An Blog Bui

Hero Arts Launch - Free Demo Day

2012-01-25T10:09:00.003Z

Yes, it is that time of year when we break out the popcorn and coca cola and all things American including of course the latest launch from the fabulous Hero Arts company. We have a fantastic new range of pearlescent card to work with for our demos as well as some great new cost saving ways to embellish cards. I will be demonstrating alongside the fabulously talented Linda Dawson from Cork. Don't forget your cameras!

11am - 4pm Saturday 28 January at An Siopa Bui, Spiddal Craft Centre, Galway

Xmas Card Demo Day

2011-09-12T11:35:00.000+01:00

This free picture slideshow made with Smilebox

2011-08-10T11:31:00.003+01:00

The 3rd Great Big Craft Extravaganza - Athlone

30 September, 1&2 October

Athlone Springs Hotel

Athlone

• Entrance Free

• Loads of crop and craft space - also free!

• Fantastic demonstrators

• Hands on tutorials

• Pay only for your Classes

• Choice of over 30 Classes

• Lots of Shops

• Payper Box Stand

• Competitions

• Challenges

Yes, we are back, and I am of course more excited than ever. We are currently confirming

shops, finalising tutors and getting all the details ironed out.

Be sure to visit our blog at http://greatbigcraftextravaganza.wordpress.com and like our facebook page at Great Big Craft Extravaganza. This way you will be sure to get all the information just as it comes out - without any delay!

We have listened to your feedback and have changed things about to make it possible

for more shops, and even small suppliers to attend. We are sure this is going to make

for an exciting weekend with great classes, and of course great value shopping.

Entrance remains free, with lots of free seating for those wanting to crop and craft

between classes. And oh! what classes and class kits do we have planned .....

We have a fantastic line-up of classes planned with some exciting new ones - all classes

will range from 18 Euro to 30 Euro and many of the classes include fantastic kit such as a free stamp, punch, paper pad or more.

Classes already on the planning list include

• Hunky Dory Crafting

• Winter weddings from An Siopa Bui

• Getting your product to market and getting sales

• Altered Art

• Tiara’s and Wedding fascinators

• Beautiful Beading

• Lots of Tim Holtz

• Scrapbooking

• The latest TV crafts

• Teaching Crafts - taking your craft into a business

• Fimo

• Graphics

• .... and many more besides

If you have any more questions, please let me have them. I will

answer as best I can.

Calling all Tutors:

Are you a craft teacher and would you be interested in teaching

at the Extravaganza? We would really like to hear from you.

Please email me letting me know what type of cards/scrapbooking/jewellery/ craft you teach, and a little info about you, and we will get in touch shortly.

Kerry (kerry@ansiopabui.ie)

Christmas Launch Cocktail Party

2011-08-10T11:24:00.003+01:00

Put the 14thth of September in your diaries - it's the annual Siopa Bui Christmas launch. It wouldn't be Christmas without mince pies, so while the shopping and demos are the main event, we will be wining and dining you too!

Venue: An Siopa Bui, Spiddal

Time: 6.00pm for 6.30pm

Dress: Glamorous!

Be the first to see all our exciting Christmas stock.

Sizzix Coffee Morning - so exciting

2011-07-20T17:18:00.003+01:00

The parcels from Sizzix have arrived. The Big Shot pro is here, along with some amazing new smaller dies (one shown here!) that are great for cards but can also be used in jewellery making. We have lots of free gifts to give out and of course the lemon tart from the Cafe has been ordered.

Join us for our fabulous free morning starting at 10:30 this Friday 22 July

Woodware Crafty Edger back in stock

2011-07-15T16:39:00.003+01:00

As the website is still under construction - looking good though! I thought I would just pop in here to tell you that the eagerly awaited Woodware paper edgers are back in stock. I am so so glad that I can get mine out of the cupboard and use it again!

A Sizzix Coffee Morning with loads of sponsored prizes

2011-07-15T16:31:00.002+01:00

We are currently awaiting our first delivery of the Sizzix Big Shot Pro - along with some yummy large dies. Thank you to Sizzix who are sponsoring our coffee morning next week and are sending over lots of free goodies for attendees like aprons, pens and mugs as well as some other exciting prizes planned for the day. This is a great opportunity for you to get the best out of your Big Shot as we will be showing you some fab hints and tips for using your dies.

We meet at 10:30 for Coffee(or Tea) and Cake and then have our demo, raffle draw and more.

Diarise it now - 22 July at Siopa Buí in Spiddal - a great reason to visit the beach

Date for Coffee morning and more!

2011-07-12T11:57:00.003+01:00

Coffee morning is on Friday 22nd July - not where you would expect it to be! Summer really has me turned upside down this year - between summer camps, extravaganzas and our regular classes I don't know which way is which. It is all a juggle, but a good juggle at least. It will be a great coffee morning with a demo of the new Sizzix Big Shot Pro - and a Sizzix theme - complete with give-aways.

OMG - a truly amazing parcel worth blogging about

2011-07-06T14:27:00.002+01:00

Ok, so the last parcel is in for demo day on Saturday. It is from Hunky Dory and they have outdone themselves!!! I don't want to work I just want to make samples for Saturday. I promise that anyone who comes to the event is going to be amazed.

If you can't get to the event and love Hunky Dory, you can give us a call or an email and we will try and make up a parcel for you as you cannot buy online with the website being down. Just give us a day to get the pricing done and everything checked.

Amazing toppers for Her, for Him, Vintage toppers ...... just yummy!

Free demo day - Vintage Chic - reuse and recycle!

2011-07-05T15:42:00.003+01:00

A good bit of news! First we have a great free demo day planned for Saturday - New yummy goodies from Hunky Dory as well as from other suppliers all with a vintage retro theme. Be prepared to go home and be digging in your old sewing box to make cards. For refreshments we will have a little vintage tea party!

We also have an extra class next Saturday - Classic Cardmaking - really nice cards using great techniques - it is just for the afternoon and costs only 20 Euro. We will be making 4 cards. Places are limited so please book

We have a new (short) newsletter out - if you would like to get it - email me on kerry@ansiopabui.ie and I will forward it to you - well worth getting as it has a coupon on it!

Out with the old and in with the new

2011-06-21T20:48:00.002+01:00

In the next 24 or so hours our website will be closing down temporarily. We will be relaunching in a few weeks with a brand spanking new e-commerce website with free downloadables, and much better functionality. I will be updating the blog and facebook page with progress and will have some fun blog candy and specials to keep us going. Wish us luck - all new and all exciting

Hunky Dory Coffee Morning - and a visit to Carlow

2011-06-09T09:30:00.003+01:00

Just need cake added to that heading and it would be perfect - and of course we will have some of that tomorrow morning. We have the very latest products from Hunky Dory to play and demonstrate with at tomorrow's coffee morning including the new Hunky Dory project magazine which has so much free stuff added to it that it is probably free if you work it out!

For the rest of today we will be finishing off the kits for Carlow and finalising packing. We will have our mobile shop and a full day cardmaking workshop at the New Oak Community Centre in Carlow. The centre is close to the Fairgreen Shopping Centre (Tescos) and this is probably the best place to park. Another close landmark is Howseys Post office. See you there!!!

Chocolate and more chocolate

2011-05-18T17:28:00.002+01:00

We are ready!!! Chocolate day is Saturday starting at 11:00. We have a free demonstration day with Phil and Kerry, and everything is themed around chocolate. We have the latest goodies from Hunky Dory, lots of new Nestabilities, fab packaging ideas, lots of chocolate of course and low fat (yes!) chocolate brownies to eat with tea and coffee. Pop in any time for a fantastic crafty inspiration day. Free gift from Hunky Dory for everyone attending.

