Monday 8 February 2016

Blossoming Friendships

Good Tuesday Morning All

Well this is it, my final card for Creative Expressions. 18 months, where has that time gone.

I know we all talk about the horrendous weather we have been having and felt that down south we had got away with it lightly, but today is absolutely awful. The wind is so strong that I am sat in the bedroom typing this as the patio doors in my workroom are creaking so much and Bubble & Squeak won't even go in there. I've had to go out in the garden to retrieve one of our bins and pick up cardboard strewn all over the lawn, and that wind does nothing for you hair do! it was standing on end. As I bent over to pick the rubbish up the wind blew my shirt up. If my neighbour or anyone walking in the lane saw that they would have run to the nearest sick bag.

Claire's baby shower was absolutely fantastic. She had no idea until she saw a couple of her teacher colleagues cars in the drive, even then she said to Toby, what are they doing at mum & dad's. Claire never stopped laughing from the time she arrived until the time she left. Anthea had arranged games and everyone joined in, it was like everyone had known each other for years. The funniest game was the nappy game, you melted different chocolate bars and then smeared it onto the nappy, the instructions then said the game players can sniff, pick, lick or taste. I've never heard such comments & laughter. Claire & Toby came back on Sunday for brunch and it was another good get together, it was so sad Craig couldn't make it as his car has coolant problems and didn't want to chance a break down on the major road works coming out of or going into Bournemouth.

Anthea, Jake & her mum arrived lunch time on Friday and went home about 5 o'clock on Sunday. Although we all had a good time Anthea & I were cream crackered. I'm still in clearing up mode and I am still finding baby confetti in all the rooms, so tidying up will be on going for a while.

My niece Georgina came over for the baby shower and brought back my invite that I had made for her all tied up with a raffia bow. So on Thursday I will put pictures of the invites, and the crackers & goodie bags for the baby shower on my blog.

Hope to see you all again same, time same place next Tuesday. I have all week now to look through all my other crafting products to make my next card, post CE . Oh! but most of all I want to say a big thank you to you all for your support and fantastic comments about my cards, and for joining in with my life on my little blog, long may it continue. THANK YOU!!

Thank you Creative Expressions for a wonderful 18 months, and a chance to be given 1st class products to use for my projects.

I dedicate this card and the sentiment to all of you fantastic ladies/gents who view, and in particular leave me a wonderful comment each week.
 


Here Goes!













Hope you liked it.


Products Used:-

Creative Expressions:- Foundation card- Coconut White & Primrose
Creative Expressions- Iced Snow
Creative Expressions- Seam Binding- Egg Shell
Creative Expressions- Fantastic Mini Smoothies
Tim Holtz- Distress Inks- Mustard seed & dried Marigold
Sue Wilson- finishing Touches- Orange Blossom- Complete Petals
Sue Wilson- finishing Touches- Dandelion clocks
Sue Wilson- Canadian Collection- Montreal
Sue Wilson- Finishing Touches- Laurel Leaves
Sue Wilson- Frames & Tags- Tessa


43 comments:

  1. Hi Tina, Our friendship certainly does blossom and so does your beautiful card, fantastic card and flowers this week, you never cease to amaze. Creative Expressions are certainly going to miss you for sure.
    Glad you all had a great Baby Shower, I saw some of the pics on fb, your decorations looked lovely, just loved the dummies on sticks - lol.
    Same time next week then, looking forward to it already, can't believe I'm the first comment this week - lol.
    Have a great rest of the week.
    Hugs Angela x

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    1. Hi Angela

      My goodness, well done Angela for being the first one off the firing block and leaving me a such a fantastic comment, and will look forward to seeing you again next week too. Anthea did herself proud with all the games, and I for one will book her for any party I hold on in the future.

