T16:18:11.216+00:00A week in the life of.... Sue Simpson..... Anything can happen! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">As most people who know me and are familiar with Inspired by Script know, the studio is open Tuesdays - Saturdays, so I try and catch up with my Blogging and paperwork on a Monday. </span></div>
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During busy times it's hard to blog as each job is completed and so I'll try at least to do a once a week post. Finally, I seem to have caught up with all the orders and this week (hopefully) I'll be spending time creating some new designs :-)</div>
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First item on the agenda last week were some table names for Nicky and Adam.... these are their Wedding Invitations so they had to match......</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D_fNSm0SrlY/UX6NOxJ9jFI/AAAAAAAAJ2E/UnuFC2NFurM/s1600/Nicky+&+Adam+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D_fNSm0SrlY/UX6NOxJ9jFI/AAAAAAAAJ2E/UnuFC2NFurM/s400/Nicky+&+Adam+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Again the gorgeous Kingfisher Blue foil was used and Nicky & Adam </div>
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named each table after a type of butterfly.... lovely!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JjveDYkcOAA/UX6NRJ3rhGI/AAAAAAAAJ2M/DXUrtO5NOP0/s1600/Small+Table+names.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JjveDYkcOAA/UX6NRJ3rhGI/AAAAAAAAJ2M/DXUrtO5NOP0/s400/Small+Table+names.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then there were some Kingfisher Blue place cards to do </div>
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for another Bride <a href="http://inspiredbyscript.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/turquoise-dragonfly-inspired-wedding.html">to match these Invitations here</a></div>
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who had chosen the same colour scheme......</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-whWhnKVuY7Q/UX6QFldVKEI/AAAAAAAAJ3Q/bUSWR1WlYqc/s1600/Place+cards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-whWhnKVuY7Q/UX6QFldVKEI/AAAAAAAAJ3Q/bUSWR1WlYqc/s400/Place+cards.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I was at a Wedding Fair the week before and was approached </div>
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by the lovely Constance from Connie's Cakes </div>
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This is her work below and you can see more on her website</div>
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<a href="http://www.connies-cakes.co.uk/">BY CLICKING HERE!</a></div>
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Connie makes the fab figures and her lovely mum bakes the cakes! </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c9rUDH8LWgI/UX6SSEuxC8I/AAAAAAAAJ34/YpVCfD0kAZI/s1600/Connies+Cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c9rUDH8LWgI/UX6SSEuxC8I/AAAAAAAAJ34/YpVCfD0kAZI/s640/Connies+Cake.jpg" width="419" /></a></div>
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Her and her mum had seen my Egg Cups </div>
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and wanted me to do not only Egg Cups,</div>
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but a matching Bride and Groom plate and mug too.</div>
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I had to admit I hadn't done plates before,</div>
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but there's a first time for everything....</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vj8SB9ptHc0/UX6QsabYrtI/AAAAAAAAJ3Y/MsxfHRKMNfo/s1600/Ceramic+Plate+sets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vj8SB9ptHc0/UX6QsabYrtI/AAAAAAAAJ3Y/MsxfHRKMNfo/s400/Ceramic+Plate+sets.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-72wCgLJElq8/UX6QsovtY3I/AAAAAAAAJ3g/DnZ8OSCMdYc/s1600/Ceramic+plate+sets+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-72wCgLJElq8/UX6QsovtY3I/AAAAAAAAJ3g/DnZ8OSCMdYc/s400/Ceramic+plate+sets+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The plates were probably easier than the Egg Cup and Mug put together :-)</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pHmnbsqz4kM/UX6SE8IWLhI/AAAAAAAAJ3w/4y7ksFHW_4A/s1600/Plate+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pHmnbsqz4kM/UX6SE8IWLhI/AAAAAAAAJ3w/4y7ksFHW_4A/s400/Plate+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then it was on to Enna and Stephens </div>
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'On the Day' stuff.</div>
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I'd already made the Wedding Post Box,</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OiWU-SUIrYw/UX6NcckFVVI/AAAAAAAAJ2U/LsK9c8CvX1E/s1600/Fresh+Downloads+038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OiWU-SUIrYw/UX6NcckFVVI/AAAAAAAAJ2U/LsK9c8CvX1E/s400/Fresh+Downloads+038.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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And cut the hearts for the Seating plan....</div>
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but the Seating Plan is one of the last things to be made </div>
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as my clients have to wait for last minute replies to their invitations.....</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9O-4O5lG71M/UX6NhvvTIMI/AAAAAAAAJ2s/XkApK6eJUUI/s1600/Cut+out+hearts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9O-4O5lG71M/UX6NhvvTIMI/AAAAAAAAJ2s/XkApK6eJUUI/s400/Cut+out+hearts.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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I took the inspiration from the hanging hearts,</div>
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which I really loved and worked well....</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H6dMdJikoZU/UX6NdeMuT6I/AAAAAAAAJ2c/nHQ9jSJo-lY/s1600/Small+post+box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H6dMdJikoZU/UX6NdeMuT6I/AAAAAAAAJ2c/nHQ9jSJo-lY/s400/Small+post+box.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And .... there we have it....</div>
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The finished seating plan :-)</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-79ax5jUdOQ4/UX6NdgD3DsI/AAAAAAAAJ2k/G95VnYlIEtg/s1600/Small+seating+plan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-79ax5jUdOQ4/UX6NdgD3DsI/AAAAAAAAJ2k/G95VnYlIEtg/s400/Small+seating+plan.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then, some lush violet paint was mixed.....</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GVS-6ZX5_tQ/UX6OzYn6swI/AAAAAAAAJ24/MBuR_OFX03c/s1600/Purple+Paint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GVS-6ZX5_tQ/UX6OzYn6swI/AAAAAAAAJ24/MBuR_OFX03c/s400/Purple+Paint.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And the place cards completed. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uxH3HxtsRxY/UX6PCHgfeNI/AAAAAAAAJ3A/5VqCyy0MTqg/s1600/Place+cards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uxH3HxtsRxY/UX6PCHgfeNI/AAAAAAAAJ3A/5VqCyy0MTqg/s400/Place+cards.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Phew! A wide a varied week for me. It's so nice sometimes to do bits and pieces. It sort of keeps my mind flowing and my enthusiasm going. Don't get me wrong, I love creating the Wedding Stationery, but the 'On the Day' stuff is just as important to me. Variety id the spice of life.... or so they say :-)</div>
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And so came the weekend and I want to share this magic moment with you. .... Whatever the weather, <a href="http://stevesmithjewellery.co.uk/">Steve</a> and I were determined to get out in the fresh air and blow off some cobwebs. These days we seem to work all day everyday and find very little time for ourselves. So we decided to pack a picnic and get ourselves off to <a href="http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbey/">Studley Royal.</a> (near Ripon, North Yorkshire). </div>
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<a href="http://stevesmithjewellery.co.uk/">Steve</a> especially had never seen Deer running free. At reception we were told the that even though they had around 300 deer there, the chances of seeing them were pretty remote..... but he managed to spot one and get a pretty good picture.....</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qY0UEmXMo2A/UX6YLyYIVqI/AAAAAAAAJ4M/o7MgvnUruOM/s1600/Stag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qY0UEmXMo2A/UX6YLyYIVqI/AAAAAAAAJ4M/o7MgvnUruOM/s400/Stag.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And further on and round the corner..... we were blessed with this......</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2gSCV5Q47xI/UX6YTQwqb6I/AAAAAAAAJ4U/TZORA4NuixI/s1600/Herd+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2gSCV5Q47xI/UX6YTQwqb6I/AAAAAAAAJ4U/TZORA4NuixI/s400/Herd+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Whoooooah! That must be the whole damn herd then! </div>
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I LOVE those MAGIC moments, do't you? </div>
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Don't forget....</div>
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My website is at</div>
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<a href="http://inspiredbyscript.co.uk/">http://inspiredbyscript.co.uk</a></div>
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And you can call us on 01609 776 866 </div>
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during opening hours.</div>
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All photos and text</div>
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(c) Sue Simpson</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34401064.post-19883608152501148312013-04-21T00:29:00.001+00:002013-04-21T00:29:38.605+00:00Catching my breath! - A full and busy week at the Pixie's Magic Cottage.... <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have to admit... Vintage is really</div>
