Bloomin' Hard Work!

Anyone who says that presenting is easy ain't telling the truth! It is bloomin' hard work (...granted not as bad as labour or gallstones; but back to back it is gruelling! I do not know how DB keeps up - and manages to look un-phased by the process ;)

Anyways, it was one heck of a weekend - and I got to meet the Bobbi Brown team, Maxx NY owner and drool up close on those killer handbags, Liz Earle presenter... and Julia Roberts (*highlight*) I am one of those people who DOES get a little star struck - so I had to pull myself together and try not to dribble and speak incoherently...

I have got a WINNER for the Wednesday PMA Paper Kit!
Congratulations... STEPHANIE (the gemini!!) Send me your address and I will get these off to you! (P.S. these were the papers went to QVC and back... so they are well travelled ;)

ALSO have a winner for the RUB TSV free kit!
Congratulations... SARAH Send me your address and I will get you all those lush boxes to get organising...

Becks xxx

N.B... hi becks - just a quick note to say thank you again, the boxes have just arrived and they are excellent. i am ready to get organised!!!
thanks again and happy crafting
sarah

QVC

...just a note to say I am heading to QVC tonight for a TSV! Tune in to find one of my fav product ranges premiering on QVC at middnight... Cluuuurrr is on tomorrow too at 4pm - so no time to blog :(

xxx

Chocolate Fudge Cake...

Life never stands still!

BUSY does not even come close to describing the product agenda I have been managing at Design Objectives. We have so much launching this year that I barely get time to nibble at a rivita (could be because they taste like core'dinations cardstock) or lick some chocolate fudge cake. Plus there was a whole lot of doom and gloom which I didn't want to get pulled into. Craft is rocking... card making, scrapbooking, jewellery making, knitting, sewing... FYI it is so en vogue to DIY ;)

So issue 3 of Creativity Life is out - and still I get emails from loads of readers who want it more regularly, and better distribution... so next issue we have sorted something out ;) I am loving the look and feel of it - seems to have evolved into quite a neat little bundle. (...and you wonder why I don't get to blog ;)

I have a favour though! I *need* your comments and feedback on the REALLY USEFUL BOX range of products. If anyone out there has ever bought some, please leave comments on WHAT you use them for, and WHY they are good/great/pants!

Lastly, there is a really special TSV airing next Friday (17th April) - might get a giveaway set for one lucky blog follower...

Becks xxxx

Alas...farewell Tony Hart!

Tony Hart has died at the age of 83... leaving many of us with fond memories of THE GALLERY (the ultimate showcase for wannabe artists... from the age of 3 onwards ;) That dulcet tune that would play in the background as the camera scrolled through the week's lucky entries - and you KNEW yours would not be there... as it was still sitting on your bedroom dresser. If you had used chalk smudges, and that awful charcoal substance - then you were a shu-in to be picked... So long, farewell... Mr Hart. Long live Morph!




Monday Madness - Looks like there are deals to be had if you are in the mood to be spending ;)

• Save 50% on Scrapbook Albums
• Save 50% on Autumn Leaves
• Tools & Storage with up to 50% off
• BOGOF deals on DCWV
• 7gypsies sale!
• 50% off punches
• 50% off Ellison, Provocraft and other dies!
• 60% off BasicGrey/Papermania

I head off to QVC later - and have managed to pass the TSV launch at midnight to the lovely CLUR CURD (*I am not wonder woman!!) I am on from 1-2am and then will find the nearest bed to curl myself into. We have some exclusives on the 1am show, as well as more from Core'dinations, Doodlebug, Clearsnap and BasicGrey!

Christmas is creeping up... {and winners!}

OK.

I have been hit by the Christmas magic. You know when you *think* you will have enough time to do everything on your never ending list - but then end up waking in a cold sweat, panicking that there is someone you have forgotten to buy for, and that you have run out of wrapping paper, mincemeat and the will to endure another week of jingle bells... WHERE does December go?!!

Anyways, I will announce the winners of all the previous Wednesday winners this week before hanging up my blog boots for the festive few weeks so I can sit back and relax before JANUARY and trade show season hit BIG TIME!! January beckons with CHA sneak peaks, Frankfurt Paperworld, Stitches (UK) and more... busy, busy, busy.

