Countdown to craft day.

Countdown to craft day.
5 days to go, mega workload to get through. So many hours to prepare and not even received over half the kits yet! Argh.... Hair pulling out time. Not wasting travelling time, putting together decoupage while jjs driving. Can't waste a minute, clock ticking too damn fast.
Been a very busy day at qvc, meetings after meetings. Left jj and leonie to do the show prep, what's the term? While the cats away the mice play.... Naughty mice today. Was fun though with Charlie, he really is the milk tray man. A nicer guy you couldn't meet. Still waiting for the box of chocolate though.
Paula also popped in today, brought jj and I a lovely photo book she had made of our babies. Such a talented lady, we will treasure it forever- thank you Paula.
Also brought chocolate!!!! Green and blacks, yum. In fact time I indulged, been quite good today. Slimfast lunch as too busy to munch. See I'm a poet and didn't know it!!
Well back to my decoupage, nite all
Love
Dawn xx

Splish, splash

Just home from the swimming pool, Jj and I have taken my great nieces Kelsey and Demi and there friend molly. My nieces are like water babies , dunking and diving. No fear at all, its amazing. My brother John (their grandad) has done a great job teaching them to swim. While I could swim from a young age I was always scared of the deep end, in fact really still don't like it if my feet can't touch the floor. The sea! Well it has things in that can bite you, frightens me to death. Like to see the bottom of it, has to be clear and nothing swimming around me. I tried snorkling on holiday with Jj once , talk about panic attack.... Bashed all my leg on the side of the boat trying to clamber back in. Had a whopping bruise for the rest of the week, lovely compliment to my bikini.
Anyhow back home now , sofa night snuggled up with 3 kid, 3 dogs and hubby just about to have melted chocolate with dipping biscuits and marshmallows. Yummy!! Blow the diet, back to the gym tomorrow, then must get on with craft day prep.
Have a lovely sunday folks,
Love
Dawn xx

Friday night

Cosy on the sofa , snuggled up with hubby and babies. Busy making cards for craft day. So much to do and so little time. Still got to finish planning some of the shows but looking good!!
Lovely tsv, and some great new feature kits. Yummy....
Will be in the shop all tomorrow if your around ossy.
Had red on today and all my staff wearing red ribbons, spreading the word.
Best get back to my decoupage.
Love
Dawn xx

Card creations for troops.

Hello everyone,
Word certainly seems to be spreading, thank you all for passing it on. I'm more than happy for any of you to copy the letter and pass it on. The more that are aware the better.
Just to clarify what we sell in the shop can be any size, it really does help if they have an envelope and are pre packed in cello bags. To go out to the troops standard a6 is much better for return postal cost and handling I believe. Again in cello bags they are better, I understand they go to a camp store for soldiers to select from- so it keeps them clean and in good condition.
Thank you once again everyone for your enthusiasm and support.
Been busy today putting together some of my new stamp designs into acrylic sets. Also refreshing some of the old ones, hoping to have them out end of may. Will keep you updated. Now onto planning craft day, so much to do and so little time.....
Dawn xxx

Cards for Forces.

Just wanted to update you all on my progress regarding my recent posts. I have had a chat with Keith and Ashley(Keith's son) at Kanban and are organising a format to get donated cards out to the troops. Ashley being a former soldier himself has friends due to go out to Afghanistan and contacts within the forces. Meanwhile folks if you are eager to help you can send cards to my design studio-
Marked "FORCES CARDS"
C/o Dawn Bibby Design Studio
Market st,
Church,
Nr Accrington
Lancashire
Bb5 odp

We will then forward them on to the necessary place for dispatch.
We are also looking how we can support wounded heroes by sales of donated cards, I will update you asap on this, my sister Rena is keen to get this up and running in our store. I have not had yet the chance to follow up what the Sun newspaper are doing regarding this. I will again let you know asap.
Its great to do something positive out of something we all love.... Crafting!!
Thank you all for your support on this ,it certainly warms my heart.
Had a very busy day today, great show with Catherine. Thank you for the comments on my top Fabrizio !! Rock chick or what??!! Loving the sparkle.
Now on the long road home.
Don't forget our Leonie will be on tomorrow at 2pm with a craft outlet and sunday night at 9pm.
Talk soon,
Love
Dawn xx