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'Not my thing' however I couldn't help springing into action</div>
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when a friend needed an extra pair of hands.....</div>
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First the seating plan.....</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xLYWw4bBiew/UXMsOuj3JaI/AAAAAAAAJ1c/_iB-xOjg-o8/s1600/SMALL+VINTAGE+SEATING+PLAN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xLYWw4bBiew/UXMsOuj3JaI/AAAAAAAAJ1c/_iB-xOjg-o8/s400/SMALL+VINTAGE+SEATING+PLAN.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And then the menus.....</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0hAIYvJ_xvo/UXMsLhpl43I/AAAAAAAAJ1U/sCQRMkTRlQM/s1600/SMALL+VINTAGE+MENUS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0hAIYvJ_xvo/UXMsLhpl43I/AAAAAAAAJ1U/sCQRMkTRlQM/s400/SMALL+VINTAGE+MENUS.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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To be honest.... when I had made them, I was quite taken with them.</div>
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Perhaps the soft greens and pretty pinks, brought out the romantic side of me?</div>
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I was asked if I could print peoples names on </div>
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Wishing tree tags and </div>
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still cut them out as hearts.......seems I can :-)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MkDkm1XwtlI/UXMuncUYgEI/AAAAAAAAJ10/Evyq0r9VZjQ/s1600/Wishing+Tree+Hearts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MkDkm1XwtlI/UXMuncUYgEI/AAAAAAAAJ10/Evyq0r9VZjQ/s400/Wishing+Tree+Hearts.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then of course there was Gill and Peters</div>
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Dragonfly Inspired Invitations to make</div>
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<a href="http://inspiredbyscript.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/turquoise-dragonfly-inspired-wedding.html">You can read all about them here</a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6aOWIKU9lA/UXMtSA7PnAI/AAAAAAAAJ1k/zgCh7sPaRzg/s1600/Dragonfly+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6aOWIKU9lA/UXMtSA7PnAI/AAAAAAAAJ1k/zgCh7sPaRzg/s400/Dragonfly+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The dragonfly really lends itself to the </div>
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gorgeous Turquoise/kingfisher Blue foil</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Aodwn8Z008/UXMtVItaWtI/AAAAAAAAJ1s/SiJc0hvItW0/s1600/Dragonfly+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Aodwn8Z008/UXMtVItaWtI/AAAAAAAAJ1s/SiJc0hvItW0/s400/Dragonfly+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then there was an Order of Service to make</div>
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for Nicky and Adam, who get married in just 5 and half weeks.</div>
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they were made to match a previous order of Invitations......</div>
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Again... the gorgeous Kingfisher Blue foil </div>
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is proving to be very popular! </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QaQI3Ou0KI0/UXMrwAJBTiI/AAAAAAAAJ08/is3TZTAzPgg/s1600/SMALL+Order+of+service+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QaQI3Ou0KI0/UXMrwAJBTiI/AAAAAAAAJ08/is3TZTAzPgg/s400/SMALL+Order+of+service+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The I realised it was my son and daughter-in-laws</div>
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4th Wedding Anniversary.</div>
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I just HAD the urge to design something in Paper Cuts for them,</div>
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using a floating frame so that their stunning wall colours show through,</div>
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wherever they decide to hang is.....</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OahVVAL8d0E/UXMsBkENKOI/AAAAAAAAJ1M/jyyjxb8kDic/s1600/Anniversary+tree+mk.+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OahVVAL8d0E/UXMsBkENKOI/AAAAAAAAJ1M/jyyjxb8kDic/s400/Anniversary+tree+mk.+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And... last but not least....</div>
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A design for Lindsi and Kyle.</div>
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My very first order n Black Foil....</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QhiQlVcgV4o/UXMrkwd_5CI/AAAAAAAAJ0c/ntF7Wbxd3RA/s1600/Printed+ready+fo+rribbon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QhiQlVcgV4o/UXMrkwd_5CI/AAAAAAAAJ0c/ntF7Wbxd3RA/s400/Printed+ready+fo+rribbon.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Adding some stunning and vibrant </div>
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Hot Pink Ribbon, warms up the black.</div>
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Sexy or what?</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QA2iQLRS8YE/UXMrma5JHyI/AAAAAAAAJ0k/vu3m9WAjDGs/s1600/Hot+Pink+Ribbon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="382" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QA2iQLRS8YE/UXMrma5JHyI/AAAAAAAAJ0k/vu3m9WAjDGs/s400/Hot+Pink+Ribbon.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And here's the order:</div>
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Wedding Invitations, Evening Invitations</div>
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and RSVP cards.... all done and ready to go.....</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zDcMbm16-lM/UXMroBFJjyI/AAAAAAAAJ0s/6yHQNML6F5Q/s1600/Small+Invitations.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zDcMbm16-lM/UXMroBFJjyI/AAAAAAAAJ0s/6yHQNML6F5Q/s400/Small+Invitations.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Tomorrow is the Wedding Fair at The Golden Lion Hotel, in Northallerton. Thankfully close by, so I can have a bit of a slow start.....Blimey! I think I need a holiday :-)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34401064.post-19385713102654508342013-03-30T00:18:00.001+00:002013-03-30T00:26:23.193+00:00Want to be amazing at blogging? Here's how!<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;">OMG! I just climbed out from under my rock and realised I have not updated this since long before Shakespeare wast a boy... You would not believe the fairy dust I have to clean up. But I'm sorry you'll just have to take my word for it..</span><br style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;" /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;">I am totally and utterly flat out with an awfully big adventure, personal projects, just generally being Snow White to my cats, my day seems to be packed from 8am to sun down and beyond. I am not complaining though. life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get.</span><br style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;" /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;">I swear on the bones of my ancestors to post at least once a month. Well, I'll try. What do you mean you don't believe me?.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;">As composed in <a href="http://www.aussiebloggers.com.au/blogpost.html">The Lazy Bloggers Post Generator</a> :-)</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;">Actually.... the raw truth is... I've been snowed under with orders, I've been wrapped up with a pretty intensive and mind blowing on-line course, I've been developing 2 websites, working with others to mentor new businesses in the Wedding Industry and I've developed an awful addiction.... to Pinterest! </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pixiesuesimpson/">SEE HOW ADDICTED HERE!</a> Ohhhh and in my leisure time, me and Steve are loving being Grandma RaRa and Grandpops.... and then there's the Zumba Classes! TOTALLY ME! 100% and my way of resting my brain from all the Bridal Business stuff :-) </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;">I'm over the moon that so many of my Blogger friends have found me on facebook and I'm fnding it far easier and instant to update on there than writing a whole blog post.... which I never seem to get round to doing.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;">So... if you're missing me.... come along and join in the banter on FB... or pop over and <a href="http://pinterest.com/pixiesuesimpson/">see my latest work on Pinterest.</a> </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;">Until my next post.... MMMMMMMwah! </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.399999618530273px; text-align: center;">Sue 'Pixie Sue' Simpson </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;"><br /></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34401064.post-59080467113396362852013-01-27T12:05:00.001+00:002013-02-11T23:11:24.715+00:00Personalised Wedding Stationery Made To Order - Gaynor & John<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well, we thought we had got away with it virtually scott free, but last nights snow really did come down. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NklgAMDR_XE/UQQBT5lX5jI/AAAAAAAAJGU/S-mLIrVxKBU/s1600/2013+Work+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NklgAMDR_XE/UQQBT5lX5jI/AAAAAAAAJGU/S-mLIrVxKBU/s400/2013+Work+003.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We decided to walk to work and after a bit of snow shovelling </div>
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and a liberal sprinkling of salt.... it was business as usual.</div>
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This week has been particularly busy and there's been 4 Wedding Orders go out... probably my all time high for any week, since I started... and in fact this month is set to be the busiest ever!</div>