So Merry Christmas's are coming your way - and blog winners KIM (the Imagepac winner), Pam, Twinklyspangle, Gayle, Jozza, Lynsey and Martine... all send me your addresses so I can post your goodies in time to be be flung under your Christmas Tree!! xxx

P.S. See you on QVC (22nd December) at 12pm (aka noon) for an hour of CL crafting!! Some great new brands, great prices and some festive cheer. It is craft day, so expect to see We R Memory Keeper's Andrew Hiller as well as our very own CLUR (Clare Curd) for a full hour of Papermania!!

Wish Granted Wednesday WINNERS

Drum roll...

Those *lush* QVC kits are winging their way (once you email me your adress!!) to: VERONICA, KIM & WEEWICCABABE (Congrats ladies ;)

So what is up for grabs this week?

Well WRM is the paper inserts in issue 2 of Creativity Life. You get 4 A4 samples - and this week I have the entire 12x12 cardstock (double sided!!) to giveaway to one lucky blog follower. Leave a comment, follow along... and be in with a chance to win some distressingly wonderful WRM.

Also - set your record button on QVC tomorrow... as Andrew Hiller (Mr WRM) is in London and about to hit your screens.

Love Becks xxx

Monday Money Saving Bargains...

Apparently the high street is bucking the trend when it comes to money spent in store. It seems we are less apt to pay online, and would rather rummage around the aisles picking up a bargain in person...

If you have Christmas on the brain, then toys are on offer EVERYWHERE - from Woolworths, ToysRus to Tesco, Asdas and Argos... toys are half price, 3for2 or 25% off. BUT research by TRB shows that we are spending more per purchase - but making less purchases! So we are opting for quality over quantity ;)

So what QUALITY craft goodies are hitting the bargain headlines on this nippy Monday morning?

1. Hobbycraft have got vouchers in practically all the craft mags which saves you up to £5 off when you spend in store. PLUS in store they do have some bargain bins and discounts. You unfortunately cannot shop online - so this does involve a trip in the car! Spotted in store - WRM, Making Memories, American Crafts and some pretty de-lish quality brands ;)
2. The Craft Superstore have a 15% off promo on Cuttlebug accessories (great stocking fillers) also check out their SALE section for a whole plethora of nick-knacks for crafty Christmas pressies...
3. Subscribe to your fav mag - or even sub for a mate this Christmas...
4. If you love Making Memories - there is a killer bargain HERE (save £60!) If you order TODAY you will also get a FREE Chipboard Sticker pack worth £1.99. Follow THIS LINK.
5. American Crafts 6 jars of Foam Shapes bargain HERE
6. MORE killer clearance QVC kits HERE (includes 7gypsies, K&Co, Creative Imaginations, Fiskars etc!!)

Remember: The key to a GREAT bargain, is needing it in the first place...
Becks xxx

Wish Granted Wednesday (delayed version...)

Ok. I may be a day late, and a dollar short...but these lucky winners are going to have STAMPS winging their merry way to them... (just email me with your addresses ;)

JOZZA, BREN, TRACEY, GINGER and SMEEPEE

So what is up for grabs this week?

I have a couple of the QVC kits which we aired this week... so if you fancy some BasicGrey or Doodlebug, then leave a comment or become a follower - and you could be in with a chance of some FREE STASH to play with. Never resist the urge for FREE ;)

Becks xxx

In the salon with Alison

I was sat RIGHT BEHIND Alison (who had a table full of Philosophy... which wafted over and smelt d-vine ;) My camera was no where in sight... as has been the case for the entire day at QVC. I could have bumped into Paul McKenna and never been able to blog about it... *gasp* (Please note this DID NOT happen... although I did say hi to the coat man, and the gorgeous gal who came all the way down from Manchester to demo the jewellery cases for 7 minutes - talk about dedication.)

So I was nervous... but Anthony was a superstar. Very nice to work with (I took my heels off so he could be taller than me ;) I loved all the callers - I just wish I knew for certain that the camera I was looking at was INDEED the camera that was "live". So many lessons learnt!! Back again on the 22nd December (which is also the same day as another Papermania hour!!) I had more samples - but they all arrived too late... sod's law :( More new brands and new products next show...