See you Saturday.

Coffee Morning and Lemon Tart

2011-05-12T17:28:00.000+01:00

Tomorrow is Coffee morning, and although I am not at work Kim has told me that we have had some really good deliveries today so we should have some fun bits to play with during the demo.

The Builín Blásta Lemon tart is ordered so please join us from 10:30 for a fun morning with the lastest craft catalogues, books and chat.

Free gift for each attendee!

Dublin Workshop 8 May

2011-04-25T16:39:00.002+01:00

This week we begin packing the kits for our Dublin workshop. I will try and get some sneak peaks up soon, but if you haven't booked, and are thinking about it - I promise you some really great cards.

We have a few spaces left. 7 projects - including loads of the latest techniques from Ranger and Tim Holtz, Sizzix, Hunky Dory and more.

Our mobile shop will be open to all during the day in Dublin even if you aren't attending the workshop. For more information email me or give me a quick ring at the shop.

The Slash & Burn Easter Sale

2011-04-23T10:14:00.002+01:00

When I was getting ready for the sale, a customer remarked that I had a slash & burn attitude, and the comment has stuck. Sizzix dies less 40%, stamps for as little as 1 Euro, decoupage at less 50% and many more great deals to be had. Sale is for just over a week and ends next Sunday. We are adding to the sale stash every day, so it is always worth popping over!

All roads lead towards Easter

2011-04-13T18:21:00.002+01:00

With the Extravaganza over, we are getting all set up for Easter in the Shop. We have our annual sale starting on Good Friday. And we have our pre-sale cocktail party (all welcome) on the Thursday evening for those we want to get ahead of the pack.

We are getting sorted with the sale stuff already, but I can tell you it is good. Very very cheap stamps (starting at 1 Euro), shop used Sizzix dies (sometimes not even that much) for less than half price and many many more great deals. Let me think - Decoupage for 20c, Peel-offs for 50c, Cardpacks (5 cards and envelopes) for 1 Euro. Better than chocolate?

Spring Extravaganza - This Weekend!!!!! 9&10 April

2011-04-07T18:25:00.003+01:00

It is finally spring! The skies are clearing (maybe I shouldn't speak too soon), and it is time for our annual Galway Spring Craft Extravaganza.

This year we are in the Carlton Hotel in Galway City with lots of shops, lots of amazing Demos and really good classes.

We are all ready to pack the shop (and there are some nice things to pack - I promise). The latest from Sizzix including the Vagabond, Tim Holtz Configurations boxes, lots of Hunky Dory, La Pashe Decoupage, Stamps, Paper, Card, Scrapbooking, jewellery findings - actually there is something for everybody - and that is just from our shop.

It is free to attend, so pop in any time from 10am Saturday and Sunday - See you there!!

Hunkydory comes to Siopa Buí

2011-03-23T14:21:00.002Z

Hi excitement in Siopa Buí once again as we unpacked our first box from Hunkydory. This was one of my purchases from the recent trade fair. I have always lusted after the lovely goodies and nice card ideas shown on TV, but didn't necessarily want to buy everything. We have got lots of really nice items with prices starting from 1.50 for die-cut toppers and decoupage, as well as some really fabby kits.

We are also stocking the Hunkydory magazine - which is great value (packed with really good card ideas) and a cover gift. If you can't wait for me to get it all uploaded feel free to phone us and we will make you up a parcel.

New Products and lots of News

2011-03-11T14:02:00.003Z

I was so excited to get a fantastic parcel of goodies from Flowersoft yesterday. And it wasn't just Flowersoft. The new Wine Buffs Cd, new Charlie's Ark toppers and of course lots of new colours.

Flowersoft has also kindly sponsored a class at our upcoming Spring Extravaganza in Galway. The kits arrived and they are very generous and totally fab. Full details on Monday.

Take a look over on the website for all the latest goodies at www.ansiopabui.ie

Brand brand new Sizzix and Whiff of Joy

2011-02-09T13:33:00.003Z

Ok, I know I always gush and talk in !!!! But this is really a very exciting parcel from Sizzix. Probably some of the most innovative dies I have seen since I started selling Sizzix 6 years ago. We are unpacking now, and I will do what I can to upload onto the site, but as we have coffee morning this week, and then Tipperary workshop on Sunday, I might be as well to leave it to next week.

We also have the new Whiff of Joy release in, and having just made the cutest Valentine's Card out, I can honestly say I love it!

La Pashe

2011-02-05T11:04:00.003Z

We got a very very nice parcel late yesterday afternoon, and it was so nice it had to go straight onto the website. It is the latest launch from La Pashe. This is a really innovative decoupage company where the designers take things a step further. 3 amazing packs - Trinitage - which you can do as standard decoupage, or as a pop-up card (instructions included), Build-a-blossom which allows you to build realistic flowers, and Nice and Easel, decoupage designed specifically for easel cards. Worth treating yourself if you love decoupage!

Hero Arts Launch Day - and more News

2011-01-21T10:07:00.002Z

Another year and lots and lots to do. Just a quick drop in today to remind everyone about our fabulous Hero Arts launch day tomorrow. We have great American food, free demos, free make 'n takes and of course lots and lots of inspiration.

I will try and upload the stamps to the site today, in between getting ready.

If you would like to receive a full newsletter of all our activities, click here otherwise if you would like any more information about all our activities coming up in the next few months, please give me a quick email and I will be happy to answer any questions.

Hope to see you soon.

Kerry

Its snowing again!!!!!

2010-12-17T10:28:00.002Z

Hello,

I am finally back from South Africa, with a few hiccups on the way. and what do have to welcome me, but a lot of ice and snow!

Today I am going to work from home and do lots of planning for the new year. Expect a newsletter in your inbox. I have a really long drive to work on a lot of minor roads and I am just not brave enough today.

When there is a very very cold snap with freezy roads, please call the shop or send me a text on my mobile first on 0872048045. Kim and I are trying to keep regular shop hours as much as we can between us, but there may be times when we just don't make it in on time - so please be patient!

We would hate you to have a really long drive and then to find that the kettle isn't on!

Watch out for some seasonal specials online as we prepare for stocktaking in January.

Friday the 10th is a big day at An Siopa Bui

2010-12-07T19:21:00.007Z

Firstly, Kerry is back from South Africa having missed 3 weeks of ice and snow, and just in time for the thaw.

Second, there is a special Coffee Morning in aid of Croi, the heart charity. There will gorgeous food, demos and prizes and a chance to catch up with everyone before Christmas. Its a great cause, please come along and support the ladies.

And third, and by no means least, Sarah Holden is doing a class from 2-4pm. The class is called A gift of craft and there is a sneak peek on Sarah's blog. It promises to be a gorgeous class, and something a bit different to card making but of course using all your cardmaking skills! Treat yourself, you've been driving on ice and snow and xmas shopping for everyone else - you deserve it.
Bookings can be done by ringing Kim at the shop on 091 504692. Class cost is 25 euro and includes all your kit plus you make a fab gift to keep or give as a present.

20% of Stamping Bellas

2010-12-04T18:11:00.003Z

Santa says that there is 20% of all Stamping Bella Stamps for the next 7 days. We've updated the website so check them out here.

Personally, at this time of the year, I always feel the need to buy myself a present in the midst of Christmas shopping for presents for everyone else. Treat yourself!

The 20% offer runs from Sunday 5 December to Sunday 12th December and is for online orders only.