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Sometimes, someone comes through the door and has a clear idea of what they want... and yesterday, such a thing happened, quite by accident. </div>
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Do you remember these.... The one on the left was one that a Bride had ordered off the internet. The Bride 'thought' she was buying from a UK company. The problem was, when they came they were all in polish or some odd language! They were reasonably priced yes, but actually came from China and it would cost a fortune to actually send them back!</div>
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You can read all about Kayleigh's experience on an earlier blog post titled <a href="http://northyorkshireweddings.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/brides-on-budget-beware.html">Brides on a Budget - BEWARE!</a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hqRsIPM6qxE/UQRZ1MPSb7I/AAAAAAAAJHc/zVCknPtAVcU/s1600/Bridal+fix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hqRsIPM6qxE/UQRZ1MPSb7I/AAAAAAAAJHc/zVCknPtAVcU/s400/Bridal+fix.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Wedding was pretty close, so I offered to try and sort something out for her. This is what I came up with.....<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2s4HNZR55y4/UQRZvyo2VXI/AAAAAAAAJHU/6gL_v0u65rc/s1600/Kayleigh+Evening+Invitations.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2s4HNZR55y4/UQRZvyo2VXI/AAAAAAAAJHU/6gL_v0u65rc/s400/Kayleigh+Evening+Invitations.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Kayleigh's Wedding Invitations came ina wrap around cover and we decided to keep these... and come up with a design that you could see poking out of the top corner.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VU9s_AT4Gbs/UQUTGmTuxvI/AAAAAAAAJI8/QHMWae6u2wk/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VU9s_AT4Gbs/UQUTGmTuxvI/AAAAAAAAJI8/QHMWae6u2wk/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Gaynor immediately spotted these and said "I want mine in wraps too!" Now I hadn't made the original ones and the size was not standard to our UK paper sizes.... but with a big of jiggery pokery, I somehow managed to come up with something that fit....</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SpXfzOha6mU/UQQBUYRXuGI/AAAAAAAAJGY/lSU9tOJBMok/s1600/Gaynor+and+John+Wrap+around+and+ribbon+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="383" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SpXfzOha6mU/UQQBUYRXuGI/AAAAAAAAJGY/lSU9tOJBMok/s400/Gaynor+and+John+Wrap+around+and+ribbon+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The daytime cards were to be a bit more fancy and were to be enclosed in the wrap... my concern was that with all the extra card and the ribbon, they wouldn't fit in an envelope and until I had actually made them up, I couldn't be sure whether they would or not. Sometimes, Brides ask you to make something that' seems on the surface and easy enough task, but coming to make it can turn out impossible. </div>
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Fortunately they do fit!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l8316SInKTw/UQQBWMF9Y5I/AAAAAAAAJGk/Qwkuh4JbOyM/s1600/Gaynor+and+John+Ivory+on+Gold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l8316SInKTw/UQQBWMF9Y5I/AAAAAAAAJGk/Qwkuh4JbOyM/s400/Gaynor+and+John+Ivory+on+Gold.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Evening Invitations are printed and foiled on thicker card.<br />
Card that would be just too heavy for folded cards. It was dark outside, and no matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't get the lighting right for good photos of these, but they are different, gave me a challenge and turned out pretty well I think.<br />
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For enquiries about this or any other item you see on my blog, contact me using this<a href="http://inspiredbyscript.blogspot.co.uk/p/contact-us.html"> CONTACT LINK</a> or by clicking the contact tab at the top of this page.<br />
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DON'T FORGET! You can keep in touch with us by</div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/InspiredByScript?ref=hl"> 'LIKING US ON FACEBOOK'</a></div>
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All posts and photos (c) Sue Simpson</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34401064.post-62268466859963912572013-01-20T16:20:00.001+00:002013-01-20T16:20:50.942+00:00The Truth About The Wedding Business - Part 1If I had listened to my business adviser, when I first started all those years ago, I would be where I am now.... only I would have got there quicker!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CZrVsMcF-7E/UPwNKXyMfAI/AAAAAAAAI6M/1-1QLHuxL5Y/s1600/Potboiler+1.psd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CZrVsMcF-7E/UPwNKXyMfAI/AAAAAAAAI6M/1-1QLHuxL5Y/s640/Potboiler+1.psd.jpg" width="440" /></a></div>
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As many of you know, I've been a Calligrapher and Lettering Artist since 1988. My work has been wide and varied. Some jobs you want to do, others were quite frankly a pain in the bum. Each had it's own merits and challenges.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5dMEUcFd89M/UPwNWkZcyoI/AAAAAAAAI6U/WVqmeXy_f8M/s1600/Say+No+To+Peace+Detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5dMEUcFd89M/UPwNWkZcyoI/AAAAAAAAI6U/WVqmeXy_f8M/s400/Say+No+To+Peace+Detail.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Professional, qualified, Calligraphers are getting pretty thin on the ground. We are becoming a specialised industry. While there are still plenty of Calligraphy Groups around, they are more 'interest' groups rather than anyone wanting to take on work and use their skills.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q78E5pPbXIE/UPwKwERSpAI/AAAAAAAAI5M/PkoTrns0j8k/s1600/Baby+Girl+Poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q78E5pPbXIE/UPwKwERSpAI/AAAAAAAAI5M/PkoTrns0j8k/s400/Baby+Girl+Poster.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I live in North Yorkshire. The county is wide and spread out. Fewer people even know what a Calligrapher does these days, never mind needing their services and the ones that do are pretty reluctant to pay a decent hourly rate for the work involved.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TurgQORmXhE/UPwLDXkYd0I/AAAAAAAAI5U/CjuuNdoSUX0/s1600/Baby+Poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TurgQORmXhE/UPwLDXkYd0I/AAAAAAAAI5U/CjuuNdoSUX0/s400/Baby+Poster.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>"Surely, you just pick up a fancy pan,</b></div>
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<b> filled with ink and write, don't you?"</b></div>
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I wish it was that simple. The 'in' joke amongst Calligraphers is that you can become a brain surgeon in less time! And actually, it's not too far from the truth!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P_7F_0j_WlM/UPwLWmBqDAI/AAAAAAAAI5c/xSt84v3bU2c/s1600/Fathers+Day+Card.psd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P_7F_0j_WlM/UPwLWmBqDAI/AAAAAAAAI5c/xSt84v3bU2c/s400/Fathers+Day+Card.psd.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I remember, when John, my business adviser with <b>Action For Blind People </b>suggested I <b>specialise in Wedding Stationer</b><b>y, </b>I laughed! At the time I was lucky enough if I did 1 or 2 wedding orders a year. The thought of ditching all the other work, in it various guises, made my stomach churn. I just about made enough to keep the doors open at the studio. To ditch the small amount of work that was coming through seems nothing close to madness!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uyUglp4nfdk/UPwL8_Y9uPI/AAAAAAAAI5s/dTNZU5NW0CA/s1600/ART+WORK+048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uyUglp4nfdk/UPwL8_Y9uPI/AAAAAAAAI5s/dTNZU5NW0CA/s400/ART+WORK+048.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I resisted.... well, I actually, didn't resist fully, I made more of an effort as far as I was concerned, made up some Wedding Invitation portfolios and got them into shops.... the business didn't come my way and I continued to take on small jobs, which took a great deal of time and effort, but had very little reward.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pvlJj1AT6fQ/UPwMRXyF7bI/AAAAAAAAI50/8s3Tj9pjnDw/s1600/Oriah+Mountain+Dreamer+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pvlJj1AT6fQ/UPwMRXyF7bI/AAAAAAAAI50/8s3Tj9pjnDw/s400/Oriah+Mountain+Dreamer+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I did this for a further 3 years. I did it till I could take no more. I felt the life was sucked out of me and this also coincided with the break-up of what I thought at the time was a 'perfect' relationship (Please excuse me here,while I laugh my stripy socks off!).<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oH04VPnrTkA/UPwMfM4dr9I/AAAAAAAAI58/odv19yGZ4P8/s1600/Hand+made+books+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oH04VPnrTkA/UPwMfM4dr9I/AAAAAAAAI58/odv19yGZ4P8/s400/Hand+made+books+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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For the following year I took stock of not only my life, my relationship (and the no good for me characters, I seemed to attract!) but my business and my feeling towards that too. I'm a big believer in "If you always do, what you've always done, you'll always get, what you've always gotten!". Things had to change... I had to change! My attitude and my fears regarding my work had to change.... and change it did!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N84CG97RL6o/UPwNnicmPcI/AAAAAAAAI6c/5PpyZT71VGA/s1600/Meditation+Lotus+Flower.psd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N84CG97RL6o/UPwNnicmPcI/AAAAAAAAI6c/5PpyZT71VGA/s400/Meditation+Lotus+Flower.psd.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This wasn't over night... it was a long journey and there's lots to tell.... so I'll write more about this in another post...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nQY3qiBmYzU/UPwKUUQEulI/AAAAAAAAI48/YXBjoJSUjDQ/s1600/500+Debbie+BEST.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nQY3qiBmYzU/UPwKUUQEulI/AAAAAAAAI48/YXBjoJSUjDQ/s400/500+Debbie+BEST.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>I have things I need to 'get off my chest' and most of all, I hope my story, in time will give hope, inspiration and motivation to others. </b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34401064.post-28140565022378247862013-01-13T10:51:00.003+00:002013-01-13T10:51:56.823+00:00Personalised Birthday Card For My Mum!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's been the busiest week ever!</div>