I have been going to bed at 8pm, as I am still on crazy body timing... but I have pressies to wrap tonight, and spooks to catch up with. Sorry about saying SNOT. There has to be a better word for that sticky effect... but snot was all that I could muster under pressure. NOT as bad as a word that the elfin presenter with the face products (Bo-something or other) used. She meant to say SEBUM... and I will leave you to imagine what she actually DID say.

Becks xx

Jet Lag and QVC Countdown...

I am in that thick *fug* they call Jet Lag... where you feel like there is a time delay in your brain, the world is spinning, and everyone seems to be talking a little too loud and fast. The extra hour in bed was redundant, as I was awake and ticking from the wee small hours. Despite it all, it is GOOD to be home!

So the countdown - less than 24 hours, and it is QVC pour moi. Am I nervous? Heck yes... who wouldn't be?! I have some really gorgeous kits... all designer labels ;) I have a list as long as my arm of friends I would love to say hello to (so if I don't get a chance I am thinking of you all!) We also have 5 copies of the brand new issue of Creativity Life (signed by myself and Anthony Heywood) to giveaway to callers... so if you want a FREE copy be sure to phone ;)

Monday Madness will be back next week - and Wednesday Wishes will be back this week (as it is a certain little girl's birthday and we are all off to see High School Musical 3 ;) So stay tuned...

Day Four...

It is a little unreal to be in Hong Kong. My parents have visited here before - and I have seen the pictures, but it is something totally different to visit it for yourself! I managed to bump into some familiar faces at the show we are attending, which was a miracle in itself as the place is HUGE!!

We head to Shanghai tonight, and then it is into REAL China (Hong Kong is pretty 5-Star.) My credit card has dust accumulating, as there is absolutely no time to shop (...CHA means it takes a real beating, which is why I love going to the US ;)

Hello to my kiddies - who I am missing A LOT. When you are away you actually miss HUGGING. I am not about to hug Hols and TB... and am looking forward to getting home, to my own bed and my own family.

Just discovered too that Anthony Heywood is the QVC personality who will be hanging out with me for 2 hours on the 28th (4-6pm show)... so should be fun!!

Monday Money Savers...

Spotted: The high street is biting back when it comes to Credit Crunch pricing... and Lidl (one of the cheap discount stores) has TRIMMERS ON SALE (from just a minute £4.99 *gasp*) Other bargains to tempt your tighter pocket...

Other Monday Money Savers:
Quickutz Sophisticate Gift Set (half price)
Remember All My Memories (AMM)?! Well HERE you can grab yourself these limited (but gorgeous) lines before they are sold out forever...
Half price Scrapbook Albums HERE
5% off your order with Craft Superstore when you use the word CUTTLEBUG at the checkout.
Stateside: Create for Less great website!

DID YOU SEE? The Creativity Life Crafting 2 hour show on QVC was mentioned in the new issue of Scrapbook Inspirations! 28th October here we come...
Becks xxx

Fun Fridays!

I spent my evening prepping for QVC...

At the end of this month (October 28th) I go live for 2 whole hours. Having watched Clare & Kirsty hit the headlines this week with their Papermania hour premier, I am slightly nervous... but after speaking to them after the cameras stopped rolling, they were both buzzing.

I have been here before (in my previous life - and with a different shopping channel...) I do vaguely remember saying something innocent like "banging is therapeutic" (speaking OF COURSE about eyelet setting...) and having most of the camera men is tears, as well as Alan & Barry (remember them?!!) Still a whole new ball game... but at least I have some time to consider what to wear.

Becks xxx

Nirvana (aka so spa, so good ;)

It was my birthday over the weekend, and Paul treated me *big time* to a whole day at a luxurious {aptly named} spa "Nirvana". Even better...I had my bezzy mate along for the ride (and the detoxing fruit juice was flowing like water...)

I cannot recommend enough the merits of totally letting go of all your troubles, and sinking into a floatation pool filled with 100 tonnes of dead sea salt minerals... as well as soaking in hydrotherapy jets which pummel all those cares and stress knots away... and hanging out in a menthol-steeped steam room. I am sure all my pores were gagging for a good plunge pool *huge gasp it is flippin cold* by the end of the day. I did also discovered my fav new beauty saviour by JESSICA... lovely nails (at last!!)