Birthday boy

Sorry for my absence in blogging but I had promised my hubby time out for his birthday this weekend. After the craft event was over on friday Jjs birthday began. Saturday morning was a lie in then off to harrods for a spot of birthday shopping. I bought him a lovely new pen to go with his new filofax, then we went up to the Georgian restaurant on the top floor for a buffet lunch.
It really is the ultimate buffet, you must put it on your list of things to do. Starting off with an incredible salad choice of just about every green thing possible, then seafood,cooked meats, cheese selection, nuts, cous cous, melon, more that I can't remember! Then main course choice of lamb,beef, turkey or all 3 if your plain greedy!! Yorkshire pudding (even though we are in the wrong county) luscious veg with lashings of gravy. Finally an incredible choice of puddings from fresh strawberries, meringues, crem brulee, bread and butter pudding(my fave- best ever in the world) chocolate cake, caramel cake, apple crumble and loads more.... Its all absolutely yummy and you leave feeling a real podger. Barely being able to walk!!! Eat as much as you like and all for £35, now I know that's more expensive than other places but this is in the lap of luxury pianist playing to you and the ultimate tastes to tantilise your palette. Its an incredible treat and one of our special places to visit for a celebration.
As the lovely Paula had been in studio helping me out the day before (and had twisted Jjs arm around his back to allow me to pop over to Ally Pally to visit the stamping show in the afternoon ,thank you Paula) Paula and her husband Omar had joined us for Jj birthday lunch.
I had a sneaky word with Pepe the restaurant manager (lovely spanish man) who produced a special dessert for Jj to which they all sung happy birthday. I had unfortunately popped to the loo and missed it all!! Paula took a few photos (will get them online asap) of the special dessert and the birthday boy.
We then all took off to the Ally Pally show, with just an hour to scoot around caught up with lots of crafting pals and spied a few nice new products. Also met a few lovely qvc viewers , thanks for saying hi everyone. Was a pleasure to meet you all, apologies it was so rushed but really wanted to see what everyone was up to! Its nice to get out and about and see what's going on in the outside world. ( Don't get out of the box very often). After a quick drink in the bar we left Paula and Omar for our long drive home. Back to our lovely babies and another fire next door!!!! Hoodlums again, after a phone call the boys in blue were back stomping out the fire and clearing out the kids. What fun eh?
Sunday - left Jj and my friend Reece doing a spot of gardening and popped off to the gym. Yes I mean gym... I actually ventured on a cycle, walking machine, a stepper(didn't like that one) and some sort of arm machine. Impressed? Jj was. Wait till I tell Jill Franks! Then I did a few lengths of the pool and collapsed in the sauna and steam room. Nice feeling though that I've finally progressed to the gym. Plan to go back on weds and take Kelsey swimming again, see positivity!
We are now on the road to london for tomorrows show , almost there so will say goodnight all.
Talk soon,
Love
Dawn xx

Red friday

Thank you all for your comments and emails. I've had so many communications about my last post its incredible. From far and wide, its obviously touched you all as much as me and my family! My sister Rena has suggested we sell handmade cards in our shop and donate the proceeds to wounded heroes. I believe the sun newspaper are running some sort of charity fund-raiser too! I will certainly look into it further. A lady rang my show a little while ago and was making cards to send out to the forces in afghanistan for them to send home to there loved ones. That's a lovely idea too, will do a bit of research and see what I can come up with.
I think its one of those things- out of sight out of mind. Unless you have family or friends in the forces you don't tend to think about what our lads out there are doing or have to deal with. This letter doing the rounds has gained lots of awareness which it certainly deserves.
If we all can just do a little bit it will help I'm sure.
I will certainly be looking to wear red every friday from now on.
Lots of love
Dawn xx

Red Friday..

Hi everyone, this is something my sister Julie sent to me. I read it and cried. I wanted to share it with you all. Just wish I had red to wear for tomorrows shows.
Love
Dawn xx

Red on Friday it is.

Last week I was in West London attending a conference.

While I was in the airport, returning home, I heard several people behind me beginning to clap and cheer.

I immediately turned around and witnessed one of the greatest acts of patriotism I have ever seen.

Moving through the terminal was a group of soldiers in their uniforms, as they began heading to their gate everyone (well almost everyone) was abruptly to their feet with their hands waving and cheering.

When I saw the soldiers, probably 30-40 of them, being applauded and cheered for, it hit me. I'm not alone. I'm not the only red blooded Briton who still loves this country and supports our troops and their families. Of course I immediately stopped and began clapping for these young unsung heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for us so we can go to school, work, and enjoy our home without fear or reprisal.

Just when I thought I could not be more proud of my country or of our service men and women a young girl, not more than 6 or 7 years old, ran up to one of the male soldiers.

He knelt down and said 'hi,' the little girl then asked him if he would give something to her daddy for her.

The young soldier didn't look any older than maybe 22 himself, said he would try and what did she want to give to her daddy.