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And it's my mum's birthday tomorrow...</div>
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So the card was done in a hurry,</div>
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with not a spot of hand lettering in sight....</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I5TbRR_Fup8/UPH41lz-FyI/AAAAAAAAIwY/qUIwf9KvM9E/s1600/Birthday+Card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I5TbRR_Fup8/UPH41lz-FyI/AAAAAAAAIwY/qUIwf9KvM9E/s400/Birthday+Card.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Plain and simple.</div>
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14.5 cm x 14.5 cm<br />
<br />
Hand Made by Sue Simpson<br />
at the studio of<br />
<a href="http://inspiredbyscript.co.uk/">Inspired by Script</a><br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34401064.post-79539008207699255672013-01-13T10:33:00.003+00:002013-01-13T10:34:47.216+00:00Personalised Invitations and Wishing Tree Tags <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Paul came to see me after we had first met some moths earlier. He'd been married for year and clearly didn't want or need Wedding Stationery.</div>
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What he did discuss was whether I could make some Birthday Invitations.... but with a twist.</div>
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Paul explained that it was not only his 50 th Birthday, but after 3 long years, it was also the end of his 9 year old sons treatment for Leukaemia. Therefore they were having a joint celebration!</div>
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<b>Here's what we came up with....</b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eS6ooNGprkk/UPG966ZZZoI/AAAAAAAAIro/Va3yKt_0O5g/s1600/Birthday+Invitation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eS6ooNGprkk/UPG966ZZZoI/AAAAAAAAIro/Va3yKt_0O5g/s400/Birthday+Invitation.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Paul came back a little later and wanted to have a wishing tree instead of a guest book, then guests could wrote their wishes for both Paul and Thomas and would be a lasting reminder of their special day.</div>
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<b>This is what I came up with......</b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tV3VPvNpfb0/UMZuHbM-_zI/AAAAAAAAIbw/eekUaUvLOwM/s1600/Wishing+Tree+Tags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tV3VPvNpfb0/UMZuHbM-_zI/AAAAAAAAIbw/eekUaUvLOwM/s400/Wishing+Tree+Tags.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I foiled the cards in 3 different colours....</div>
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Green, Purple and Blue.....</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xwgxb5somoo/UMZwJ0WkYBI/AAAAAAAAIb4/rx3bxLs4oSM/s1600/Personalised+Wishing+cards+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="159" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xwgxb5somoo/UMZwJ0WkYBI/AAAAAAAAIb4/rx3bxLs4oSM/s400/Personalised+Wishing+cards+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I then came up with a little poem...</div>
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OK so I'm no poet Laureate! :-)</div>
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The poem read:</div>
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<b>Choose a card, Green, Purple or Blue,</b></div>
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<b>Write on a wish, you want to come true,</b></div>
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<b>Tie on string, attach to the tree,</b></div>
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<b>Whisper those words and you let them go free!</b></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ocsS7MJHivg/UMR24TdiL8I/AAAAAAAAIY8/q87qREam87M/s1600/December+Pictures+2012+018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ocsS7MJHivg/UMR24TdiL8I/AAAAAAAAIY8/q87qREam87M/s400/December+Pictures+2012+018.jpg" title="Personalised Wishing Tree Tags" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was nice to see the Wishing Tree and tags being used for something other than Weddings. In March, it will be used for a Baby's Christening :-)<br />
<br />
We at<a href="http://inspiredbyscript.co.uk/"> Inspired by Script</a> want to congratulate Paul on his<br />
50 th Birthday and sending lots of love and special wishes for Thomas's continued health.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34401064.post-65502190018940531712013-01-07T13:05:00.000+00:002013-01-07T13:05:04.857+00:00IMPORTANT INFORMATION for Brides in particular! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As a fully qualified and professional Calligrapher and Lettering Artist, my work over the years has been wide ans varied.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NHCIBocINIo/UOqv9fE0TkI/AAAAAAAAInI/ydwmw35ECk8/s1600/Calligraphy+and+Lettering+Art+of+Sue+Simpson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NHCIBocINIo/UOqv9fE0TkI/AAAAAAAAInI/ydwmw35ECk8/s400/Calligraphy+and+Lettering+Art+of+Sue+Simpson.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
While sorting some papers at the studio before the Christmas break I happened to find my original business plan. In the plan, I set out all the ways I wanted to take my business, what work I was looking for and how I would go about it.... that was some years ago now.<br />
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As anyone knows who works in the creative field, the clients and market, drive you, not the other way round.<br />
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My business is called<b> <a href="http://inspiredbyscript.co.uk/">'Inspired by Script</a>'</b> in the early days I did everything including poster, poems, commercial work, bookbinding, greeting cards, framed and mounted pieces for both private and public clients. I did work for many big names too!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hIiAC9Ib5IQ/UOrFf-y0geI/AAAAAAAAIoo/kTVhFCKK1Jo/s1600/BOS+035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hIiAC9Ib5IQ/UOrFf-y0geI/AAAAAAAAIoo/kTVhFCKK1Jo/s400/BOS+035.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then just over a year ago, I got asked to design and make some Wedding Invitations. I had done a couple of orders before, but the small amount of work I did do, did not warrant me focusing on Weddings alone.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lmy_x0oWLs0/UOrFBzwfscI/AAAAAAAAIog/_UZ1yWa-_FQ/s1600/A+STREAMLINE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lmy_x0oWLs0/UOrFBzwfscI/AAAAAAAAIog/_UZ1yWa-_FQ/s400/A+STREAMLINE.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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In order that clients weren't confused by all the other work I did, I set up a separate <b>'<a href="http://northyorkshireweddings.co.uk/">North Yorkshire Weddings' website</a></b> and <b>North Yorkshire Weddings blog,</b> to help direct the Brides to 'Wedding Only' stuff.... still keeping the <b>'Inspired by Script'</b> stuff separate and cross posting any wedding work onto my main<a href="http://inspiredbyscript.blogspot.co.uk/"> <b>Inspired by Script, blog</b></a>.<a href="http://inspiredbyscript.co.uk/"> My <b>Inspired by Script website</b></a>, simply has a tag which takes clients to my <b><a href="http://northyorkshireweddings.co.uk/">Wedding Website.</a></b><br />
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It's been difficult at times, explaining to Brides that I have a dedicated website called<b> <a href="http://northyorkshireweddings.co.uk/">North Yorkshire Weddings,</a></b> but my business is in fact called <b><a href="http://inspiredbyscript.co.uk/">Inspired by Script</a>. </b>At times I'm sure it's been confusing to them and for me.... Well I felt I was living some kind of 'Double life'.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t2gCUveiy9M/UOrF4XddkdI/AAAAAAAAIow/vD2UNhRAO14/s1600/Red+Wedding+Invitation+Baroque+Border+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t2gCUveiy9M/UOrF4XddkdI/AAAAAAAAIow/vD2UNhRAO14/s400/Red+Wedding+Invitation+Baroque+Border+copy.jpg" width="365" /></a></div>
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Work can get a bit over dramatic too.... one day you can be making a Wedding Album and the next you are painting a large wall canvas, then the next you can be writing out place cards... all very different aspects of what I do.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VBJ4t_h8o5w/UOrGX95TwhI/AAAAAAAAIo4/64JNh8CMr_8/s1600/Filled+Heart+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VBJ4t_h8o5w/UOrGX95TwhI/AAAAAAAAIo4/64JNh8CMr_8/s400/Filled+Heart+2.jpg" width="393" /></a></div>