Sandie Dunne's Sunday Class - Sneak Peeks

2010-11-09T20:18:00.003Z

Christmas Extravaganza Jewellery Class

2010-11-04T21:37:00.003Z

The picture says it all - learn how to make this gorgeous jewellery. The only hard part will be deciding whether to give them away as xmas presents or keep them for yourself. The good bit is there is a bracelet, necklace and a couple of pairs of earings.

Sunday 3.30 - 5.15pm with Philomena Sullivan

Cost of the class, including everything you see in the photo, 25 euro

Shops Site Updated!!!

2010-10-30T14:29:00.000+01:00

Lots of new Christmas goodies and more uploaded!!! Check out the Sassafrass Lass range of scrapbooking goodies new to Siopa Bui. Also we now have our Creatables dies from Marianne Designs, Nellie Snellen and Joy Crafts available on our website. And last but not least we have updated our Sizzix dies and embossing folders almost 30 new Sizzix products on the website including sought after Tim Holtz dies!

Sneak Preview from Sarah Holden for Xmas Xtraganza Class

2010-10-25T16:21:00.002+01:00

Retro sewing kit and button boxes....

Sarah has put up a preview of what she's got planned for her class on Sunday 21st November - check it out, and book quickly, this class is going to be a sell-out.

http://boxercreations.blogspot.com/2010/10/siopa-bui-christmas-class-sneak-peek.html

Christmas Extravaganza

2010-10-22T08:07:00.004+01:00

The Christmas Extravaganza is back again. It starts on Friday 12 November and runs through to Sunday the 14th.

Why not treat yourself to a full day or even the whole weekend! Discounted rates for the full day are 10% and for the full weekend, 20%.

The Extravaganza kicks off with a special coffee morning, with a Christmas with Clarity Demo, mince pies and more.

I'm most excited about the Friday afternoon class, "Crafts to Make and Sell". It's a cross between a marketing class and a fab crafty class. We will be making lots of items (at least 6 projects) and will also be giving you a manual and tips and techniques on how to price, present and prepare your crafts to sell. If you aren't selling, these will make fabulous xmas gifts to give away.

Saturday and Sunday each have 3 fantastic classes. We will be putting up sneak previews from the tutors in the next few weeks. Download the full timetable and class list here

http://www.scribd.com/doc/39174261/Xmas-Extravaganza-2010-Timetable-Newsletter-Two

World Cardmaking Day

2010-10-02T17:51:00.009+01:00

Some fabulous sample cards from our playdate at the shop today...

Back to 'Normality'

2010-09-29T22:54:00.002+01:00

So we are back to 'normality' - but what is 'normality' at An Siopa Bui.

We had a great time in Athlone at GBCE and hope that you all enjoyed is as much as us.

All the remaining stock is now back in the shop and unpacked.

I have updated the class tab and the coffee/crop/demo tab with all the upcoming events.
Do check them out and mark them in your diary.

Back soon with updates on new goodies as they arrive!

H

Class Timetable for GBCE is up and Booking is open

2010-08-20T18:07:00.003+01:00

The full class timetable is now up on the An Siopa Bui website. Any questions on any of the classes, let us know here, and we'll get back to you. Anyone who attended last year, feel free to post helpful advice on how to plan your schedule.

Remember to leave time for lunch, shopping and the free demos that will run throughout the show.

Bookings can be done online at www.ansiopabui.ie

Have fun trying to choose!

Kids Club designs New Bags for An Siopa Bui

2010-08-19T21:00:00.013+01:00

The Kids Club were given the task of designing a new bag for An Siopa Bui, with some fantastic results.

Kerry did explain the reason the bags are kept plain brown is so that husbands are kept unaware of any mad craft shopping sprees!

Complicated Cards Made Simple

2010-08-10T23:05:00.006+01:00

We had a great class with Philomena Sullivan on Sunday last.
Once again she had some wonderful projects - the photos just don't do them justice.

This card is a side step card made on the Hougie Board following the instructions included. Phil also showed us a super trick to make that fab 'rosette'. It is very similar to the new die being released by Tim Holtz - sneak peaks on his blog.
But Phil is ahead of the game. The stamp is Baykahbella - she looks great on this card. The paper comes from a fab new CD from Payperbox (available in the shop).
There is also a lovely die cut from the fab new Marianne Designs - you can thread a ribbon through it. These dies sold as quick as they arrived but we will keep ye posted when the come back in to stock.

This next card uses another of the new Marianne Design dies, this butterfly is just fab. The card itself is a bit of a twist on the very trendy easel card.

This beautiful project is the matching gift for the first card. The teacup die is from the Sizzix Scoreboards range. It is just fab.

That's it for now - I couldn't stay for Fiona & Kerry's classes but if anyone has photos I'd love to put them up here for all to see - I heard they were lovely projects.
I have 60+ photos from the Felting class with Christina. As soon as I have sorted them out I will have some more photos for ye - might even be a post or two out of it.

Helen

Hougie Board

2010-08-08T20:56:00.004+01:00

Friday was the kick off day to the annual Summer extravaganza.
It was coffee morning and then Sarah Holden did a fab demo on the Hougie Board.
It is a new 12x12 score board with centimetres on one side and inches on the other.
It is fast becoming the craft gadget of 2010.
They are all sold out for now but more have been ordered.

I couldn't get there to see the 20+ samples that Sarah brought along, but Eileen did and you can see the photos here on facebook.

Thanks Eileen

You can also see more photos on Sarah's Blog.

H

Extravaganza Weekend Photos

2010-08-08T18:40:00.002+01:00

Just a quick post.
Busy sorting the photos from yesterday's felting workshop and Phil's class this morning.

Will have some up here before bedtime.

H

Mega Coffee Morning Tomorrow!!!!

2010-08-05T18:53:00.002+01:00

This Friday is Coffee morning - and a mega one! To form part of the sale week and our Summer Extravaganza we have put together a really exciting coffee morning.

Yes, we have tea, coffee and cake (great goodies ordered from the Cafe - Lemon tart and muffins plus plus plus).

We also have Leigh from Hill coming to bring us some amazing deals from K&Co and DCWV and then Sarah Holden will be doing a very very creative demonstration of the new Hougie Board.

I can't wait!

It's starting to look like parcel time!!!

2010-07-15T18:56:00.002+01:00

I have some of the orders placed and the classes sorted for the Summer extravaganza. The Hougie Boards arrived today, and there are some exciting parcels arriving over the next week or two.

Watch this space.

I am really excited about this extravaganza as we have some nice different classes planned as well as the traditional card classes. Look out for the programme which should be out tomorrow which includes felting, heritage scrapbooking and a fantastic die-cutting class with Philomena Sullivan!

Coffee Morning - This Friday 2 July

2010-06-30T14:09:00.002+01:00

I am so going to have to get my fingers checked. Everytime I get the newsletter out I make a mistake with a date and day.

This time there were two.

Just to clarify. Coffee morning is this Friday 2 July from 10:30 ish - we have a great demo planned and have some fantantic ribbon specials with new ribbons especially for the day.

Saturday 3rd we have a class - really nice cards featuring some great techniques. - places are still available.

The other date I had confused is our fantastic demo with Fimo - Sarah Holden will be doing a fabulous Fimo demonstration on Saturday 10 July at the shop. All are welcome and it is free!!!!

Mo Manning Stamps at An Siopa Bui

2010-06-25T11:55:00.003+01:00

We have a small selection of the most stunning designs from Mo Manning, directly from the wonderful people at Stamping Bella. These first few are my own choices and I am so excited by them. My favourites (probably because I have a boy - sorry young man), are the gamer boy and the dog one. Hop over to the site to have a look - promise you won't be dissapointed.

www.ansiopabui.ie

A Quick Update - Classes, Coffee Morning & Newsletter

2010-06-10T17:28:00.003+01:00

Hi there,

Thought it would be a short post but more news than I thought!

