Personal stuff and new crafty stash

I'm having a bit of a bad day today. As you might have noticed I haven't really crafted properly for quite a while (the presents I'd made a while ago). I haven't been able to craft for practical reasons but also I haven't really felt like crafting because it seems like such a trivial thing to do at a time like this but I have missed it. 

Crafting has helped me so much with regards to my CFS that I think it's been like some kind of therapy so I'm hoping it will help me get through my Dad's illness. So I hope that soon I will be able to do some posts of new crafts I've made once I feel able to get started again. It's just a really difficult time at the moment.

In the meantime as promised here are the pics of my new Christmas presents. Some of which I had picked out, some of which were total surprises from my husband. First off are the lovely Forever Friends stamps. These were a surprise and my husband even said to me "I picked what ones I thought you'd get the most use out of"!!! My hubbie is so great about my crafting.

Next up are some gorgeous Stampington stamps, Penny Black and Changito Monkey (I love that cheeky one!)

Look at this whole range of Laura Ashley stuff. This was all a complete surprise. 12"x12" paper, paper strips, ribbons, stamps, embellishments- all to match! I'm looking forward to using this with my Stampington stamps.

Lovely lovely Stamping Bellas and a couple of fellas! So excited about these as I've been wanting to get some for ages. Stamping Bella was offering free postage to anywhere in the world in November so I thought I'd take advantage.

Some clear stamps as well. Hero Arts cupcakes and more Stampington ones which will be great for ATCs and vintage style cards.

A load of embellishments, ribbons, hot fix crystals etc. Mainly from Poppicrafts.

I've noticed more people have been using gorgeous swirls on their cards and they look so wonderful so I thought I'd take the plunge and get a Sizzix swirl. The punch is the Lazy Days of Summer one which I think will be great for girly and vintage cards.

A whole load of American Crafts cardstock- Pastel, Tropicals and Autumnal. 

And lastly this great book. I know it's not alot different from looking at sketches and card on people's blogs but I liked the idea of having an actual book. It's great and I can highly recommend it. All the samples in it are fab.