      You have a great week too Angela

      Big Hugs

      Tina XX

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  2. Gosh Tina it doesn't seem that long ago that you started with CE. You have made so many out standing cards during that time including this one. Yet it will be lovely to see your own cards once again. So glad the baby shower was a great success. Not long now for Claire, I bet she will be glad to get those couple of weeks off work before the baby arrives. I hope your damage isn't to bad, we for once have had a lovely day here. Clear sky tonight so it's frost for us. Take care if you go out. Hazel X

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    1. Hi Hazel

      Another night owl. The time with CE has passed so fast, hey ho! another challenge I've ticked off as an achievement, and for a the best team, who could be more happy to have worked with our lovely Sue Wilson.

      I can't believe it's only 3 weeks until we meet our little bundle of joy. I can't wait to see her little face and for Claire & Toby to give her her name. They have quite a few, but said they would know when they see her. What a very special moment they have to look forward to.

      I hope you are all well so far up country, and hope that clear skies won't mean such a heavy frost, it looks beautiful but not when you have to go out in it.

      Take Care Hazel

      Big Hugs

      Tina XX

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  3. Hi Tina,
    Oh your card this week is like a beautiful Spring day.....the colours and the flowers are just stunning and such a wonderful sentiment and I do hope our friendship carries on blossoming.....then all is topped off with a one of your gorgeous butterflies.....perfect!!
    I am so pleased the baby show turned and so well and Claire, yourself, Anthea and everyone else had such a fun time.....I can't believe it's only 3 weeks to go now before Claire and Toby will be holding their beautiful baby daughter in their arms followed by you having a lovely cuddle with you're new granddaughter....you all must be getting so excited now.
    Hope the weather has calmed down a bit it's been the same up here in Nth Wales but thankfully it sounds like the wind has eased a bit now. Looking forward to seeing the photos of invites you made for Claire's baby shower.
    Take care Tina see you next week.

    Love and hugs Sheila xxx

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    1. Hi Sheila

      So pleased you liked my last CE card Sheila, our friendship will definitely blossom, absolutely no worries on that score. It's an absolute pleasure to see you here every week and I look forward to it.

      I took 4 photo's of Claire and her bump on Saturday, but each one was blurred as so many people were making her laugh. She has such a cute bump, quite big but compact. I know I keep on about it, but I really am very excited and can't wait to give my granddaughter a huge hug & Claire for giving us our long awaited bundle.

      Thank you yes the wind has calmed down a lot, what a day that was. I hope you got away withouy any damage too.

      see you here on Thursday for the Wedding invites and baby shower items.

      Take Care Sheila

      Big Hugs

      Tina XX

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  4. Hi Tina. I am so pleased you all had a lovely time at Clares baby shower and had great fun. Not long now to the big day for Clare and Toby. Hope everything goes ok for them both. For this been your final card for CE you have done them and yourself proud as this is another of your gorgeous cards. This is a little beauty, the colours you have used are lovely. It reminds me of a spring morning when you are looking out the window and all the flowers are through and you are just waiting for summer to arrive. I am so happy you are keeping your blog going and now that you are finished with CE you can use everything in your craftroom on your beautiful creations. Cant wait to see what you have in store for us next week lol. Take care Tina until next week.
    Best Wishes.
    Denise T x

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    1. Hi Denise

      Claire & Toby are so looking forward to their little arrival, Ive never seen Claire so happy, she quite infectious.

      Such a lovely comment to make about my final card with CE. I googled our local garden centre for a picture of orange blossom and this was my interpretation. They are so easy to do I think I will definitely do them again.

      I've got some beautiful embossing folders and I am looking forward to using them. I look forward to seeing you next week too.

      Big Hugs

      Tina XX

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  5. Oh my goodness what a gorgeous card. Just right to cheer me up after a horrendous day yesterday. I arrived home to find my roof had been leaking. Water coming through the ceiling awful. Still that's life I suppose. Then I saw your beautiful card and it cheered me up no end absolutely gorgeous. I'm so glad I found your blog. I'm ordering the glam shoe die and stamp because I fell in love with that beautiful card as well. The weather in Bristol seems to have calmed down now. Hope it has where you are. Stay safe lovely lady. Best wishes Loraine Jefferis xx

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    1. Hi Loraine

      What A day you had yesterday, I hope you didn't have too much damage to your home.