1. The latest newsletter should be in your inbox. Kerry emailed them earlier today. Lots of news in there about the upcoming events right up to September. Those on the mailing list should see them in the next day or two. If you can't wait for your real newsletter, you can always contact the shop and it can me emailed to you - 091 504692 or email Kerry on kerry@ansiopabui.ie
2. Tomorrow is coffee morning and the demo for tomorrow is all about keeping the kids busy in the summer holidays and childrens cards.
3. Don't forget Corina's scrapbooking class on Sunday (13th June) at the shop. It is scrapbooking Sunday and after her very successful class at the Spring Extravaganza, Corina is coming along to show us some of her fab ideas and techniques. There is a fab kit with Bazzill and lettering. Bring a general selection of photos. We will be working individually but to the same sketches, so we will all have something different at the end of the day. I for one am looking forward to it!
Corina will be putting up some sneak peaks on her blog later ( I hope!) so do check it out.

Bye for now

Helen

Ranger and Tim Holtz Discount Weekend

2010-06-04T20:37:00.002+01:00

It's our Ranger and Tim Holtz weekend this weekend with 15% off absolutely anything from Ranger and Tim Holtz so that means Alcohol inks, Distress inks, paints, Big and Juicy inkpads, Ideaology accents and all sorts of things. There is a lot on the site, but I would advise giving us a call at the shop if you are a real Tim Fan as we have quite a lot of really special stuff that isn't on the site ..... Call either Kerry or Kim on 091504692 any time from 11.00 to 17:30 tomorrow or Andrea on Sunday!

Clarity Samples & Stock

2010-06-04T12:32:00.004+01:00

Hi there,

Just a short post for now - but back soon with more news.

All the Clarity stamps and accessories are now available online.
I've included a slideshow of the samples we made earlier in the year.
I wanted to figure out the slide show thingie - have so many photos to show ye of Sarah's class last Sunday and Linda's demo.

Don't forget we would love to see what you are making with your Clarity stamps - you can send them to anblogbui@gmail.com

Helen

Gorgeous New stock on the Shelves

2010-05-31T17:24:00.003+01:00

We have so much new stock in the shop, I have been giving people tours this weekend. Lots of flowers from Petaloo, yummy Tim Holtz goodies, the latest stamps from Clarity and finally the clarity card stock that Barbara Grey uses on her programmes. It is just such fun going in to work when there is so many nice things to play with!!!

Helen should be posting a few cards later, and I will have a new newsletter out later this week.

Coffee Morning, Demos and more!!

2010-05-20T09:24:00.003+01:00

Morning!

Just a quick post today!

Firstly - tomorrow is coffee morning - date changed due to classes in Clonegal last weekend.
As usual it runs from 10.30am to 12 ish. Tomorrow's demo is all about using fabric on cards.

Secondly - Saturday is a Demo day - Linda Dawson is coming all the way from Cork to show us the fab new BCE templates that have arrived in the shop. These templates have been featured on Create and Craft and you will be able to produce some stunning results from these. She will also be showing us some fab new decoupage.
Demo runs from 11am to 4.30. Kerry tells me there will be lots of special offers on the day and there is lots of new stock in the shop

And finally a card!! When this stamp set came in the images didn't appeal to me but the wordings were fab. You can see it here in the shop. Now the whole set has grown on me. Below is card that Kerry made from the set.

Bye for now!

H

Demos, Pictures & New Stock

2010-05-05T22:39:00.007+01:00

Hi there,

Well - where do you start. Lots of news & stuff!

First Kerry tells me she has taken delivery of a new range of products - BCE Templa tes.
Linda Dawson is coming to An Siopa Bui on May 22nd to demo these along with some new die cut decoupage products! So there is a date for your diary!.

Secondly the new stamps from the Artist Proofs range from Hero Arts arrived today. I am in love with these new stamps and all things Hero Arts at the moment. Take a look at their site for ideas and inspiration. They should be on the site in the next day or two - that's if there is any left. I have a few ordered!!

And last but not least - some pictures of the Spring Extravaganza class makes. Here I have some pictures of the wedding album class that Kerry taught. All the products are K & Co.
They came out really well. They papers and embellishments are fab!

Kerry tells me there is a newsletter coming with lots of news and updates.

Slán

H

Cards from Extravaganza

2010-05-01T21:43:00.004+01:00

Hi there,

Well the week has flown by, it only feels like yesteday since I was leaving the Westwood hotel with my head full of new ideas and inspiration. I think at this stage that everyone has recovered and maybe ye are getting to finish the projects that ye started that weekend. We would love to see how your cards, LO's, albums and jewellery turned out. You can send us a link to your blog or a picture of the finished item. I never fail to be amazed at how differently the same project can turn out.
Anyway I taught one class, went to five classes and then had to dash home to other commitments.
I have lots of photos of cards & projects but very little of people - so if anyone has any we would love to see those too. Any pictures can be sent to anblogbui@gmail.com.

Just to whet your appitite here are cards from two of the classes that I went to.

The first was Sandie Dunne's class where we painted with Distress Inks - a technique that I have tried since and will be trying again. She used a lovely Sugar Nellie stamp in the class. I only bought it in An Siopa Bui the day before - very glad I had! Do check out Sandie's Blog for more of her fab cards.

The second card is from Carmen Sheridan's class. In this class we used Stamping Bellas and this time we coloured with Copic Markers! I only managed to get a picture of one of the cards, but you can see more of her work on Carmen's blog.

I have been rubber stamping for a few years and I can never get enough of colouring techniques!

Hope to be back soon with more pictures from the weekend!

H

Communion Cards, Extravaganza & Stamping Bellas!!

2010-04-19T07:23:00.007+01:00

Morning!

Well it is nearly upon us - Spring Craft Extravaganza is on next Saturday & Sunday. If you are planning on coming along please check out the site. Classes can be booked at An Siopa Bui.

I have just put a new batch of Stamping Bellas on the shop site and I have seen pictures of the Stamping Bella class from Carmen Sheridan for next Saturday - I'm so glad I have booked that one.

Now, a few cards - these are cards that Kerry did as a demo at the last coffee morning. All supplies for these cards are available in the shop.

Two Communion Cards.

A confirmation card using a 12x12 scrapbook page which decorated the inside of the card, the envelope and the outside of the card.

So keep checking in for any updates for weekend and for more card ideas.

Bye for now

H

More Advanced Cards

2010-04-16T21:11:00.010+01:00

Dia Daoibh!
Nach raibh lá iontach againn aris! I'm afraid to say the weather is good or to buy summery things in case I jinx it. But hey, it is great as long as it lasts.
It is all go at the moment getting ready for the Spring Extravaganza. So just to get you in the mood for being inspired here are some cards from previous classes.

Here are the rest of the cards from Phil's Advanced Cards class last month:

This lovely card has a 'recessed' image. We used a clarity stamp and thise style of card is very impressive in reality.

These are two samples of the same technique that she brought along to show us.

And last but not least we did an easel card. We stamped the background paper. And the flower is made using punched die-cuts. A fantastic result - and dare I say it these trendy silver/grey colours are growing on me!

That's it for now

Slán

Helen

Timetable is up and booking is open!!!

2010-04-06T13:10:00.002+01:00

Just a quick post for now!!