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Finally, most of the work I do is either Wedding or Baby related or has something to do with celebrations in some way, like Birthdays or Anniversaries. Because the Wedding and Baby stuff has taken off so well, I know have to pick and choose what work I do. I am more focussed and less scatter gun and everything is far easier to control. I have to turn down work that although I would like to do, I just have not got the time to do it, like long poems and small ones too! Small commissions have had to go too.... these were never cost effective anyway and I used them as pot boilers and a way of filling time. Some work is just too many hours for very little return.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R7kVizx4j1M/UOrGj40922I/AAAAAAAAIpA/51E8YYF7IcM/s1600/Ceramic+Egg+Cup+Favours+SMALL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R7kVizx4j1M/UOrGj40922I/AAAAAAAAIpA/51E8YYF7IcM/s400/Ceramic+Egg+Cup+Favours+SMALL.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This next year will see big changes. It will all happen gradually. I will, bit by bit integrate the 2 websites and blogs and go back to my original branding... the one I spent so many years building up. This will take so much pressure off as maintaining one website and blog has to be easier than two, hasn't it?<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ldxv_3wEg-U/UOrGwtGWfAI/AAAAAAAAIpI/d_7BsfO5478/s1600/Favour+Tags+Love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ldxv_3wEg-U/UOrGwtGWfAI/AAAAAAAAIpI/d_7BsfO5478/s400/Favour+Tags+Love.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The amalgamation and transition will not happen over night... but it WILL happen.<br />
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Ohhhh.... I am SO excited about this year!</div>
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So....<span style="font-size: x-large;"> <a href="http://inspiredbyscript.co.uk/">Inspired by Script.</a>...</span></div>
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happy re-birth year!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Siv4a3HAhPk/UOrHNDIRIWI/AAAAAAAAIpQ/iY0FPywWZsk/s1600/Purple+and+hot+Pink+Seating+Plan+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Siv4a3HAhPk/UOrHNDIRIWI/AAAAAAAAIpQ/iY0FPywWZsk/s400/Purple+and+hot+Pink+Seating+Plan+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Here's how you can find me:</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://inspiredbyscript.co.uk/"><b>My Website</b></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://inspiredbyscript.blogspot.co.uk/" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>My Blog</b></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/InspiredByScript?ref=hl" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>My Facebook Page</b></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="mailto:inspiredbyscript@yahoo.co.uk"><span style="font-size: large;">My Email Address</span></a></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34401064.post-30158357005502782372012-12-31T18:06:00.001+00:002012-12-31T18:06:39.123+00:00One Year Out and The Other One In!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I won't be the only one to be happily saying goodbye to 2012. For many, and as mentioned in my <a href="http://the-creative-spirit.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/yule-blessingsto-all-my-readers.html">last post</a> it's been quite a difficult year for so many people. No matter how positive we try to be we just can't help but get affected by it. </div>
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Every year I seem to say the same think "Time is going by so fast.... where did that year go and what in the hell happened!". </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Euwr_8kTTJM/UOHD4owQu-I/AAAAAAAAIkE/aRGX6Ir5KAw/s1600/Time+is+running+out.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Euwr_8kTTJM/UOHD4owQu-I/AAAAAAAAIkE/aRGX6Ir5KAw/s400/Time+is+running+out.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span id="goog_1739077594"></span><span id="goog_1739077595"></span><br /></div>
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These days I don't keep a journal or diary... although I know I should. This year in particular I have had so many things happen around me that I found it too personal to write them all up on the Creative Spirit...... which is a bit ironic when you think of not so long ago I created the <a href="http://the-creative-spirit.blogspot.co.uk/2009/10/honest-blogger-award-because-shift_01.html">Honest Blogger Award</a> and planned to spill out the good, the bad and the ugly. </div>
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Some things of course were things that my friends and family were going through, and it wasn't my place to air publicly the problems and losses they were having to deal with. </div>
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Actually, looking at my stats for 2012 I posted 62 blog posts.... which is better than 2010 when I posted just 32.... so perhaps this year has been better than I give it credit for! </div>
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Apart from the business taking off, probably one of the best things to happen in 2012 is the <a href="http://the-creative-spirit.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/its-been-month-and-theres-lots-to-share.html">birth of our second Grand-child, Mylo, back in February. </a> </div>
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Of course, remembering the BIG THINGS is always far easier, than the small ones and this year I'm planning on a new strategy and I'm encouraging you all to do this too.</div>
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The ideas is simple. A jar which you fill with Memories. You can call your jar: </div>
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<b>The Memory Jar - For the little things that happen</b></div>
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<b>Blessing Jar - Counting your blessings</b></div>
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<b>Gratitude Jar - Things to be grateful for</b></div>
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<b>Wishing Jar - Your wishes and your dreams</b></div>
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However it works best for you.</div>
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I'm writing mine on Rainbow coloured paper,</div>
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so I can look at it on those down days and remember that through the dark and the rain... bright rainbows appear. </div>
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Start in January and on New Years Eve 2013,</div>
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it will be a great reminder that the year just past,</div>
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has not all been bad and will bring back memories of those all important little things :-)</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5MEr7QH-QPA/UOHDVy9nR8I/AAAAAAAAIis/qlmjZWOUAm8/s1600/Memory+Jar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5MEr7QH-QPA/UOHDVy9nR8I/AAAAAAAAIis/qlmjZWOUAm8/s400/Memory+Jar.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Regular readers of my blog, know that I don't make New Years Resolutions... I'm not perfect enough and would break them too easily.... which would be a FAIL in my eyes! Instead I write a *WISH*LIST*. I do this on New Years Eve and it's a ritual I have done for many years. I don't really think of this list all year through, but always amazed at how much of it came true without me even trying! </div>
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Oh and of course.... at the start of a new year a word comes to me.<a href="http://the-creative-spirit.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/onwards-and-upwards.html"> This year the word was Opportunity.</a> I'm quite shocked looking back at how much opportunity has presented itself this year! </div>
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As yet.... my word for 2013 has not come to me.</div>
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But I know it will.... and I will share it with you when it does. </div>
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So..... as I post my last post for 2012,</div>
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I wish you all the very best for the coming year,</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EG2_jIfV5qI/UOGCvX6ctVI/AAAAAAAAIfo/qg71p90Ynf4/s1600/Happy+New+Year.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EG2_jIfV5qI/UOGCvX6ctVI/AAAAAAAAIfo/qg71p90Ynf4/s400/Happy+New+Year.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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With love and the brightest of blessings,</div>
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Pixie Sue xoxox</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34401064.post-32663696884345779432012-12-21T00:43:00.000+00:002012-12-21T00:43:47.207+00:00Yule Blessings....To all my readers!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happy Yuletide Blessings...</div>
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My card to you.....<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xHM3zFQdiec/UNNGvACMOSI/AAAAAAAAIdk/tQt52V_T3sE/s1600/Coloured+Yule+Card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></span><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xHM3zFQdiec/UNNGvACMOSI/AAAAAAAAIdk/tQt52V_T3sE/s400/Coloured+Yule+Card.jpg" width="340" /></span></a></div>
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You may have noticed, my postings have been thin on the ground.... in fact VERY thin on the ground over the last couple of months!</div>
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It's been one helluva crazy year. My little Grandson born in February, joining my little Grand-daughter Daisy.... both of which Grandma RaRa and Grand-dad Steve adore and love spending spare time with them. They are both growing up so quickly! I can't believe that Daisy Doodles is 3 in March.... and to be fair...... she's as mad a box of frogs .... my son says she's just like me! (Where does he get that idea from?). </div>
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The decision to go head long into wedding Invitations and Stationery has kept me very busy, especially with the resulting change around of the studio and Gallery so that things look more focused. Then of course there has been Wedding Fairs. </div>