      OMG that is a wonderful thing to say about my card after the trauma you came home to, I'm so pleased it cheered you up.

      On the other hand I'm sorry I'm costing you lots of money buying the shoe die and stamp, you won't regret this purchase, it's beautiful. I'm glad you found my blog too, it's lovely to see you again.

      Big Hugs

      Tina XX

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  6. I have only just found your blog but have admired your cards on Pinterest for some time now. I love this card - your last for Creative Expressions - how could they let you go!! Your swansong card is truly stunning and your bloggers comments sound just like family members too. Good luck to you with everything in the future and please keep posting cards on your blog.
    Jenny M.
    x

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    1. Hi Jenny

      It's so lovely to see you here on my blog Jenny, you are so welcome here.

      I guess it was my time to leave CE, it's sad but it was their decision to make. I enjoyed my time with the DT team, and thanks to a lovely lady on my blog ( Lancashire Steph ) I had a fantastic 18 months with them.

      Thank you so much for your lovely comment, and yes the ladies that leave me fantastic comments are wonderful. They have supported me through some really tough times and that makes them really special to me.

      Thank you Jenny, I will embrace every good thing in the future, and hope that you come back to share too.

      Big Hugs

      Tina XX

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  7. Morning Tina, oh my word you have had a busy time of it, sounds like an hilarious baby shower, so pleased that your Claire did not guess until the day, what beautiful memories you all have and when baby arrives and grows up he or she will know all about it.

    Yes the weather here in Kent has been awful but I feel so sorry for all the people who are without power still, but are at least safe, property can be repaired and replaced but our lives cannot.

    Over this past 18 months of CE designing you have given us all the most fantastic creations ever, and although you will not be designing for them here I am sure that you will still be using some of their products, it goes without saying that I will of course still be supporting you on your blog, you give so much inspiration.

    Now to this weeks card, well what can I say, a masterpiece, so springlike, the colours are so rich and vibrant, it is so wonderful. I am a great advocate of CE dies so will enjoy trying to make something like this.

    Talk again news time.

    Stay safe, healthy and happy, hugs, June Smith xxx

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    1. Hello June, How are you?

      I agree with you, we have got off so lightly with this B awful weather, If it's not flooding it's strong winds and lack of electric for cooking and heating, it's been diabolical for the people affected by this.

      Claire enjoyed herself sooo much it was lovely to watch, and she cried too, at the beautiful presents they her for the baby, and a few mummy pampering items too.

      June, I have spent a fortune on CE products, there's absolutely no way I won't be using CE products for a long time to come. I'm a big supporter of Sue's dies and of course the foundation card, and it's so lovely to know that you will still visit me here and I send you such a big Thank You June, and also for your lovely comment this week too.

      Big Hugs

      Tina XX

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    2. Your more then welcome Tina, all comments are completely honest and heartfelt.

      Catch you later xxxxx

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  8. Hi Tina
    Thank you for the card , i will treasure it and look at it often on my Pinterest board , "Oh those flowers and your embossing is just out of this world "and such a beautiful design , i love it !
    Well Tina i know i am getting on a bit { 70 next Month } and i know i am a bit thick sometimes but ,,,,,, don't tell anyone what i am about to confess to you but,,,,,,,, wait for it ,,,,, " i thought a baby shower was ,,,,,,, just that ,,,,A BABY SHOWER ,,, am i out of date or what ?
    I never new about this, but what a grand time and such fun you all had .
    Oh well just goes to show what a lot of educational things you can learn on crafting blogs eh ?
    Just read from above you are on Facebook ,so i will away to ask you to be my friend.
    Take care
    Elaine H X

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    1. Hi Elaine

      Wow, what a lovely comment about my card this week, and thank you for putting it on your Pinterest board too.