Suddenly the little girl grabbed the neck of this soldier, gave him the biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek.

The mother of the little girl, who said her daughters name was Courtney, told the young soldier that her husband was a Corporal and had been in Afghanistan for 5 months now.

As the mum was explaining how much her daughter, Courtney, missed her father, the young soldier began to tear up.

When this temporarily single mum was done explaining her situation, all of the soldiers huddled together for a brief second.

Then one of the other servicemen pulled out a military looking walkie-talkie.

They started playing with the device and talking back and forth on it.

After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked back over to Courtney, bent down and said this to her, 'I spoke to your daddy and he told me to give this to you.'

He then hugged this little girl that he had just met and gave her a Kiss on the cheek.

He finished by saying 'Your daddy told me to tell you that he loves you more than anything and he is coming home very soon.'

The mum at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as the young soldier stood to his feet he saluted Courtney and her mum.

I was standing no more than 6 feet away as this entire event unfolded.

As the soldiers began to leave, heading towards their gate, people resumed their applause.

As I stood there applauding and looked around, there were very few dry eyes, including my own.

That young soldier in one last act of moment turned around and blew a kiss to Courtney with a tear rolling down his cheek.

We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their families and thank God for them and their sacrifices.

At the end of the day, it's good to be British.

RED FRIDAYS

Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing Red every Friday.

The reason?

British men and women who support our troops used to be called the 'silent majority'.

We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for Country and home in record breaking numbers.

We are not organized, boisterous or over-bearing.

We get no liberal media coverage on TV, to reflect our message or our opinions.

Many British people, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of Britain supports our troops.

Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that every Briton who supports our men and women afar will wear something red.

By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make Great Britain on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football team

If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, co-workers, friends, and family, It will not be long before Britain is covered in RED and it will let our troops know the once 'silent' majority is on their side more than ever, certainly more than the media lets on.

The first thing a soldier says when asked 'What can we do to make things better for you?' is...'We need your support and your prayers'...

Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example; and wear something red every Friday.

Fire,fire!

What a welcome home we had last night! As we pulled up to our house we had a strong smell of smoke. The night before on our way to london my neighbour had phoned and said there was a problem down our lane with kids making a fire in the field next to our house. Our neighbour had called the police who in turn had called the fire brigade. We live at the bottom of a narrow country lane, extremely difficult to get any oversized vehicle down!!
It seems some youths had set a fire on private property , on our return home they had obviously decided to come back for round 2.
Unfortunately we live next to a very old property set in its own grounds, its a listed building that the owner wants to knock down and build luxury apartments. Council won't let him (thankfully, can you imagine wagons coming down our already potholed lane?) So its left to crumble,and a playground for youths in lighter nights. It always becomes a bit of a problem in the summer months and it looks like its starting right now.
So we pull up on our drive , jj ran up the steps and opened our door to let our barking dogs out. He could see a fire over the wall and voices of kids screaming. As jj grabbed the big torch he shouted at me to call the police. Running off down the drive to go and check out what was going on. I'm shouting at him not to go and calling the police. The phone operator tells me that I should call the fire brigade if its a fire, I'm proceeding to tell her what the situation is and still shouting at jj not to go. At which she says he must not go! In case of danger and public safety. I'm also shouting at Charlie and Arnie who are barking like crazy- too which she gets most annoyed and panicky asking how many men are going down to sort these kids out!! I have to admit I had a silent giggle as I explained I was talking about the dogs. She was obviously imagining some gang warfare taking place.....
As you can imagine by the time the police and fire brigade did arrive all my shouting and the dogs barking had scared off the youths but left the fire burning away. The fire brigade quickly extinguished it, while the police searched the surrounding area in case anyone was hiding in the bushes.
It really does get your heart pounding and stress levels to the roof. I'm certainly not hoping for a repeat episode tonight.
It really is about time the premises and grounds were a bit more secure. I guess its just bored teenagers having a camp fire and get together but on private property and rather rowdily. So dangerous lighting fires in woodlands(remember australia) I know its not quite so dry here but still could run wild. Last year they set fire to an actual tree!! Madness. Always beer cans and rubbish strewn about, really makes us feel like relocating. We love our home but it does make you nervous and waiting for the next incident to happen. Hopefully the police may take it further and get the owner to take a bit more responsibility.
Anyway so far tonight peace and quite, off to get an early night as long day tomorrow- Jjs birthday too...
Goodnight all,
Love
Dawn xx

2nd time lucky!!