The timetable for the Spring Extravaganza is now up on the Spring Extravaganza Site.
There you will find all the information for the weekend and you can ask those burning questions you may have.

You can book your classes at An Siopa Bui.

Back later with more class photos!!

H

Lots of news and cards from Philomena's Class

2010-03-31T10:30:00.001+01:00

Hi there,

Well it is all go at An Siopa Bui. We have had a die cutting demo day with Sarah and an Advanced Cards class from Phil not to mention the regular Wednesday class and other creative bits and pieces that have come our way - so lots of photos to come.

But first news!!! Well the big news is that a new site has been launched for the Spring Extravaganza. You can see it here or http://www.wix.com/galway/extravaganza.
The class list is up and the timetable will be published soon. You can also see who will be doing demos and who the tutors are going to be as well as take a look at their blogs. Not everyone is up yet so keep checking back for more inspiration.

Yesterday I uploaded lots of new goodies. The new Ranger/Tim Holtz 2010 collection of Distress Inks have arrived in Spiddal. If you do any blog hopping the work that is being done with these colours are just amazing. Also back in stock is the Ultra Fine Flowersoft and with it came the beautiful Moments In Time stamps as well as the Moments in Time toppers and the recipie toppers. So do take a look!!!

Now back to pictures. We had a lovely day with Phil on Saturday last. I finally managed to get a spot in Phil's Advanced Card class and I certainly won't miss the next one. We did five very different cards with loads of new techniques learned along the way. So here is installment one of that class.

Back Soon

H

The first card we did was a magic slider card! A great technique to learn and you will keep all your friends guessing when you send them one of these.

The next card we did was a diamond top fold card. I love what Phil did with this stamp set (A fisherman set from Woodware). She made a background with versamark on the base of the card. Used the wordings from the set to edge the top image. Some of the images were cut out and embossed. And the cutest bit was stamping out some fish and attaching them with fishing line - very clever!!

This bird is so cute!! A bit of fun for Easter. But it makes you look at Nestabilities and punched out shapes in a whole new light!

Free Demo, Nesties & More

2010-03-12T18:07:00.004Z

Hi there,

It has been all go at An Siopa Bui for the last few days - well it seems to be like that every day now.
Anyway - lots of news and bit and pieces for ye.

First - I've uploaded some new products to the shops site - Darkroom Door stamps and Tim Holtz Crackle paint. Also I've uploaded lots of Nestabilities & Shapeabilities. I have to say my head is well and truly turned by the Darkroom Door stamps. You just have to check out their gallery.

Second - there is a free die-cutting demo in the shop tomorrow (Saturday March 13th). Using Sizzix dies, embossing folders and Spellbinders Nestabilites, Sarah Holden will be making cards, gifts, boxes and more, and showing us how to turn card and paper into something very special.
Amazing Raffle as well with a Sidekick to win, and an amazing second prize of a sweetie box of 500... envelopes in glorious pearlescent colours and all the sizes.
Theme for the day is Cupcakes with a free cupcake for everyone that visits. And if that is not enough there will be 15% of certain Nestabilities & Shapeabilities. Our online customers are not being left out - the 15% off will apply to all Nestabilities & Shapeabilities that are on the site.
We were expecting some new release products from Spellbinders and they will appear online as soon as they arrive.

And last but not least here is a few more of the Clarity samples - these stamps have literally walked out the door leaving us little chance to get them online. As soon as we have some to upload to the shop site we will let ye know.

Bye for now

H

Coffee Morning!!

2010-03-11T10:03:00.006Z

Morning!!

Just a quick post for now - but I will be back later.

Tomorrow's morning's coffee morning will feature a Clarity Stamp demo.
Just to whet your appetite here are some of the samples Kerry and Phil did last week.

H

New Flower Soft has arrived!!

2010-03-05T21:53:00.008Z

Hi again,

Hope all are well and getting lots of crafting done in these cold evenings, not to mention being inspired by the lovely sunny days.
I saw it in the magazines last month and didn't expect to see it in the flesh for another while, but it arrived in Spiddal last weekend - what am I on about?? The fab new Ultra Fine Flowersoft!! And the fabby new toppers to go with it. I'm totally smitten with them. They are all on the shop site.
I'm including some pictures sent to us by Flowersoft. We had a bit of a play with it last Sunday in the shop - and it so much easier to work with than the original and that is saying a lot!!

Kerry is in Dublin on Sunday for her classes and a lot of the shop is going too!

All going well we will have some new Clarity stamps to upload to the shop site next week. The first delivery went before we had chance to put it on the shop site. I have some pictures of samples that Kerry and Phil made and these will be here on the blog in the next few days.

Later

H

Play day and new products

2010-02-25T23:05:00.007Z

Hi there,

Back again - wasn't expecting to be here so soon again, but just had to tell ye the news. Kerry & Kim were having a late evening getting the Yellow club out. They rang to tell me about a box that had arrived - New Ultra Fine Flowersoft!!! I had seen it in the magazines but didn't expect to see it 'in the flesh' for a while. But it is here - well in Spiddal!! You can have a peek here.

Sunday's scrapbooking event has changed slightly. Instead of a kit/class and a crop the crop has been replaced by a Clarity stamp & Flowersoft play day. Clarity stamps are new to An Siopa Bui. You can check them out here. There will be a materials bag for each person to play with and of course the use of the stamps, inks, flowersoft, glue etc on the table.

Coming along for the day will cost €20. Coming along for the play day costs €5 - but it must be booked as places are limited.

I'm off to charge the camera - going to be a busy weekend!

H

A few Wednesday Makes!!!

2010-02-25T09:31:00.005Z

Morning!!

It is beautiful and sunny out and the frost is melting quickly!!

I just wanted to show you a few of the samples that have been coming out of the Wednesday morning classes.

I hear that Clarity stamps have arrived in the shop - I can't wait to see them. Tomorrow is Friday
Scrapping Morning so might see some of ye tomorrow.

Keep checking back - I believe there is a change to a weekend class to include some new products - details to follow later today.

Bye for now

H

Two similar door signs using a 'Gorjuss Girl' from Sugar Nellie and some 'mad' new card from the Payperbox. The finished item looks realy well! The pink card is made using some new Hero Arts stamps and punches.

New offers, new products and a freebie!!

2010-02-20T16:59:00.010Z

Hi there,

It may be cold out but it is nearly the end of February and that means trade shows & Confirmations. Kerry is off to Birmingham for a trade show tomorrow and we are doing some offers while she is away.

Offer 1

* Choose any 4 Cute Companion Stamp sets and pay only 40 Euro (this is almost half price!),

* Choose any 2 Cute Companion Stamp sets and pay only 25 Euro.

This offers is only until midnight on Friday 26 February and will be calculated at the till in the shop - it won't show up in your basket on the site as it is a one time only offer.

Go straight to the link below to check what you need!

http://www.ansiopabui.ie/view_products.asp?id=1453&sectid=118

Offer 2

Spend over 50 Euros on the Web site or in the shop and get a free copy of the fantastic Special Edition of Creative Cardmaking. This amazing magazine isn't available for purchase in Easons or any newsagent and has a massive 66 pages of ideas for cards plus 32 card quality pages of printed designs for you to use. It retails at €5.75!

Offer 3

Communions and Confirmations - we carry the largest range of card, papers and embellishments for use on cards for those really special occassions. A great way to take a look at the range and see the quality is to try the card packs - 4 pearlescent cards and lots and lots and lots of embellishements (Kerry once taught a class of 15 out of one pack!). We are offering a massive 20 percent of these packs until Friday midnight.

http://www.ansiopabui.ie/view_products.asp?id=1822&sectid=154

Have a good weekend!!

