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Thanks, Shaz XX

Wednesday 21 January 2015

WOYWW #294

Well my desk finally has something different on it, even though its only new stash! Doug decided we needed a few hours out of the house, and as we also needed wild bird food, we drove over to Webbs Garden Centre, about 20 minutes away from us. Its quite a big, award winning centre, and there are coach trips all year to it from all over the country. It also has a Lakeland on site, an Outdoor gear centre, one for hot tubs, as well as a Hobbycrafts, and the Garden Centre itself is huge, with an amazing selection of stuff,an Aquatic area as well as a vast range indoors of all sorts of home/giftware. I did have a browse in Hobbycrafts, strangely enough, and for once came away with a few bits. One thing I wanted was some smooth watercolour paper, to try out my Brushos with some stamping. Got that, check. Some low tack masking tape, a couple of glue runners, the Stix2, I've tried Hobbycrafts own brand and didn't like them. Doug picked up some Glue sticks, called Blu sticks. Goes on blue and dries clear. 50p each. Bargain.I spotted a 3 pack trial size of Aleenes glues. I already have the Aleenes Tack it Over and Over for my U/m stamps, and love it, so thought I'd try some more in the range. Not a big user of 'wet' glues, but sometimes its what you need- these three are Tacky glue, Fast Grab Tacky and Quick Dry Tacky Glue.
The three pack Sellotape rolls were Christmas stock being sold off, so ready for next year. Assuming that I a) remember I bought them, and b) can find them. To be honest, neither option is very likely. A Tim Holtz die, Eiffel Tower and Fleur De Lis,which was £6.50, and as that's generally around the £12 mark another bargain. The feather die was a freebie with a crafting Magazine I spotted earlier in the day in Tesco.There is also a clear stamp there with a cute little bird and an owl.I have to say that over the last couple of years I've become disenchanted with Hobbycrafts- I generally rarely come out with anything other than adhesives- and this trip wasn't really much different, apart from the Bigz die.  To me, it seems like Hobbycrafts try to cover too much ground, and fall down, especially in cardmaking, by having a bit of everything, but not a lot of choice overall. For instance, they had only 4 different Bigz dies, and I think I counted 8 Nestie sets. But that's just my take on it.
The other items on my desk were a present from Marg, Silvercrafter, who brought them over to me last week. Clear Clarity stamps, as you can see, geometric shapes and bunting, as well as an Alpha set. I love the fact that the shapes have a 'positive' stamp, as well as open ones. The other pack is matching masks for the geometric shapes. Inky fun will be had very soon, I'm sure. Thanks Marg.
 A final note for you, I had my scans a couple of weeks ago, and a meeting with the surgeon last week. Mixed news, to be fair. Firstly, and the real positive from this, is that the cancer has not spread to my Liver or Lungs, its just confined to the rectum. On the downside, the radiotherapy has not shrunk it by as much as he would want before removing it, so I have to have another round of Chemo, this time IV. Don't know when yet, waiting for the Oncologist appointment to come through, so will have to wait to get more details of how often/when/how long for. The good side is that it will be at our local hospital, which is only a 10 minute drive away. Like I said, not what we wanted to hear, so a bit disappointing overall, but the news that it hasn't spread is fantastic.
 Have a great Wednesday everyone, and if you are new here and wondering what its all about, get yourself off over to our Head of Desks, Julia, at The Stamping Ground, and join in the snooping!

30 comments:

jill said...

Those bargains were well worth a trip out to the garden centre.
Bet your glad Doug suggested it now . Happy woyww Jill #18

Neet said...

Well, the good news is, it hasn't spread. I can see it is not the news you wanted to hear but it could have been a lot worse.
Ho[e the little shopping trip helped as I find retail therapy is the best.
Thinking of you.
Hugs, Neet 3 xx

Helen said...

Hope the appointment comes through soon - shame the tumour hasn't shrunk more but as you say, very good news it hasn't spread. Keep strong! Your shopping trip looks very successful. Helen 4

Queenie Jeannie said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your cancer news. I know you feel disappointed, rightfully so!, but it could be so much worse. Hugs and prayers that things go smoothly for you and that you are FREE from it very, very soon!

I think finding good bits is a cyclic thing. Sometimes you find tons and sometimes the pickings are slim, lol! Enjoy your new things!

Happy Crafting!
Jeannie #14

Lunch Lady Jan said...