      About the baby shower, your secret is safe with me. I won't tell anyone! I think it is just another excuse to have a party and a pretty good one too.

      I don't use my facebook, but I had to have one when I joined CE.

      Big Hugs

      Tina XX

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  9. Hi Tina,
    So good to hear that everyone enjoyed the baby shower, especially Claire. Not long now..........

    I must admit, I love storm, got those benji ropes to tie the lids to the dustbins so I don't have the problem of things strewn around the garden any longer. Now everyone else's comes in !!:-(

    Your card is lovely, so fresh, and you've made the flowers beautiful again.

    Keep on posting, we'll be looking and commenting (no, it's not a threat just a promise)

    Hugs, Rose

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    1. Hi Rose

      Claire's time has gone so fast, it's scarey, in no time at all I'll be saying she is walking.

      Good idea about the ropes, will definitely invest in some of those if this weather is to carry on.

      Thank you Rose, I'll look forward to you coming back every week. I will answer your email tomorrow, it's just been manic and I really needed a couple of days to get over it.

      Talk soon, Promise

      Big Hugs

      Tina XX

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  10. Oh Tina, I feel quite sad that this is the last CE card, why can't they hold onto you like some of the 'long standing' team it seems absolutely ridiculous to let talent like yours go when you show off their products so beautifully ! Well I will have my say on their blog too !
    What a truly amazing card, it's really stunning love.
    I'm just relieved that you will continue your blog and hopefully visit other big company blogs to look out for their DT calls, as you are certainly an asset to any company. In fact send emails of your work to the big craft magazines, show your work gal, you have proved you can do it, and you can do it again in my opinion xx

    I left a message for Claire when I saw her baby shower photos on FB so she may ask who that yampy was that left a comment lol.
    I can't wait to see what fantastic creation you have for us next week love, one thing is certain, it will have the WOW factor.
    Lots of hugs xxx

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    1. Hello My Boss Lady

      Are you as sad as me at being made redundant. You'll never be made redundant from my blog as I'll still need your advice on my work and now grand children. I did send you a message the other day but my message froze so I don't know if you got it. I will contact you in the next couple of days. Hard Luck!!

      You pay me a great compliment as usual, but my time was up with CE

      Talk soon Boss

      Big Hugs

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  12. Hello Tina,
    What a truly stunning card you give us today. It shouts "Easter" to me, the colours and layout are so beautiful, only the sentiment would have to be changed.
    Well, onward and upward for you, I'm looking forward to seeing what your new posts will be!!!
    I'm glad that the Baby Shower was a big success, and I hope Claire is keeping much better pain wise. The confetti will be like Christmas tree needles, you still find them when it's time to put the next tree up!!!!
    My niece, whose baby shower I went to (the first ever) gave birth last Wednesday to a little boy - Joseph - so I'm a great aunt. No big deal, I'm already a great, great aunt!!! Good Lord, Methuselah eat your heart out. I once worked with a girl who was a Grandma when she was 36 - I was in my 60's before my first grandchild came along. We are slow workers in my family ha ha.
    See you next week!!
    love Maureen xxx

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    1. Hi Maureen

      Thank you so much Maureen, Im really pleased you liked my final CE card, and yes it would make a lovely Easter card. I hope I don't disappoint next week, no pressure there then!!

      Found more confetti today after a jolly good hoovering, how does it get into the most unusual places.

      Many congratulations to your Great niece, and I love the name. My bestie was a Grandma in her 40's still young enough to run around, I'm nearing the 60 mark and hope i'm still as agile as I think I am.