Aargh.... I just wrote up a whole post and my blackberry crashed and I lost the whole thing! Damn computer gremlins.
Been one of those days, mad busy not even time for lunch. My lunch was a quick slurp of slimfast in the show breaks this afternoon. Its been crazy with the 10am outlet show, then filming the Crafts Beautiful promo with Sarah Crossland (the editor) then prepping and hosting the 2 till 4pm show this afternoon. Then a meeting with Abbie my buyer and finalising fridays shows with the planner. Finally got out for some dinner at 6.30ish. Always a whirlwind in the qvc building, the panic is now on for fridays shows. Having just finalised them today my girls are working late trying to prep the hours. Me cutting decoupage in the car on the way home. Long drive home tonight and long drive back on thursday!! What a way to celebrate Jj's birthday- driving to london. (We did the same on mine) I plan to take him out on saturday for a nice lunch, after the craft event is over. I will be there for the midnite and 1am hour ,also 12.00 lunchtime 7pm and 11pm. Although I won't be doing the tsv folks, I will have lots of goodies to showcase.
If your wondering about the Crafts Beautiful hour that's coming up on craft day- 3rd of may. Only around the corner, scary eh? Almost half way through the year, it'll be christmas before you know it.
Do you ever wish you could just stop the clock ticking? Just for a little bit ,to catch your breath? I really do; a whirlwind my life is!!! Don't get me wrong I love my job but sometimes I just wish I could slow it all down just a little bit. Just to get off the train and observe, gather together my thoughts and recharge the old batteries. Time for a holiday me thinks!!
Well must get back to the scissors, talk soon
Love
Dawn xx

Down on the farm

Had a lovely day with Kelsey and Demi today at Greenlands Farm village in Carnforth. Its a great family day out for animal lovers, we petted rabbits, hamsters,goats got close up to piglets,turkeys,chickens ,a bull, cows and sheep. Some very cute donkeys too,while we made our way around we took part in an easter egg hunt and quiz. The girls also had time in a play barn while we had a cup of tea and chocolate. It was really nice to see newborn lambs and pygmy goats up so close, Jj and I loved the experience as much as the girls. If you fancy a visit its in Carnforth near Kirby Lonsdale, there's a garden centre, wine and farm shop but we arrived too late to visit them.
We had started our day off with a visit to the health spa and a dip in the pool and sauna. The girls are fab swimmers much faster than me! My brother John has done an incredible job teaching them, they have no fear of the water dunking and diving -like true water babies. While I can swim I still have a fear of going under, and never liked the deep end.
After the farm we came home and built a tree swing for the girls to play on in our back garden. Tyre and rope do the job, fun for hours on end!!! Ended off the day watching st. Trinians and eating easter eggs. Back to the grindstone tomorrow with another trip to london. 10 am show tuesday (boo! hate mornings) then the normal 2 - 4 pm show. Off for more chocolate..... Talk soon,
Love
Dawn xx



Having a laugh



Kelsey and JJ



Demi and JJ


Blue Rex rabbit



Guinea Pig



Mr gobble's the turkey and friends



One of the goats

Sunshine

How lovely to see the sun, its bright and a bit breezy here in lancashire. All the daffodils are popping up and swaying in the lovely soft breeze. I love mornings like this, knowing summer is on its way. Let's hope we get more of it this year!
What with all the chocolate around, enough to put a weeks full of smiles on my face. JJ and I had a trip to Hotel Chocolate earlier this week, brought on after Paula's visit. We bought some cute easter egg sandwich gifts and some little nibbles for ourselves! Including a dipping chocolate treat for this weekend to share with Kelsey and her sister Demi who is joining us today. It really is chocolate heaven, I've got to tell you though regular chocolate doesn't taste the same after- JJ was feeding me a kitkat and I gave it back to him!!!! After 70% chocolate my taste buds were horrified. However I'm sure it won't last too long just have to have a substantial time break in between!
Anyway folks work to do, off to the shop.
Talk soon,
Love
Dawn xx