I don't like shopping in Hobbycraft much....it's neither one thing or the other..... But it's good to be proved wrong occasionally and pick up a few good pieces :-). Glad you enjoyed the trip out!
I know you're taking the positive out of the recent news...it's the only way to go but I'm sending big squishies to you anyway :-)
Hugs, LLJ 25 xx

MrsC.x said...

hugs i hope that your health improves when the next round of chemo starts.

enjoy your new stash

Happy WOYWW
love Mrs C.xx #29

http://craftroomdiary.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/woyww-january-21st-2014.html

Anne said...

Hi Shaz. So glad that the cancer has not spread - good news indeed! Shame that the radiotherapy has not worked as well as you hoped. Totally agree re Hobbycraft! I saw that stamp in said magazine and also a feather die in another and couldn't decide! Anne x # #37

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

ah Shaz good and bad news as you say so glad it had not spread but will pray for next step to be smooth and not too unpleasant...

Am glad to see some crafty goodies and think there were some bargains indeed there.. happy WOYWW and every blessing of the Lord in the health department, Shaz in Oz.x #38?

Eliza said...

It's all bad news, I see it as good news it hasn't spread. Good for you too getting some retail therapy it looks like you went om a glue spending spree LOL I tend to do things like that too, not intentionally of course but I get the mood going and then hunting down particular glue's then I get into OCD mood with it. Thanks for sharing your news, it is always in my mind how you are doing, stay strong. Sending cyber hugs from Yoda and I, he does love a cuddle.

Hugs Eliza & Yoda 35
Happy WOYWW

Debbie Rock said...

Oh I do SO agree about the large craft store that you mention ... I have a slightly different name for them and only ever venture to our local branch if absolutely unavoidably necessary. Love your Tim Holtz die and yes, what a bargain! Have to admit to getting all tingly at the very sound of anything Tim Holtzy!!!! Fab news about the cancer being contained but can understand your disappointment at having to have more chemo ... you'll get there, just sorry it will take a wee bit longer than hoped. No time to WOYWW this week. Love to you dear friend. xXx

Anonymous said...

Love your stash! And hey, some good news is better than NO good news, so keep positive and know all the WOYWW family is pulling for you! Maybe by the crop you'll have some better news to share. I'll be holding out for that.
Have a Happy WOYWW day!
Mary Anne (6)

MaggieC (Silvercrafter) said...

Good morning, Shaz. Glad you managed to find this bargains at Hobbycraft. If I go to Webbs, I always have smooch in there but rarely find very much that I cannot get at a better price online, and more choice online. Hope you enjoy playing with the Clarity sets, mine go everywhere with me when I go to workshops etc. Hope you soon get your appointments through and get started on this next stage. xx Maggie

Christine said...

Mixed bag of news for you - stay strong and positive.

I love to spend the day out at Webbs, we usually go 'house' shopping just before Christmas - I have a great Lemax village for under my tree. PJ bought me the Library last Christmas. I shop the rest of the store with my hands in my pockets!!!
Enjoy your new stash.

Bishopsmate #55

Marit said...

You picked up (and received) some lovely materials! I love the feather and am fond of alphabet stamps.. these look so cute! Enjoy playing with it all, Happy woyww and a hug from Holland, Marit #51

House of Bears said...

Sorry to hear your mixed news but thankfully it hasn't spread.

I've been to Hobbycraft a few times and agree they try to spread themselves too thinly. I've often come out with nothing.

Horace @ no. 45

CraftygasheadZo said...

Loving your news bits and bobs. Glad to hear the Cancer hasn't spread and while it's not quite what you wanted to hear least you know what's happening going forward. Let's hope the revised plan works and goes as we all wish. Thinking of you. Take care Zo xx 32

Brenda B said...

I've never been to a Hobbycraft when I've been in England, seems like it's good for a bargain though. Brilliant news about the cancer not spreading, sorry the radiotherapy didn't work as well as hoped, but there's always a silver lining. Keep positive.

Hugs
Brenda 57

trisha too said...

Well good about it not spreading, that is very good--and to be able to be closer to home, that will make things less stressful.

Fun new stuff!!! You can definitely have a good play with all of that!

Happy woyww to you!
:)trisha
#68 today with
monoprinting

Anonymous said...