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Steves Kiln Fired Jewellery has also taken off big style and we are now doing a Sunday People's Market, which is a great community of makers and shakers.... and it's good to connect with such high spirited folk and be welcomed as part of a 'locally based' business, even though we live almost 20 miles away :-)</div>
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Then I decided I needed some time out.... away from thinking about work, creativity and new ideas and for once in my life I just had to get off my backside and exercise! </div>
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So.... off to ZUMBA class we went! Dancing, loud music, exersise, oh and some mad moves! What more could you ask for? I never knew I could loose so much body water and stay alive! </div>
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I've had a lot of friends or their off-spring with pretty serious health problems this year and I've spent a lot of energy trying to keep them afloat and be supportive too.</div>
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To be honest... it's been a pretty exhausting year. Yule is a time for celebrating the dark.... the light is coming back slowly. I'm never at my best at this time of the year and the lack of sunshine this year certainly hasn't been helpful for many people. Hopefully the holiday break will do everyone some good.... as we look over and reflect on the year past.</div>
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I hope you have lots of fun and happy smiles during your break. Come back refreshed and with renewed optimism for 2013. </div>
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If you want to catch up on my Calligraphy and Lettering work... I have (almost) kept on top of my other blogs:</div>
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<a href="http://inspiredbyscript.blogspot.com/">http://inspiredbyscript.blogspot.com</a></div>
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and <a href="http://northyorkshireweddings.blogspot.com/">http://northyorkshireweddings.blogspot.com</a></div>
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Many of the people who used to read this blog are now friends on FB, so I suppose I am more likely to post on there than write copious amounts of rabble on here. If you want to join them, send me an email to <a href="mailto:inspiredbyscript@yahoo.co.uk">inspiredbyscript@yahoo.co.uk</a> and I'll send you the link :-)</div>
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See you in the New Year! </div>
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xoxox</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34401064.post-66239175727111277182012-09-07T07:16:00.000+00:002012-09-07T07:16:00.122+00:00Personalised Birthday Card for a Pink Princess<span style="text-align: center;">Personalised Birthday Card for a little gir!</span><br />
Here's a card I made for my little Niece Amber's 6th Birthday.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-hUrTwXIP0/UEb9NdEFxzI/AAAAAAAAH_I/1iYYH7112E4/s1600/Birthday+card+1+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-hUrTwXIP0/UEb9NdEFxzI/AAAAAAAAH_I/1iYYH7112E4/s320/Birthday+card+1+copy.jpg" width="287" /></a></div>
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She's a very pink Princess kind of girl.</div>
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I always find it pretty hard to design and make cards for kids...</div>
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Oh and men too! </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YZvSPtbdhuk/UD_DlkXZmoI/AAAAAAAAH5s/L9uoKDHgr3Y/s1600/Birthday+card+2+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YZvSPtbdhuk/UD_DlkXZmoI/AAAAAAAAH5s/L9uoKDHgr3Y/s400/Birthday+card+2+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A simple concertina style card, folded out to reveal her name AMBER in cut out letters. Then decorated with sparkly, diamonds and hot pink and purple butterflies.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cGhnwP8BErM/UD_Dn4YTqnI/AAAAAAAAH50/UG8SPAh9BiI/s1600/Birthday+concertina+card+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cGhnwP8BErM/UD_Dn4YTqnI/AAAAAAAAH50/UG8SPAh9BiI/s400/Birthday+concertina+card+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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She rang me tonight to thank me for her card and tell me....</div>
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"It's the nicest card I've ever received"</div>
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What a compliment :-)</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34401064.post-60416675673505616612012-09-04T21:31:00.000+00:002012-09-04T21:31:07.958+00:00Unusual Guest Book - Envelope Guest Book made to order!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Unusual Guest Book - Envelope Guest Book made to order!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dkZun0svf6I/UEZrzReEr-I/AAAAAAAAH9Y/nls1MDEzBpI/s1600/Envelope+book+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dkZun0svf6I/UEZrzReEr-I/AAAAAAAAH9Y/nls1MDEzBpI/s320/Envelope+book+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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As I've said before.... some of my best ideas are not mine... in fact they come from my customers, who request something a little different. Keely rang me and asked if I could make an envelope pocket guest book.... which she could not find for sale ANYWHERE in the UK. I must admit, I searched around and I couldn't find one either! The only reference to these books was on a Martha Stewart Wedding website.</div>
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The concept was easy enough, I just made a Japanese Bound book the same way I make Guest Books, wedding Albums and Honeymoon Albums.......</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iFP_AQGnhIY/UEZrrcuPmqI/AAAAAAAAH9Q/P7qBJQRzJJA/s1600/Envelope+book+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iFP_AQGnhIY/UEZrrcuPmqI/AAAAAAAAH9Q/P7qBJQRzJJA/s320/Envelope+book+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
You do however have to make the spine, twice as thick as the inside pages, so that when the envelopes and cards are glued inside, the front of the book doesn't splay open.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pKKpsGrAYdA/UEZr8HnTUOI/AAAAAAAAH9g/buzp3YtqJRM/s1600/Envelope+book+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pKKpsGrAYdA/UEZr8HnTUOI/AAAAAAAAH9g/buzp3YtqJRM/s320/Envelope+book+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The request was for the book to be made in Ivory, Lemon and Gold.... oh and with Butterflies on....<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NJQhx3wiXEs/UEZsDSx14sI/AAAAAAAAH9o/xCSh5SLRO3s/s1600/Envelope+book+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NJQhx3wiXEs/UEZsDSx14sI/AAAAAAAAH9o/xCSh5SLRO3s/s320/Envelope+book+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
With the right colours the hot foil can look stunning!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OZZvh5CHeYE/UEZsMGGFYCI/AAAAAAAAH90/ct5RzCVbXmc/s1600/Envelope+book+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OZZvh5CHeYE/UEZsMGGFYCI/AAAAAAAAH90/ct5RzCVbXmc/s320/Envelope+book+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Although the envelopes are quite small (as envelopes go) adding 6 to a page makes the book rather large.<br />
The overall size of the book is around 30cm x 49cm.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fHcUwnhAyAc/UEZsT0JY4YI/AAAAAAAAH98/YhJ08txhIn0/s1600/Envelope+book+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fHcUwnhAyAc/UEZsT0JY4YI/AAAAAAAAH98/YhJ08txhIn0/s320/Envelope+book+6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This book contained 60 envelopes....<br />
enough for 120 guests and I made little cards<br />
to fit inside each one.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LcabJOSBI3U/UEZscCX9djI/AAAAAAAAH-E/TkrgQXdDLe4/s1600/Envelope+book+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LcabJOSBI3U/UEZscCX9djI/AAAAAAAAH-E/TkrgQXdDLe4/s320/Envelope+book+7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And I've made a sign to help the guests along...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K44lAbfTowI/UEZwcA7_60I/AAAAAAAAH-k/YkcRlgnMzH8/s1600/2012+WORK+494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K44lAbfTowI/UEZwcA7_60I/AAAAAAAAH-k/YkcRlgnMzH8/s400/2012+WORK+494.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
As I'm more your bright and gaudy colour lover, I really wasn't sure how this would look when it was finished.... but to be honest... I think it made a refreshing change! It's clean and fresh and quite an alternative idea to the 'normal', run of the mill guest books I get asked to do.<br />
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I'm looking forward to making more :-)</div>
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Watch my website for updates:</div>
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<a href="http://northyorkshireweddings.co.uk/">http://northyorkshireweddings.co.uk</a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34401064.post-79814195531980149712012-08-19T15:17:00.001+00:002012-08-19T15:17:24.565+00:00Congratulation on your special day Cards<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30445846@N06/7815578336/" title="Congratulation on your special day Cards"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8298/7815578336_db10522507.jpg" alt="Congratulation on your special day Cards by InspiredByScript.com" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30445846@N06/7815578336/">Congratulation on your special day Cards</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30445846@N06/">InspiredByScript.com</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>2 new card designs: Congratulations on your special day. Cards can be personalised and suitable for lots of different occasions.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34401064.post-1469087185067690622012-08-08T11:41:00.002+00:002012-08-08T11:41:23.377+00:00As a Pagan....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">To dispel any myths..........</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YD3onMgRafg/UCJPxK2WnbI/AAAAAAAAHzw/aGX1zerRPhQ/s1600/As+a+Pagan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YD3onMgRafg/UCJPxK2WnbI/AAAAAAAAHzw/aGX1zerRPhQ/s400/As+a+Pagan.jpg" width="343" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Simple as that! :-)</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34401064.post-57425473361266805872012-08-05T11:09:00.002+00:002012-08-05T11:09:59.150+00:00Last week in the studio....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hot Pink, Wedding Stationery </div>
