News & Updates from Jennifer Swandells

I don't really have that much room in my house for all the craft stuff that I have accumulated. (since last November when I took up crafting). I had looked at all the cupboards that were available, but could not afford to pay for what they were asking for. So my wonderful Dad took it upon himself to make one for me.

My great brother also did his bit,by buying me all of the boxes to go inside. (This was all done in secret - they really are a crafty bunch) The cupboard is exactly the same as what you would buy outside.

I don't think I could ask for a better family, of course Mum kept them going in tea and coffee all day. As you will be able to see, it has all started creeping out of the cupboard.

It hides a multitude of sins though and it saved me a lot of money too. Jennifer

Hi I took up card making in November 2011 and have never enjoyed anything as much as I do.

I have taken to it like a duck to water. The reason that I took it up was that I have Primary Progressive MS and can no longer work, so I had to find something to fill my time. There are many challenges that come forward as I do not have feeling in my left hand and unfortunately my right hand is going the same way.

I have persevered and have overcome many of my problems with card making and try to never give up. I find this hobby to be a very relaxing thing to do and I have even sold some of my cards which has made me very pleased as it shows that people genuinely like my cards and designs that I do. My most treasured "card" that I made was one for my mum on Mother's Day, (I have taken a picture of it).

The card was a 3D one, which obviously does not go flat for posting, but it can be put in a box. The underside of the carousel has a "hidden space" for things to be put into, not only making it a card but a present too. My hidden gift was handmade chocolates, which my mum thoroughly enjoyed. I am trying to attempt more difficult cards, some work and some don't, but I never give up.

I thoroughly enjoy quilling and decoupage and many of the pop up cards that I have done through the CUP site.

I absolutely love this site for ideas and cards that you can produce. I have even started to post some of my cards online, although they are not perfect, they are making me try to get them better as they could be seen by so many different people. I do hope that you like my carousel as much as my mum did, but I am very proud of it and enjoy seeing it when I am at my mum's house as I know that I made it. Thank you for providing such a great site with many different things to look at and take part in. Jen