Dear Shaz, glad you found some goodies to bring home; even though adhesive isn't wildly exciting to purchase, it's ever so handy to have lots of choices on hand. Re: your comment about the markers on my blog -- Ranger/Tim are releasing one new Distress color each month in 2015. The ink, paint, marker, stain, etc. will all be available. And it's a big secret what the colors will be, so of course we lemmings will hang on every announcement -- ha, ha. Very glad to hear your disease has not spread and sorry to hear that another chemo round must be faced. Saying a prayer for you. ~ Laura #65

PaperOcotilloStudio said...

That looks like a fun pile of stuff for your stash :) My DH is also in treatment for rectal cancer and he is doing fine on the chemotherapy IV..not a horrible drug as they go. You will be plenty OK to play with all those fun things while you recover! Happy WOYWW Shel#71

Unknown said...

What wonderful goodies to play with! I've been seeing a lot of feather stencils--and I think I need one! Happy WOYWW! Sandy Leigh #59

Shoshi said...

Lovely lot of new stash, Shaz! I am so glad you were able to go out for a bit of retail therapy. Does us the world of good!

It's bad that the cancer hasn't shrunk as much as they would have liked, but very good that it hasn't spread. I hope your appointment comes through soon, and that even if the new treatment is a bit more radical, it won't be too unpleasant for you. You know I am thinking of you!!!

Happy WOYWW,
Shoshi #44

Krisha said...

Thanks for taking time to visit this week.
Lovely new stash!! I have that large die and LOVE it!
Good news is always good news, even if there is a second part of bad news. I think your good news is much bigger ( and a blessing) than your bad news.
Hang in there we are all praying for you.

Artatag said...

It is good to hear, the cancer hasn´t spread, that is very important. I press all fingers that you get well through the "rest" also. I have my quarterly checkup tomorrow, still a nerve wrecking appointment.
A clever thing was your shopping gets your thoughts into another direction.
Hugs
Gabriele 36

fairy thoughts said...

I've never been a big hobbycraft fan either... I remember going there a while ago looking for some TH stuff.... they had never heard of him and then I found it around the corner....Doh!
which magazine was the feather die in ... I would love to get it.
I have been thinking about you recently ... good news and not so much .... but not bad news so that has to be good too eh!
Are you thinking you might be able to come to the crop in May.... I do hope so it would be great to see... maybe nearer the time...... take care mate
janet #19

pearshapedcrafting said...

Wow! That must be some garden centre! Nothing like that around here! Looks as though you got some bargains, although I agree about Hobbycraft, which despite the size of the company doesn't seem to be run by crafters!!
Sorry the news wasn't as good as you had hoped, so hang on to the positives, will be thinking about you and hope they get on with getting you some appointments fixed soon! Thanks for visiting! Hugs, Chrisx 54

sandra de said...

Well at least Hobbycraft has stocked your adhesives for the whole of 2015 and at a bargain. We don't have Hobbycraft and the site you went to sounds lovely. Sending you big hugs from across the oceans as you hang onto the good news along with the not so good.
sandra de @43

Julia Dunnit said...

Well, is it Ok to say 'bummer' about the need for IV chemo?!! On the other hand, as you say..if it's main thing a 'no spread' function, then IV chemo it must be..
I'm with you about Hobbycraft...to be honest, any store that's got central ordering system is going to suffer from not having the right stuff if you ask me..they tend to only re-stock waht has sold and of course they take the listed best sellers from their suppliers. Although my nearest HC stocks stamps from Personal Impressions that I used to look at it their catalogue over eleven years ago when I had my shop....not exactly inspiring!

okienurse said...

Well that is some good news mixed in with the bad. I love your attitude over this through out the posts. It is a hard time but realizing that it hasn't spread and there is more available to combat is is reassuring I am sure. We don't have a Hobbycraft here but I go to Michaels a lot to buy stuff and they have tons of stuff. If you want something shipped over let me know. Have a great week. Vickie #33

Kyla said...

That is positive news that it hasn't spread and that you are able to have the next round of IV at the local hospital.
Loving your new stash, I too have some of those mini glues to try out and thought about the feather die too when I spotted the magazine (but then I spotted a modern quilting magazine and the rest is history!!).

Great gift in the post too (much nicer than bills :-)

Did Doug take you to the Artistic Stamper too? Its good he is making sure you get out and about, otherwise you may go stir crazy (he is such a sweetie)!

kyla

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