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and Accessories for </div>
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Karen and Richard</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0G7X9k0_kUM/UB5M-zQYuUI/AAAAAAAAHyM/3H4WVzG4NUo/s1600/Karen+and+Richard+full+assortment+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0G7X9k0_kUM/UB5M-zQYuUI/AAAAAAAAHyM/3H4WVzG4NUo/s320/Karen+and+Richard+full+assortment+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Very often there are 2 parts to every wedding order.</div>
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The first part is the Daytime and Evening Invitations,</div>
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Save the Date Cards and RSVP.</div>
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Once the numbers have been gathered in, it's easier to order the right amount o<b>f 'On the Day Items.</b></div>
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Here we have 80 hot pink </div>
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<b>wedding wishing tree butterfly tags</b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m_EGkFF6UQ4/UB5NFrGsPvI/AAAAAAAAHyU/vj3QtyETa1E/s1600/Hot+Pink+Wishing+Tree+tags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m_EGkFF6UQ4/UB5NFrGsPvI/AAAAAAAAHyU/vj3QtyETa1E/s320/Hot+Pink+Wishing+Tree+tags.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And of course the <b>wishing tree sign</b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l-h1jBABPYE/UB5NNNUt9UI/AAAAAAAAHyc/h27sTTC59Xs/s1600/Wishing+Tree+Sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l-h1jBABPYE/UB5NNNUt9UI/AAAAAAAAHyc/h27sTTC59Xs/s320/Wishing+Tree+Sign.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Hot Pink foiled table numbers</b></div>
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again with butterflies</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oLR2jt5gBI4/UB5NUVi3jZI/AAAAAAAAHyk/ttjmiMp1mvo/s1600/Table+numbers+Hot+Pink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oLR2jt5gBI4/UB5NUVi3jZI/AAAAAAAAHyk/ttjmiMp1mvo/s320/Table+numbers+Hot+Pink.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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8<b> Butterfly Menus.</b>... 1 for each table</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eNxxTby11ss/UB5NZ_LkB9I/AAAAAAAAHys/Wpi7TRekPRI/s1600/Karen+and+Richard+trio+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eNxxTby11ss/UB5NZ_LkB9I/AAAAAAAAHys/Wpi7TRekPRI/s320/Karen+and+Richard+trio+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And a beautiful Hot Pink </div>
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<b>Butterfly themed Wedding Post Box</b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wTvWT0SzIwk/UB5NohZuFxI/AAAAAAAAHy8/PUxhnr6uzTk/s1600/Hot+Pink+Postbox2++copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wTvWT0SzIwk/UB5NohZuFxI/AAAAAAAAHy8/PUxhnr6uzTk/s320/Hot+Pink+Postbox2++copy.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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And a close up of the front</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DPyD4RjnLFU/UB5NwrrsYoI/AAAAAAAAHzM/L6g0xF0gggI/s1600/Postbox+sign+detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DPyD4RjnLFU/UB5NwrrsYoI/AAAAAAAAHzM/L6g0xF0gggI/s320/Postbox+sign+detail.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The punched out butterflies all had a little diamante,</div>
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adding that extra glitz and sparkle.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2aVubrBq4Yk/UB5N0UBzQPI/AAAAAAAAHzU/fog-Nvd1MY4/s1600/Butterfly+detail+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2aVubrBq4Yk/UB5N0UBzQPI/AAAAAAAAHzU/fog-Nvd1MY4/s320/Butterfly+detail+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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There's still the Seating Plan and place cards to make,</div>
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once the final confirmations of names have been received</div>
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and the list checked for any spelling errors.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I loved making up this order</div>
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as there was no restrictions on how I went about it.</div>
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The brief was:</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Hot Pink,</b></div>
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<b>Butterflies,</b></div>
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and NO</div>
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there can't be too many of them,</div>
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and do it however you like!</div>
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<br /></div>
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Great stuff.... that means I can go to town </div>
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and give it my all.... and I think it shows! </div>
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<br /></div>
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You can see more of our wedding stationery at</div>
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http://northyorkshireweddings.co.uk </div>
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<br /></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34401064.post-14707590567503696202012-07-24T07:29:00.001+00:002012-07-24T07:29:55.547+00:00Birthdays and Weddings, Personalised Cards<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We've quite a few Birthdays close to each other in out family.</div>
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After my sister-in-laws birthday </div>
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(<a href="http://inspiredbyscript.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/how-to-make-hand-made-personalised.html">where I blogged about this card</a>)</div>
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we have Steve's mums birthday....</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fbge6rS-rT4/UA1YQQlNeVI/AAAAAAAAHuE/4wzeUKSx0Co/s1600/Mother+Birthday+card+Personalised+2+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fbge6rS-rT4/UA1YQQlNeVI/AAAAAAAAHuE/4wzeUKSx0Co/s320/Mother+Birthday+card+Personalised+2+copy.jpg" width="317" /></a></div>
<br />
The card is simple enough and made using hot pink foil,<br />
some embossed card attached to hot pink card,<br />
a couple of hot pink butterflies (I did try hearts but they didn't look right) and a few sparkling diamantes.<br />
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vb51sklMCa4/UA1YRopXGnI/AAAAAAAAHuI/-HOMcgdXynY/s1600/Mother+Birthday+card+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vb51sklMCa4/UA1YRopXGnI/AAAAAAAAHuI/-HOMcgdXynY/s400/Mother+Birthday+card+copy.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>
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Plain and simple but effective.</div>
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<br /></div>
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To see more of my posts on Greeting Cards</div>
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<a href="http://inspiredbyscript.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Greeting%20Cards">click on this link here.</a></div>
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<br /></div>
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If you make cards yourself.... I hope you find some inspiration.</div>
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If you wuld like me to make a crad for you... get in touch by clicking the CONTACT ME button :-)</div>
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I love the Personalised Blessing/Wishing Tree drawing </div>
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that I designed for Wedding Invitations</div>
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<br /></div>
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For this weeks post, on <a href="http://northyorkshireweddings.blogspot.com/">my Wedding Blog.</a></div>
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I thought I would show you </div>
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how different the design can look depending on the 'Format' of your card.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Firstly.... here it is on a square card.....</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aujNlLAFa3w/UA1Xn4NzrYI/AAAAAAAAHts/5bI_0m8j7K0/s1600/Personalised+Wedding+Invitation+Square+Blessing+Tree+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aujNlLAFa3w/UA1Xn4NzrYI/AAAAAAAAHts/5bI_0m8j7K0/s320/Personalised+Wedding+Invitation+Square+Blessing+Tree+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Alternatively you may like the DL</div>
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(Long and this) format better....</div>
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(Ruth and Lee also wanted butterflies)</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hHDEcJZ2LfA/UA1XpCRP1mI/AAAAAAAAHt0/Akk1c5fXP3k/s1600/DL+Personalised+Wedding+Invitation+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hHDEcJZ2LfA/UA1XpCRP1mI/AAAAAAAAHt0/Akk1c5fXP3k/s320/DL+Personalised+Wedding+Invitation+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Unfortunately the design is large,</div>
