5th May 2017 Mailer

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1ST MAY OFFER LILY OF THE VALLEY TO

THOSE YOU LOVE by Wanda Lipski

Today is the 1st May, a day when we here in France perpetuate a tradition that dates back to 1560 when Charles IX, having been offered Lily of the Valley by a knight decided to offer the fragrant flower to the ladies of his court. Much more romantic than marching in the streets behind union banners, no? It is also a day when anyone has the right to sell the flowers (technically these should be wild flowers collected from the woods) on the streets without declaring anything to the revenue department ! It is a gorgeous custom. Since the 1st May is also the day for workers, I have photographed the flowers I received on my breakfast tray (in bed - how lucky am I) from my husband in front of my computer (where I do most of my work) and next to a gorgeous citation that I keep on my work space that in English would read ... Nothing more beautiful than work; just take care to leave a little for tomorrow. Happy 1st of May to you all and ENJOY a couple of my latest creations.

cup783592_2237 by Wanda Lipski

cup781094_2237 by Wanda Lipski

International Fire Fighters Day

by Vicki Avcin

International Firefighters Day is on May 4th every year. It recognises firefighters from all over the world and in the many forms of firefighting, ie urban, rural, natural environment, volunteer, career, industrial, defence force, aviation, motor sport, no matter what country they may be in what uniform they wear or what language they speak. It is a time when the worlds community can recognise and honour the sacrifices that firefighters make to their community and make it as safe as possible. It is a day when current and past can be thanked for the work they do. Firefighters dedicate their time and their lives to protect life and property with countless hours over many years in a selfless manner. They also risk the ultimate sacrifice of their lives. Blue and red ribbons worn or displayed show peoples gratitude to firefighters world wide. The colours are symbolic of the main elements firefighters work with. Red for fire and Blue for water. The colours are also recognised internationally as representing an emergency service. How did IFFD come about? May 4th was traditionally Firefighters Day in European countries because it is the day of Saint Florian. St Florian is the patron saint of firefighters. In 1999 an email was sent out across the world on January 4th, due to the deaths of 5 firefighters in tragic circumstances in a bushfire in Australia. On December 2, 1998, a tragic event shook the Linton Community, Australia and the world. Firefighters in Linton, Australia- a populated region in Victoria- were fighting a large bush fire and called for mutual aid. This urgent mutual aid call brought the Geelong West Fire Brigade to the scene not knowing the despair and tragedy that was in store. Garry Vredeveldt, Chris Evans, Stuart Davidson, Jason Thomas, and Matthew Armstrong all loaded into companys truck. They were part of a strike team and were being sent to help extinguish the flames. As the five headed into the hot zone, the wind suddenly switched direction, engulfing the truck in flames and killing all five members. That event inspired JJ Edmondson to bring about an international day called International Fire Fighters Day to support the lives lost and to the dedicated fire fighters who risk their lives every day. By the time you will be reading this, it will be over this year, but next year on 4th May, if you support firefighters, wear a blue and red ribbon, or display blue and red maybe in the clothing you wear, ribbons on your car or even front door or fence. It will mean a lot to the men and women who put their lives on the line to protect your life and property. If you would like to learn more about IFFD you can go to firefightersday.org.

My promotional items are a set of 12 Ladies Toppers (even one for the Red Hat ladies!) and a set of 12 Floral Envelopes

cup779086_543 by Vicki Avcin

cup778393_543 by Vicki Avcin

Netherlands Lace shopping by Judith Henry

While in the Netherlands we did a lot of window shopping. I took snap shots of window displays. The lacework was fabulous with lovely colored flowers. From these I knew I would be inspired to make a series of cards. I have started with three cards featuring flower lacework. I also visited the Keukenhof to see the tulips and other spring bulb flowers in bloom. My latest card features the Crown Imperial flower.

cup782763_2228 by Judith Henry

cup783361_2228 by Judith Henry

New Badges! by Tina Fitch

Had to be done! The show season is now upon us and I needed some new look for the MK3 RS, She has just been returned from the paint shop after having all the plastics on the car painted gloss back.. She is now fully Black and white.. Also had the shark fin put in place of the radio aerial... Which makes her a little more slicker.I decided to replace the OEM badges with Gel badges which I had white for the front as its up against a black background and black for the back being on a white background.. New badges also on the Spoiler.. Keep tuned for the under the bonnet photosShe is now nearly ready.. Just under the bonnet plastics to be painted and then we are ready to roll! as they say. Having two Show cars is very hard work but you know what? I wouldnt have it any other way!All files in all formats here https://www.craftsuprint.com/tina-fitch/