      Look forward to seeing you here next week too

      Big Hugs

      Tina XX

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  13. Hello Tina,
    What a glorious card to finish your time with CE. As you say it must have been nice to be given lovely goodies to showcase but you really have done them justice! I have saved two photos from this card , one being a close up of your exquisite flowers! They will go on my Pinterest Board dedicated to you . Lots have been repinned - that says it all!! Such a lovely Spring card or as my eminent friend Maureen says - Easter!
    Elaine H - I was asked about three weeks go what a baby shower was. You are not alone. The person who asked me was in her fifties!
    I'm glad the Baby Shower went well. It sounds a lot of fun. Will look forward to see what you made. How thoughtful of your niece to bring her Invitation to you!
    Well I'd better end this episode of War and Peace!! Have a good week Tina and I look forward to what you show us in future!
    Lots of love, Myra xxx

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    1. Hi Myra
      Hope you do not mind me hopping on your reply, but boy your friend made me feel so much better. LOL x

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    2. Hi Tina Thank you for a Gorgeous card today such beautiful work that you have shown us the last 18 months sorry you are leaving .

      Jeanie .e xxx

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    3. Hi Myra

      Thank you Myra I hope I did them justice. I think I got more out of it, as I now have lovely ladies that leave me such wonderful comments and that makes it all the more worth while. Also thank you for pinning my work again. Do you pin your work, if so how could I get to see it, if you wouldn't mind that is.

      Big Hugs

      Tina XX

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  14. Hi Tina, well what a way to finish with C.E a fabulous card. I am not usually fond of lemon coloured cards but this one is beautiful and ii think I am converted.

    So glad that you all enjoyed the baby shower. A lovely memory day. Hope you took lots of photos.

    Try and put your feet up now for a couple of days as you will need all your energy when baby arrives.
    Stay safe and warm.
    See you Thursday
    Wendyx

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    1. Hi Wendy

      I'm really pleased I might have converted you on the lemon colour card.Thank you for a lovely comment Wendy.

      So many happy memories were made on Saturday, and the sound of Claire laughing will stay with me always along with the look on her face when she saw her friends.

      I have been taking it easy the last few day's but I have to get get back into the swing of things again.

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  15. Hi Tina
    Please continue to make your wonderful cards using the Sue Wilson dies. Your cards are so inspirational.
    Many thanks for 18 mnths of total inspiration.

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    1. Hi Annamieke

      Thank you, I promise I will still use Sue's Dies and thank you for visiting my blog and look forward to your visits in the future too.

      Big Hugs

      Tina XX

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  16. Hi Tina
    A lovely card. I must admit yellow is not a colour I use but this card is beautiful.
    I am so pleased the baby shower went well - you must be tired after such a hectic weekend.
    Have a great week xxx

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    1. Hi Maria

      Thank you. I'm glad you liked the lemon card. I thought it was a nice sunny colour to go out on. I was pretty tired, and did take it easy Monday & Tuesday but it's time to move up a gear again.

      Big Hugs

      Tina XX

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  17. Hello My Dear Friend! What a Beautiful card to end the C.E. time. Your cards are so inspirational and stunning! You are a true mentor and wonderful lady! Your stories bring laughter too and curiosity to what happens next. Keep blogging and posting your cards because we love it!

    Hugs! Connie

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    1. Hello Connie

      How the devil are you? I wish I could book into one of your craft classes, but I would probably be home late for dinner.

      Thank you Connie that's a lovely comment to leave, and promise to keep blogging and posting cards.

      I'll be in contact soon

      Big Hugs

      Tina XX

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  18. Hello TIna
    Oh 7 WOW'S you have certainly gone out with a bang CE will defiantly kick themselves letting you go TIna.
    You have excelled your talent this week. I just love today's card it's stunning your flowers are truly the best.
    Looking forward to seeing your own designs next week with lots of your beautiful Butterfly's. I hope.
    I also Pin your cards. I will look for you on Facebook if that's ok my friend.
    Love Lynda xx

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  19. Hi Lynda

    In the words of Len Goodman, SEVENNNN, wow thank you! and my goodness how am I going to get another comment like this one. No pressure then for next week!! There will be butterflies I promise. Thank you Lynda for pinning my work too, how do I get to see your pins?