Anyways, it is all a distant memory (much like those elusive holidays) and today is D-DAY (or at least P-DAY on QVC!!) Clare & Kirsty hit the big time at 4pm when they premier live on QVC UK. I have everything crossed for them - as I am sure they will be brilliant! They are both naturals when it comes to gassing about crafting... so tune in, and enjoy an hour with the gals ;)

Becks xxx

We arrived (me and Ruth) in pleeeeeeeenty of time... so celeb scouted from the Cafe. Ruth was determined that we would spot Paul McKenna... Lulu or even Joan Rivers - but the hour of people watching only resulted in a gawk at JULIA ROBERTS (Nope not Pretty Woman, it's the lady in red with curlers ;) We sat watching her flaunting her confidence to be seen in public with a full head of rollers, and then realised that we should be papping away. Ruth bottled out, as it was an entirely "unladylike" thing to do - aka photograph a lass in her less than perfect attire. I obviously had less qualms and managed to get a shot just as she was heading up the stairs!
We also spotted Leighton Denny (the nail guy) and after being subjected to him live on air, now feel sure that we *have* to own that nail file and those nail polishes ;)

When it was my turn, it went really quick. I *passed* so will now have to chew my nails and prep for the 2 hour show that we have planned for late Autumn. Details to follow ;)

...off to see the Wizard

I spent over 8 hours yesterday preparing samples (this is not for the faint hearted!) for just 10 simple cringe-worthy minutes of screen test time... I have coerced a Friend to come along just for the fun of it, and no doubt I will have that horrid butterfly feeling - no matter HOW prepared you are it is still nerve-wracking ;)

Have a camera... so that is the most important thing taken care of!
Becks xxxx

QVC Prep Work!

Not sure what the weekend holds for most of you... but for me I have to roll up my sleeves and prep for a pending screen test this coming week. It is all part of a Creativity Life slot that will see some great products available via the UK's number one shopping channel (...well, if you discount GEMS TV which is my late night fav for an entertaining girls night in... seriously ;)

I have had my brush with live TV in my previous life, and managed to say that "banging is therapeutic" much to my embarrassment (I WAS talking about eyelet setting... honest!!) I managed to NOT have my last name highlighted in any way, but only because I was sandwiched between Alan and Barry (remember them?!!) I am pretty sure that I will have to air kiss at some stage during the proceedings, so I am taking a compass to guide my errand head so I don't wallup someone really really important... black eyes don't look that great on TV.

I will keep you posted - as Kirsty & Clur (Curd'ster) are heading to a TV screen near you at the end of September... and we have something special for you end of October/begin of November. Just try and not say erm, like... erm, loads of erm times.

Becks xxxx

QVC... and a new release!!

Andrew from We R Memory Keepers is back on the box today - at 10a, 2pm and 11pm... so tune into QVC to see some *hot* We R Memory Keepers product...!!

ALSO - You need to stay posted here on Monday for a EUPHORIC BASICGREY announcement. Can't share yet, but it is summer-licious ;) All our retailers will get to see it up close and personal at our shows kicking off next week... lucky lucky them!

Becks xx

Monday Madness...

I had a meeting in Bournemouth today with a new supplier - and met them in London, to then catch the train back to TLC (yep, I thought it stood for Tender Loving Care too...) I am not allowed to shout from the rooftops just yet who we are working with - but it is very very cool!!

Other news... QVC has a Craft sampling tomorrow, and Dyan Reaveley (of Blonde Moments fame and co-owner of Art from the Heart) is scheduled to be sporting 7gypsies goods (at 3pm.) Not sure if it is hampered by further delays, as this was supposed to air last October... but I cannot wait to see Dy rock QVC!!

Notably, her Blonde Moments line has been picked up by Ranger (yup... as in Tim Holtz, Alcohol Inks, Distress Pads... Ranger!) We can then only keep our fingers crossed that this UK brand gets a little leg up in the craft world and starts to really hammer out some great product. If anyone deserves good things it is Dy ;)

Also on QVC is a full hour of We R Memory Keepers - from 2pm. They don't have the Big Bite 2 just yet... but it is sure not to be too far off!! Can you wait that long??? Not one to usually ever advocate tuning into QVC - but tomorrow is a hottie... and a must see (We R hour is two blokes talking craft and cropadiles... how entertaining will that be!!)

Later, Becks x

P.S - 7gypsies have updated their website... so have a lookie!