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so doesn't lend itself to </div>
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single sided Postcard Invites,</div>
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but it can be printed and personalised on the front</div>
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with all your Wedding details on the back.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9on38Q9z1Vw/UA1osuRQVqI/AAAAAAAAHuw/q3Bx39zaJsE/s1600/Personalised+Wedding+Invitation+Square+Blessing+Tree+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9on38Q9z1Vw/UA1osuRQVqI/AAAAAAAAHuw/q3Bx39zaJsE/s320/Personalised+Wedding+Invitation+Square+Blessing+Tree+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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For this design and many more,</div>
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go to our website:</div>
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<a href="http://northyorkshireweddings.co.uk/">http://northyorkshireweddings.co.uk </a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34401064.post-48485109274455059072012-07-11T07:51:00.002+00:002012-07-11T07:51:39.901+00:00FUN FRIDAY - How to make a hand made birthday card, step-by-step<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>I wrote this for my <a href="http://makersandshakers.blogspot.co.uk/">MAKERS and SHAKERS Blog..</a>..</b></div>
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<b>but wanted to share it with </b></div>
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<b>my readers on The Creative Spirit,</b></div>
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<b>so here it is.......</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>'HOW TO' MAKE A BIRTHDAY CARD</b></div>
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<b>STEP-BY-STEP</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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It's my sister-in-laws birthday today.... </div>
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY FLORA!</div>
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<br /></div>
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If you are a card maker, there's always </div>
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an element of guilt if you actually BUY a card! </div>
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<br /></div>
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I feel that it's a cop out and would only do it</div>
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in extreme circumstances!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Om1k_V_-rqw/T_Xh58ddLtI/AAAAAAAAHgA/1B7wEfLTc0o/s1600/Hand+Made+Birthday+Card+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Om1k_V_-rqw/T_Xh58ddLtI/AAAAAAAAHgA/1B7wEfLTc0o/s640/Hand+Made+Birthday+Card+copy.jpg" width="460" /></a></div>
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This time, I wanted a challenge,</div>
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something a little bit different</div>
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than I had done before. </div>
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<br /></div>
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So for those of you who are interested,</div>
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here's how I made it.</div>
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<br /></div>
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First off, using a fine line permanent pen (o.8)</div>
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I drew some flower doodle, outlines... </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8x4ZxAWBE40/T_XjG0FG6fI/AAAAAAAAHhI/T8tnKumYJpc/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8x4ZxAWBE40/T_XjG0FG6fI/AAAAAAAAHhI/T8tnKumYJpc/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Then using water-based brush pens,</div>
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coloured them in and blended with water.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zaHXMm7wHLE/T_XjRGfLGXI/AAAAAAAAHhQ/VSZknjRatag/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zaHXMm7wHLE/T_XjRGfLGXI/AAAAAAAAHhQ/VSZknjRatag/s400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Then I scanned them and added</div>
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a few more......</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qY8MCOJ7EW4/T_XjaFcsFmI/AAAAAAAAHhY/5-Pfn8g3WIw/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qY8MCOJ7EW4/T_XjaFcsFmI/AAAAAAAAHhY/5-Pfn8g3WIw/s400/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
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Then I cut each one out....</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qiXm9Jfz_pM/T_XjkRtldLI/AAAAAAAAHhk/iNxhaQFFFzA/s1600/4a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qiXm9Jfz_pM/T_XjkRtldLI/AAAAAAAAHhk/iNxhaQFFFzA/s400/4a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Here's my collection.....</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GvclqpTFiAw/T_Xjs09UdRI/AAAAAAAAHhs/ThYnainy4h4/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GvclqpTFiAw/T_Xjs09UdRI/AAAAAAAAHhs/ThYnainy4h4/s400/5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Then I printed out the card front....</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7IRIj59T0Qc/T_Xj1kQqnbI/AAAAAAAAHh0/Wkt7CelMeyE/s1600/5a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7IRIj59T0Qc/T_Xj1kQqnbI/AAAAAAAAHh0/Wkt7CelMeyE/s400/5a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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And foiled it with a lovely HOT PINK!<br />
(If you haven't got a foil machine, print in colour instead)</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NsCiOlVmXLM/T_Xj9xIcTUI/AAAAAAAAHiA/cTjEu2SPZyo/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NsCiOlVmXLM/T_Xj9xIcTUI/AAAAAAAAHiA/cTjEu2SPZyo/s400/6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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I decided it was too white...</div>
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so scraped on some pastel chalk....</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JKvDrfBz_k0/T_XkHEFHyKI/AAAAAAAAHiI/IFbXblhqYlY/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JKvDrfBz_k0/T_XkHEFHyKI/AAAAAAAAHiI/IFbXblhqYlY/s400/7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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And blended it in with some old towelling </div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHZX95yksic/T_XkQI8RIWI/AAAAAAAAHiQ/DUuOAQy4Ctk/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHZX95yksic/T_XkQI8RIWI/AAAAAAAAHiQ/DUuOAQy4Ctk/s400/8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Then used fixative.... </div>
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so Flora didn't get filthy when handling it!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8jf_WeFRXoc/T_XkZlzSU_I/AAAAAAAAHiY/5OGpSB-ag8U/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8jf_WeFRXoc/T_XkZlzSU_I/AAAAAAAAHiY/5OGpSB-ag8U/s400/9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
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The pastel colours suited the card much better!</div>
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<br /></div>
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With some of the flowers I added foam pads to the back</div>
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to give the card some dimension....</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ya6eIdVemZk/T_XiIzN6u2I/AAAAAAAAHgI/ICaQIWCWn3k/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ya6eIdVemZk/T_XiIzN6u2I/AAAAAAAAHgI/ICaQIWCWn3k/s400/10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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You may be able to see it better here...</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sXEyNlkEbvI/T_XiRsEC_UI/AAAAAAAAHgQ/oPU9GUIuRA0/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sXEyNlkEbvI/T_XiRsEC_UI/AAAAAAAAHgQ/oPU9GUIuRA0/s400/11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Oh... then I added some little diamantes,</div>
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for a little bit of sparkle! </div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LUcgSjJ5Cd8/T_Xin0It39I/AAAAAAAAHgk/FI7W6E84Bl0/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LUcgSjJ5Cd8/T_Xin0It39I/AAAAAAAAHgk/FI7W6E84Bl0/s400/13.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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Doesn't that look better?</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vL8BdQJUWOA/T_XicSzgHcI/AAAAAAAAHgc/69BdWvBsf8I/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vL8BdQJUWOA/T_XicSzgHcI/AAAAAAAAHgc/69BdWvBsf8I/s400/12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5q6fJrlodhk/T_XixTpU8rI/AAAAAAAAHgs/r2gnVjkH_JM/s1600/14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5q6fJrlodhk/T_XixTpU8rI/AAAAAAAAHgs/r2gnVjkH_JM/s400/14.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
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Still.... it lacked a certain something....</div>
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Ahhhh.... a little bit of HOT PINK ribbon!</div>
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It's always nice to make cards for friends and family. Very often clients don't get to see your full repertoire<br />
so your chance to go a little wild is stifled.<br />
But if anyone is interested and would like one of these made for someone special... I have a few of these flowers left (I printed double.... just in case it went wrong!) I'd be happy to make them one. Email me at: <a href="mailto:inspiredbyscript@yahoo.co.uk">inspiredbyscript@yahoo.co.uk </a><br />
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