H

Some card samples and a new calendar feature

2010-02-12T17:19:00.009Z

Hi there,

Can you believe it is Friday again?!?!.
I hear there was a lovely coffee morning today and just to add to the fun and games a delivery arrived while everyone was there. I love being in the shop when there is new goodies being unpacked - I guess the child in me is never going to grow up!

I have added a new Google calendar to the blog, with our upcoming events. If you use Google calendar then you can add our events to your own calendar. I'm also working on a calendar on Facebook - I'd love to hear if these are working for you or if you have some other calendar ideas to help us keep you up to date and schedule your crafty diary!

So here are a few of the samples we got from Hero Arts with the new 2010 products.
Hope ye like them

Enjoy the weekend

H

Spring 2010 Class Schedule

2010-02-08T12:46:00.001Z

Afternoon,

Just a quick post to let you know the new Spring 2010 class schedule is now up on the blog - just select the classes tab at the top of the page. Be sure to scroll down the page - there are now weekend and weekday classes and events.

Getting some pictures ready to put up also.

Back soon

Helen

New Goodies & Classes!

2010-01-21T22:44:00.006Z

Hello again.

It has been all go this week! The new Hero Arts 2010 collection has arrived. It is available in the shop and online. There has also been a delivery of some new Red Hot Bed kits - they caused some excitement on their arrival - I can't wait to see them

At this stage you should have received your newsletter either by email or regular mail and you now know about all the upcoming classes and events.

The classes tab will be updated in the coming days.

Don't forget the budget weekend is this Saturday and Sunday, (the end of January is coming around really fast!)

Here is a little taster of some of the new Hero Arts stock - I was pleasantly surprised by so many 'new' styles and images in this collection!

Bye for now

Happy 2010!!! Back to the happy world of crafting!

2010-01-12T20:55:00.010Z

Hello, remember me?

Between the flooding back in November, the preparations for Christmas and the current cold snap and the disorganisation it brings, there hasn't been much bloging or even crafting for many.

But now it is time to get back into the swing of things. Hope ye have included some crafty resolutions in your lists for this year and hope ye are making a start on them. I'm happy to say I'm making some headway on some household decluttering and hope to follow that with some crafty re-organisation that will hopefully show some creative results.

I do have a stash of photos from 2009 that I want to show ye, they will be out of season but at least you can be having a look. They should help those that have resolved to make their Christmas Cards all through the year instead of a mad panic in November!!

I will start putting up those photos in the next few days.

If you have been watching the shop site or the blog you will know that there is a Budget Weekend at the shop on Sat & Sun 23rd &24th January 2010. There are some new classes but there are also some classes that just couldn't take place during the Christmas Extravaganza due to the adverse weather.

Kerry will be sending newsletters (both email & snail mail) in the next few days, with plans for the next while. In the meantime here are the sneak peaks from Sandie Dunne's mini book class that is scheduled for Sunday 24th Jan. If you have taken some lovely snowy photos in the last few weeks, this is an ideal opportunity to get them into an album!!

Helen

Back at work in the ice and snow!

2010-01-05T15:28:00.002Z

Kim and I are back at work today - slipping and sliding all the way!

I am busy planning our schedule of classes and events for the first quarter of the year. If you are interested in having a workshop in your area, please get in touch with me to discuss it!

We are keeping warm by sorting out the shop, organising the sale and generally getting ready for a great New Year.

The sale starts on Friday 8th, which is also our coffee morning day! Because of the weather, we have decided that we will have 2 coffee mornings in January, this Friday and next, just taking one day at a time, and seeing what the weather brings us.

Hope to see you soon!

We wish you a merry Christmas ..........

2009-12-22T11:02:00.002Z

The last few days have been so hectic with ice and snow everywhere that things have fallen a little behind schedule, and now I look at my calender and it is almost time for Santa to come down the chimney! Hope he doesn't burn his bum because I think most houses will have a fire on if the weather continues!

I am putting together a newsletter which will be emailed today - sorry (it will only reach the postal people next year).

We will be closed from lunchtime on 24 December and will reopen on 5 January.

Have a wonderful warm and cosy crafting Christmas inside with lots of hot chocolate!

from Kerry and Kim

p.s.. Save the Date - January 23 &24 - Budget Weekend!

Christmas Discount Shopping weekend and more

2009-12-10T17:44:00.002Z

Well here is a little update and a funny story......

Tomorrow morning (Friday) is the Christmas coffee morning in the shop - please come, I know it is going to be great fun and it is really extra special this year as we have a guest demonstrator from CX4. Arlene will be showing us stunning ideas from her wonderful decoupage range!

Now for the funny part - I won't be there. I am really sad, but I got the 24 hour clock muddled up and booked my flight for 7 in the morning instead of 7 in the evening. It was just too dear to change! Philomena is going to host the coffee morning which I know is going to be fab - she has bought the food (something different to what I choose) and I know it will be really special!

Don't forget to bring along a gift to swop. It can be something from your stash around 10 Euro in value, and something you would like to receive.

The whole Spiddal Craft Centre is having a discount weekend this weekend with each shop doing something special. At An Siopa Bui, we have decided to extend our weekend to include Friday (and the coffee morning). 20% off everything including all our great Christmas toys and stocking fillers. We have great goodies for crackers and cracker snaps in stock!

Stamping Bellas & Class dates and times!!!

2009-11-27T20:00:00.007Z

Hi there,

Hope all are well as well as being safe and dry - it was one hell of a week. While many of us are safe and dry in front of the Toy Show tonight in our own homes, there are so many that are in other accommodation tonight, so spare a thought for them!.

Been busy today putting up all the Stamping Bella stamps we have in stock in the shop - take a look at them here - be sure to look at all the sections, you will be pleasantly surprised to find there is more to Stamping Bella than actual Bella stamps.

Also you may have received a newsletter update from Kerry about the rescheduled Extravaganza classes. You can now see them all listed here or on the classes tab at the top of the blog. Also check out the coffee morning tab to find out more about our Christmas Coffee Morning.

Chat soon

H

Extravaganza Update 21st November

2009-11-21T19:24:00.002Z

Hi guys,

Hope u all still safe & dry!!

There is a much reduced extravaganza timetable happening this weekend. I hear that those that got there today had a ball. Today's card making classes are being rescheduled to next Sunday November 29th. Kits from today's scrapbooking classes will be available in the shop during the week.
Tomorrow's classes are as follows. Judy's Family Scrapbooking class starts at 11am, followed by a short lunch break and then it will be Kerry's Beautiful Book class.
All other classes are being rescheduled and we will keep you informed as we get confirmation of available times and dates.

So keep safe and chat tomorrow!!!

H

Extravaganza Update

2009-11-20T21:26:00.002Z

Evening All!!

Hope ye are all well, safe and dry!
Due to the adverse weather conditions we are literally taking it one day at a time as regards the Extrvaganza classes. Today we decided to postpone the Cardmaking classes by Siobhan Wilkins & Evonne Reidy that were scheduled for tomorrow Saturday 21st November - they will be now be taking place on Sunday November 29th. The scrapbooking classes with Judy Addison will be going ahead. Judy flew into Galway Airport and bypassed all the traffic and flood issues. Methinks I need a helicopter. I'm also thinking about the silver lining on this cloud - if I manage to get out of the island of Athenry I will be able to do both sets of classes - something that wasn't possible before this weather arrived.
Tomorrow we will make a decision on the Sunday classes.

So keep checking in and stay safe!!!