    Big Hugs

    Tina XX

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  20. What a stunning card, it's so beautiful. I'm sorry we won't be working as part of the CEDT going forward.
    Best wishes
    Lynn x

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  21. Hi Lynn

    Thank you Lyn. Yes it is sad but the contract ended. Enjoy your time with the new team and I'll keep looking in to see what everyone is making.

    Big Hugs

    Tina XX

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  22. Hi Tina.
    Wow ur card is stunning. I'm not fond of yellow and lemon but this one really is beautiful. As usual I'm just amazed at how you do your flowers.

    Glad u all had a wonderful time at the baby shower. Remind Claire to keep her legs crossed to the 5th so that's on my birthday! That would be some nice news. Lol.

    I'm so looking forward to keep looking in at your blog every Tuesday to see what delights you have left for us to see.
    I've also pinned some of your cards onto my boards. I'm on Pinterest but not face book.
    I'll either be under Stitt 5374 or Tracy Stitt not sure how it works. My own stuff on there too but not as good as your creations

    Lots of love to all xx

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  23. Hi Tina

    What a lovely, sunshiny card. Those flowers are just exquisite! I have pinned lots of your cards too on a CE page I have but you'll get your own Tina page as of next week :-) 18mths has flown by hasn't it? I think I said all I can say on the subject of DTs last week! Agree with Steph 100%, you've shown your talent now and anyone would be thrilled to have you on their DT.

    So has the last 8 months and 1 week, thank you for posting pictures of Claire's baby shower items, sounds like you all had a great time. We should have a sweepstake to see how close to Tracy's birthday the baby arrives!!! It's very exciting she's so close to the birth I'd imagine and I wish all the family all the best when that special time comes.

    Later post than usual. Had a very wobbly Friday, horizontal all day. New I was late again posting so decided I'd visit you now and Sue Saturday. Got up to let Billy out at 11:30pm as he's been in bed with us, a lot of dog to share with 2 people but he won't leave me when it's like this. He's asleep now so I'll go back to bed and if he follows, he follows. Mr W there so Billy may decide it's his turn to look after me lol

    That's my time up it seems... Have a lovely weekend, take care and speak soon,

    Big hugs, T

    and cuddles from Billy xxx

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  24. Hi Tina. WOW, WOW, WOW !!!! What a fabulous card to finish your time with Creative Expressions !!! I absolutely love it, Tina. It is gorgeous !!! The colours you have used are so lovely and sunshiny !!! I love the background folder you have used. It looks familiar and I am sure I do have this one. It looks great Tina, I will definitely have to use this background folder again now !!! The Tessa die looks lovely but the Canadian collection dies are my new favourite dies I have been using at the moment. As for your Orange Blossom flowers all I can say is OMG !!!!!!!! I absolutely love, love, love these flowers BIG TIME !!!!! Thank you so much for showcasing this gorgeous card Tina. I need to have a go at making my flowers look as stunning as yours do. I can't believe your time with Creative Expressions is at an end but I am staying put as I adore your blog Tina. Even though I don't comment often I always visit and I always adore everything I see you make, so a very big thank you Tina for everything you do and all your hard work keeping the most gorgeous cards coming our way. X x x
    I gave Steve my Christmas wish list and all that was on it was the Orange Blossom Flower dies and the Canadian collection and between himself and my family I got them all for Christmas !!! And of course the Platinum machine but you know all about that one !!! We promised each other we were not buying expensive gifts for one another as we could not afford it so I just asked for the flower dies. I did not get Steve anything expensive and then on Christmas day he surprised me with the Platinum machine !!!! I just could not believe it !!!! I said to him but we made a promise and his reply was "well actually I lied" !!!! I did not talk to you to much about it sooner as I know all what you have been going through with your machine Tina. I really hope it is all sorted out now. I know you have been very busy since Christmas with the baby shower and other stuff. Take care Tina, all our love Tres and Steve x x x



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