Cloud 9

Had a lovely evening in longridge at cloud 9- a lovely little shop that sells beautiful lotions and potions. It was an open evening to showcase some of there new ranges and exclusive handmade jewellery. My friend Reece came along with Jj and I, we had a few special treats. I got some yummy shampoo and conditioner, Jj shaving foam and Reece a face cream. I also met a lovely lady that gave me a unique opportunity. Janet Barber makes bespoke jewellery and has given me the inspiration to have some very old broken pieces of sentimental jewellery from my parents to be recreated into a special pendant that I can wear again. 25 years ago my dad passed away, the last christmas he gave me a lovely gate bracelet it was supposed to be for my 21st birthday. A tradition that followed both my sisters, I was 17 and my dad was very poorly. On the 5th of january dad passed away, I wore my bracelet with pride for many years but it kept breaking . After a number of repairs I stored it away for safe keeping.
Just a few years ago my mum passed away and gave me a beautiful ring with diamonds and sapphires in, it had worn thin and snapped at the side. Soon after I could not wear it. Janet is going to melt these down and create me a unique pendant incorporating one of my own floral designs into it. It will be a unique piece with very special memories of mum and dad that I can wear with pride.
Janet has created some very special pieces that are lovely, so I can't wait to see what she comes up with.
Today my niece Kelsey has come to stay ( by the way Kelsey came 4th in her talent competition singing with her friends) we had a fun day- swimming and sauna first. Then a trip to a farm to pet some very cute goats, lambs and calves. We had a lovely time and were lucky enough to see 2 hour old goats- so cute!
Wanted to bring them all home with us.
Had a full investigation from our doggies on the return home, all those unusual animal smells.
Having a nice evening now relaxing on the sofa, will be in the shop tomorrow . Pop in and say Hi if your passing.
Talk soon,
Love
Dawn xx

On the road again!

Back to london tonight, after a very busy weekend its the long haul on the motorway. Its a good job Jj loves to drive, he is much better but not quite 100%, my sinuses still playing up but armed with eucalyptus and vitamins we are on our way. Our babies in the careful care of our housesitter, they were sulking when Paula left, then even more when we had to go too! Charlie adores Paula, the feeling is mutual. Paula would have smuggled him out if I was not standing guard at the door. We shall all miss our house guest from her fab freshly backed chocolate cakes and churros, being armed with chocolate at the most perfect times, to my evening crafting buddy and Charlie's ball games- much quieter house from now on. Well until next time anyway.
Paula will forward me snaps from this weekend that Jj will load on here for you asap, once she has caught up with her lovely hubby Omar and cute Wasabi her adorable cat.
We had a great time and hopefully inspired many..... Many admired my new loos- one now sporting a black crystal chandelier!! Well I wanted you to remember visiting Dawn Bibbys loo!!! All in the name of fun.
Anyway folks just arriving in london, bed is calling. 2 til 4pm and 8pm tomorrow nite. (Tuesday) see you all then,
Nite, love
Dawn xx

Busy,busy,busy!

Had a very busy first day at our demo weekend, paula has been snapping away with her camera to pop photos on here later. Sun is shining and we are all ready for day 2! Well apart from poorly Jj - still under the weather resting at home.
Don't forget to come and join us at both locations if you get chance.
Dawn xx

Home sweet home

Were back! What a lovely welcome from our babies, lots of wet sloppy kisses. So glad to be home, tired from our travels. Poor Jj has had a poorly tummy all day, while I've been struggling with sore throat and chest. Just want the bugs to go.....
Tomorrow will be madness lots to do for the weekend, have also promised to attend my great nieces talent competition she is in. Kelsey is only 11, (my little cardmaking apprentice ) so its a very important date. Can't be late,she is singing with her school friends. I'm sure it will be fabulous. Plus we have lots of boxes of stock to unpack and merchandise for the weekend. Just confirmed today that Amanda Bateman (oh must also mention her other half Craig- newly trained demonstrator extraodinaire!)will be coming along this weekend too,demonstrating sakura products. Lots to see folks, hope you can make it!
Spent today looking at fabulous products coming up in the future, spending the evening crashed on the sofa!!!
Talk soon.
Love
Dawn x

Coughs and sneezes spread diseases!!

So my mum used to say!! Well maybe my friends at qvc won't thank me for my gifts today. Hope I was not too contagious, spluttering my way through the 2 hours. Having real sneezing fits tonight ,as is Jj. Just want it to go away, I really don't have time to be ill!
We are now in Dorset for a meeting tomorrow!! Was not quite in my plan of things to do this week, but hey that's my life impromptu if nothing else!! Jj found a nice little boutique hotel , to lay our weary heads for the night. Paula is babysitting our beloved doggies up north. Feeling quite safe in the care of Arnie our german shepherd(aptly named after my hero Arnold Schwarzenegger)
Feel bad abandoning Paula at our house, however she has plenty of chocolate and my craft room to play in so I'm sure she will survive!!
Just completed my final orders for demo weekend (I hope!) And the team up north are hot on the prep, really looking forward to the event and meeting lots of you.
Thank you for all your get well wishes and health tips!! Picked up echinacea losengers today, got my berocca and just had night nurse! Off to bed,
Nite all,love
Dawn xx