Helen

Coffee Morning Tomorrow

2009-11-12T17:05:00.001Z

November Coffee Morning - Friday 13th

Hi there,
Just a quick reminder that tomorrow is Coffee Morning at the shop.
The timing has changed slightly to 10.00am to 12.30. This should help those on a school pick up schedule. Tomorrow the theme of the demo will be the inside of your cards.
There are new goodies coming in for the Extravaganza so there will be some new things to see.
As usual there will be coffee, tea, cakes, magazines and brochures!!

See you there

H

Demo Day coming up...

2009-11-03T23:39:00.009Z

.... this Saturday 7th November. Boxes have been arriving and I hear there is great excitement about all the new arrivals. Kerry and Helen will be demonstrating lots of exciting new goodies.

Among these will be the new Texture Boutique Embossing Machine from Sizzix as well as some new embossing folders and dies.

There will also be demos with the new Christmas Embossing Boards from Crafters Companion. These boards are designed to slot into the Ultimate Pro - if you don't have one of these already there well worth looking at as a crafty christmas present.

So what other goodies are to be had on Saturday?? If you haven't heard we are now stocking Sugar Nellie stamps - they are only available in the bricks and mortar shop. There are also the delightful stamps from Darkroom Door and other Tim Holtz/Ranger goodies and I believe there is more boxes due tomorrow.

Also there is a lucky draw for every customer - you should win a prize or get a discount voucher.

The latest newsletter and details of the Christmas Extravaganza were emaile yesterday and will be in the regular post in the next day or two.
I have also added the Extravaganza timetable and class information to the 'Spiddal Extravaganza' tab at the top of the blog. Blogspot doesn't allow you to do attachments so I've had to load them on Scribd first. Hope you can download the info from there. If not you can always contact the shop and get yourself added to our email or postal lists.

Think that's all the news for now

Oiche Mhaith!

Helen

Looking up!

2009-10-29T10:45:00.002Z

The website is back up and running with our new faster server. The Christmas Extravaganza classes are up and open for booking and the Sugar Nellie Stamps have arrived - Wow!!!

And really well priced.

We cannot sell them online so pop into the shop, or contact me for a list!

kerry@ansiopabui.ie

Christmas Extravaganza

2009-10-27T16:37:00.003Z

I have the class lists and timetable ready, and now my website people decide to move me to a new server - couldn't have chosen worse timing!

If you would like an advance copy of the timetable, email me at kerrycolson@eircom.net or ansiopabui@hotmail.com (not sure about the website one during the changeover!).

The list looks fantastic and as we are limiting places to between 8 and 12 per class, booking early is advised. We have already had people booking in, without even knowing what classes we are offering!

It is going to be fantastic .... I am so very excited .. again.

The website will be up soon.

New products etc....

2009-10-23T22:18:00.002+01:00

Hi there,

I've just finished putting up some new products. Cute hedgehog toppers from Flowersoft. I know there are lots of Hedgehog fans out there. Also Kerry is close to finalising the Christmas Extravaganza - had confirmation today that Siobhan Wilkins will be teaching over the weekend. Anyone that did her elegant cards class in Athlone will know she is a fab teacher with really fab projects.

That's it for now

H

Sugar Nellie at the Siopa Bui

2009-10-21T18:11:00.002+01:00

Its seems that I have so much to blog about at the moment. I have just finished placing my very first order for Sugar Nellie stamps. These beautiful stamps are going to be available in our shop, (and our mobile shop - in Dublin on 15 November, Cork 5 December and more).

They are a really special range of stamps with beautiful images and we are really proud to be associated with this Scottish company who have some stunning designs.

They will be featured at our Christmas Extravaganza which is reaching the final stages of planning today.

Classes are updated

2009-10-21T16:55:00.000+01:00

Hi there,

Just to let ye all know the weekday and weekend class schedule is now available on the classes tab at the top of the blog

H

Christmas Extravaganza - Judy Addison is coming

2009-10-21T09:36:00.002+01:00

Just a quick post - to announce that it is confirmed! Judy Addison is coming to teach at our Christmas Extravaganza

Christmas Extravaganza

2009-10-20T18:52:00.002+01:00

I have had a great day today planning our Christmas Extravaganza. We have some really nice classes lined up including some very nice scrapbooking ones ..... watch this space.

I just really wanted to invite anyone who was interested in teaching a class to contact me.

We really like to be inclusive in our shop, so if you are interested in teaching, please do get in touch.

We have 2 classrooms this year, which is really exciting!

Please email me or give me a ring at the shop - kerry@ansiopabui.ie

Whiff of Joy Stamps

2009-10-09T00:58:00.005+01:00

Last installment for tonight. I've just loaded up the new Whiff of Joy stamps to the shop site.

You can see them here. There are 24 different designs - they are so cute. Here are one or two to whet your appitite.

Coffee Morning Tomorrow

2009-10-08T21:00:00.004+01:00

Hi there,

Just a quick reminder that tomorrow is Coffee Morning at the shop. The timing has changed slightly to 10.00am to 12.30. This should help those on a school pick up schedule. Tomorrow there will be demos with the new Flower Soft Snow Globe products, the new Whiff of Joy stamps and copic markers.
There will be a raffle tomorrow and there should be more than enough for everyone to go away with a prize. For tomorrow only the tickets will be €2.00 and all proceeds will go to Petra's Trust . As usual there will be coffee, tea, cakes, magazines and brochures!!

See you there

H

New Stock, Copics and 20% sale!!!

2009-10-05T01:26:00.002+01:00

Hi there,

Slowly getting back to routine after GBCE - a great weekend but it is over!
So back to business here on An Blog Bui.
A couple of updates for you tonight. As mentioned below Kerry is offering 20% off all online purchases to celebrate World Cardmaking Day. This offer runs out on Monday night (5/10/09).
I've just added some lovely new products to the site and they are nearly all Christmas related - there is no getting away from it now.
The new Snow Globes products from Flower Soft are here and here

The new Winter Tales range from Cute Companions can be found here

The new range of stamps for Christmas from Craft UK are here

And finally a new range of 8x8 paper pads from GCD studios can be found here

Usually most of the posts from Kerry are about being excited and unpacking boxes - well there is sad news for a change! The 4 tier stand of Copic markers is going back to the suppliers on Tuesday next. It came for GBCE and now we are going back to the 2 tier stand. If you are looking for particular colours from the Copic Ciao range to complete or add to your collection, then contact the shop to have them put away for you.

That's it for now, back later in the week with information on challenges, classes and pictures from the last demo day with Phil in the shop!!

Later

H

Happy World Cardmaking Day

2009-10-02T17:16:00.003+01:00

Read about this in my American magazine subscription which arrived yesterday! To celebrate we are offering a massive 20% off on all web orders this weekend - ending on Monday night 5th October (as my weekend ends on a Monday).

Enjoy! - Kerry

Mini News Update

2009-09-30T09:40:00.002+01:00

Firstly I would just like to thank everyone who worked together to make the GBCE a success. I know it wasn't perfect!, but hopefully everyone enjoyed themselves and had a good time. I value feedback, so any that you have (constructive, positive or negative) send it along, it will all be stirred into the pot to make next year's event even better.

Back to work, other than unpacking boxes, we have lots of exciting things to plan for the autumn winter schedule. We have a newsletter out with all the classes (with the exception of the wedding one, which I left off). If you would like a copy emailed to you, simply drop me a line and I will send it on. I will also be uploading all the classes to the website and the blog in the next day or so.

We are going to have a great challenge this month ... announced in a couple of days. So watch this space!