All files in all formats here https://www.craftsuprint.com/tina-fitch/

cup766434_596 by Tina Fitch

cup782710_596 by Tina Fitch

Moved by Janet Roberts

12 years ago we moved to Worcestershire from Lancashire due to my husbands work. Our children were grown up and stayed in Lancashire. We missed them so much and even though Worcestershire is a lovely part of the country I soon became homesick. Last year my hubby got chance to take early retirement .... a dream come true! We moved back to Lancashire at the end of march to a rented property while we find another house to buy. Still got another move to go through soon but at last I am back with family and friends. Here is a photo of me and our two youngest grandchildren enjoying the sunshine in Burrs Country Park a couple of weeks ago

cup782084_2053 by Janet Roberts

cup782280_2053 by Janet Roberts

A Walk in Bluebell Woods by Carol Clarke

We had some gorgeous weather at the weekend and so my husband Terry and I deceided to take advantage of it and went out for a walk. We are really lucky to be able to walk from our front door and headed over the fields to one of a number of local woods that are just full of beautiful bluebells at this time of year. We werent dissappointed either as the woods were just carpeted with swathes of gorgeous English bluebells! Below are 2 of my NEWEST designs. Watch out for more Coming soon!!

cup781438_359 by Carol Clarke

cup781439_359 by Carol Clarke

Where Once the Miners Feet did Tread

by Janyce Cotterill

Here are the final few photos of the local nature reserve, where once miners worked underground extracting coal under dangerous conditions and back breaking work. The noise from the colliery fell silent in 1964 and years later the land was reclaimed and turned into a beautiful nature reserve which is a now a popular local amenity. Instead of pit shafts there are now wildflowers meadows, paths for walking, a lake, a waterfall, sculptures and much more. However the miners are not forgotten, there are reminders of the past throughout the park. In the photo below you can see sculpted in metal the boots, lamp, hard hat and equipment used by the miners, above them is now the beauty you see in the park. From hard work, toil and danger emerges a place natural beauty. I am leaving you today with two of my latest designs, Made With Love - The original is in blue, the pink sheet was a request from a crafter. I hope you like them and thank you for your interest.

cup781184_1035 by Janyce Cotterill

cup783393_1035 by Janyce Cotterill

Ducks on the fountain by Kelly Barker

In the middle of my little town we have a small pond and fountain right by the shops. Its a lovely area to just have a sit down and look at the fish and it has beautiful flowers which are tended by some of the more senior members of the town, called the Bloomers. The area is enjoyed by all and is on the main walk through from the school to the shops, so plenty of kids and parents stop there everyday. We are lucky enough to have two Ducks visit the pond frequently, they are always together and the male duck come right up to you looking for food. I love this photo I took of them, I think they look like an old married couple! Please check out my special offers and have a browse through my items, all of my designs are my own original artwork. Thank you for looking.

cup596161_1028 by Kelly Barker

cup542599_1028 by Kelly Barker

Caravan Tales! by Sue Way

We went away in our little touring caravan again last weekend. Even though the weather wasn't great, we still had a lovely time. We visited Oulton Broad for the first time & dreamed of living in one of the big houses along the broad. Unfortunately, my husband hurt his knee as he was getting out of the car & it swelled right up, so he was in pain for the rest of the day. This meant that Sunday was a very quiet day, so he could rest it, but it gave me time to get on with some crafting. We managed a slow walk along the cliff top before we came home & I took this lovely picture of the beach. I think it looks like a painting. This week I have added a few more little ladies & will be uploading lots more very soon. http://www.craftsuprint.com/sue-way/?r=968387

cup784247_38 by Sue Way

cup784055_38 by Sue Way

Beautiful Time Of The Year

by Julie Hutchings

I am so blessed behind my house is this wonderful walkway its the old railway and it is full of nature and a place you will often find me walking with my dog. This time of year is beautiful the forest is full of bluebells the smell of them is awesome too and always reminds me of one of Pam Wests wonderful Paintings. I took a picture to share with you all I hope you all enjoy this as much as me.

cup784265_1483 by Julie Hutchings

cup750524_1483 by Julie Hutchings