Oh! and finally - we are very excited to have unpacked the latest goodies from Flowersoft. The Snowglobes are in, as well as the fantastic CD and the toppers. This is one that I will certainly be having for myself!

It's almost here!!

2009-09-24T16:17:00.002+01:00

Can you believe it - the GBCE starts tomorrow!!

Looking forward to seeing and catching up with so many over the weekend.

An Blog Bui has been a bit neglected of late, but as of next week we will be back to normal and more regular posting.

So much work and preparation has been going into GBCE, there just isn't enough hours in the day to keep everything going.

Thank you for the entries for the floral challenge. We will announce the winner next week.

Talk soon

H

Copic Ciao Markers on the site

2009-09-13T12:42:00.003+01:00

Just a quick post today. Have just uploaded all the colours of the new Copic Ciao Markers - all 72 of them!!

Hope ye all enjoying our little taste of Summer!!

Challenge Update

2009-09-10T21:48:00.004+01:00

Hi guys,

Missing my broadband terribly - long story!!

But just a reminder about the current challenge - the theme is Floral. The original closing date was 15th September but it is now extended to Thursday 24th September.

Looking forward to lots of creative entries.

H

A Full Season of Classes and Workshops

2009-09-05T17:16:00.002+01:00

Our newsletter is out next week with a full season of workshops and classes in a wide range of crafts. To be sure you get a copy of the newsletter (available as a PDF or by snail mail) - send us an email to ansiopabui@hotmail.com and we will make sure you get a copy.

Hero Arts Stock (and more) is In

2009-08-27T16:25:00.001+01:00

Very very excited now the first boxes of Christmas stuff started coming in today. All new Hero Arts. (if you commented to get the catalogues, please email me as I am not sure who all of you are?) I have also started unpacking 4 fabulous boxes from RedhotBed which are just the best for those giant stunning, but quick and easy christmas cards.

Don't forget that Phil will be showing us all the goodies at our demo day on 5th of September.

More soon

Where has August gone??

2009-08-21T18:28:00.002+01:00

... hard to believe it is the last week before back to school.

Was trying to upload the photos from the cocktail evening but blogger is not letting me.
Ye will just have to go over to Facebook to see some of them.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Spiddal-Ireland/An-Siopa-Bui/208189460095?ref=nf

That's it for now - making a run for it before blogger crashes again

later

Helen

Great Big News!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-08-12T19:34:00.000+01:00

Helen here, just a tiny bit excited, well actually really excited. Got the class list from Kerry and it is now up on the blog - go check it out!!!
http://greatbigcraftextravaganza.wordpress.com/

Coffee Morning Excitement

2009-08-12T16:31:00.003+01:00

We have our coffee morning this Friday and I am even more excited than usual as we have a guest demonstrator. Anne Mullen is coming from Castlebar to do a demo and a bit of 'Show and Tell'

Anne is going to be teaching one of the master classes at the GBCE Athlone and does some really lovely work.

We meet at 10:30 and the demo starts at 12:00.

Hope to see you

Been doing some naughty (but nice) shopping for the shop

2009-08-08T11:51:00.002+01:00

Hi Kerry here,

Just wanted to drop by and tell you that in between working hard at getting everything ready for the exciting launch of the class lists for the Great Big Craft Extravaganza, I have also managed to do some buying.

Bought lots of nice goodies for the sale (more about that on Monday), but I also bought some v. v. nice new Hero Arts stamps. The Winter Supplement is out and it is lovely - the creative brain in working in overdrive. Lookout for the pre-buys on the site. We have some Christmas catalogues coming in, and they will be available to order (at a minimal cost), but for followers of the blog, I am giving away a few postage and cost free. Comment on this mail (the first 5) and I will post you your own set free.

I have also bought some new Christmas Teddy Bear things from Crafters Companion that haven't been launched and I am not allowed to talk about - so watch the space for them too.

Challenge winner & details of new challenge.

2009-08-06T13:28:00.004+01:00

Hi there,

Can you believe it is August already - you would be forgiven for thinking it was March with the weather we are having!!

Anyway, down to important crafty business.

The winner of the masculine challenge was entry No. 4 - the lovely motorbike was created from scratch (no template!!) by Claudia Short. Well done Claudia.

The next challenge theme is Floral. Again any kind of project - card, layout, book etc.
Prize is a Floral pack - 6 packs of silk and chiffon flowers, Floral papers, floral embellishments, ribbon etc.

Closing date for this challenge is Saturday 15th September - should leave you with a little time to get your GBCE challenges done as well.

Back soon

H

12x12 Demo Day

2009-07-29T13:21:00.005+01:00

Here are some of the lovely items that were made with 12x12 paper and cardstock.
I know we all have lots of this lurking around at home - so I hope this inspires you to start using it up!!!

Some gift bags and presentation boxes - Bree Van DeKamp/Hodge better watch out these are fab.

And that's not all!! More pics to come in a day or two!!

H

Bits & Pieces of News

2009-07-27T01:29:00.002+01:00

Hi again,

Been doing lots of updating today. There are new pictures on the blog of June's masculine challenge. There are some great ideas there. At least I don't have to choose a winner.

The new Spellbinders pendants & borderabilities are now on the shop site - if you are looking for ideas on these - check out the Spellbinders site - there some fab ideas and blog links there
http://www.spellbinderspaperarts.com/

Also added some new Sizzix accessories and dies.

Will be offline for a few days so I have scheduled some posts to upload later in the week - hope it works

Later

H

Masculine Challenge

2009-07-27T01:01:00.005+01:00

Hi again,

Remember last month's Masculine challenge. Well finally here they are. There wasn't the same volume of entries as we had for the Scallop challenge but the quality was definitely there.
The prize was 3 cuttlebug folders.
Not sure when or what the next challenge will be, but will keep ye posted.

Entry No. 1

Entry No. 2

Entry No. 3

Entry No. 4

Entry No. 5

Entry No. 6

Entry No. 7

Entry No. 8

Entry No. 9

Entry No. 10

The Races are nearly here.....

2009-07-25T22:20:00.003+01:00

... and as they say around here once the races are over, it's nearly Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!

The time is flying by and our 'summer' will soon be gone.

Was in the shop on Friday and there is lots of new bits and pieces in. I spyed the Tim Holtz Alcohol Ink Fillable Pen Markers and Bazzill Quote Stickers. The new Flower Soft is in - it is scrummy. Also arrived today is the new Spellbinders pendants and matching borderabilities.
All will be on the site soon.

As you know the summer extravaganza is next weekend - looking forward to seeing some of you there. There is lots of work going on in the background for the GBCE - so keep checking in for updates.

Just to keep ye going here are some of the cards from the last Dublin workshop.

We are in the Galway Advertiser

2009-07-23T09:46:00.003+01:00

We are getting really excited about the Summer Extravaganza next weekend (31, 1 and 2), and we are now even more excited because we have a picture in the Galway Advertiser.

Grainne (who works for us on Weekends and Holidays) kindly modelled some of our cards and jewellery.

A nice update for a rainy day

2009-07-21T17:07:00.000+01:00

Hi there,

Helen here, just to let you know that Kerry has sent out an update newsletter - if you not on the circulation list, please contact the shop.

The new Stamping Bellas are in - they are only available in the bricks and mortar shop.

And finally a nice little discount surprise for our online customers. Until Sunday night - all Sizzix stock is 15% off - just because of the rain and because this has to be crafting weather.

Chat soon

Helen

Spellbinders Pendants coming soon

2009-07-19T14:21:00.002+01:00

I was just very naughty - you can blame Sarah H - bad (or good influence) and I have just bought the new Spellbinder Pendant range.