The Big Stamp and Scrapbooking Show - Alexandra Palace

I had a brilliant day out yesterday at the above event, with my Mum and my friend Helen. If you haven't been this show, it's well worth a visit. I haven't been there for a few years and wow, has it grown! It was absolutely heaving - but very exciting!

For the first time at a show, I didn't really have a shopping list, I just wanted to browse, watch some demonstrations and get some inspiration. I was thrilled to be able watch the brilliant Dyan Reaveley, from Art from the Heart, create one of her masterpieces. She creates truly inspirational , vibrant art journals. Check out her blog here and her website here .

Obviously I couldn't go to a show and not buy anything so here are my goodies (I think I was quite restrained, although some might disagree!).

I added some new colours to my Promarker collection, as well as some useful storage boxes, so that I can store my pens in colour families.

Another shape from the Nestabilities range was added to the basket - I thought a flower would be quite useful so I bought this Dahlia.

Mum and I both thought these alphabet stamps from Creative Expressions would be really useful. They are a perfect size for cards.

I am never able to resist pretty ribbon, and it's so hard to find such a good range, and at such a reasonable price. Have a look at the website here .

Even though I don't want to think about Christmas at the moment, I did still buy a couple of Christmassy things, like these stamps from Paula Pascual.

It wouldn't be a stamp show without my favourite shop, Craftwork Cards. Again I was reasonably restrained (I was quite proud of myself!). I bought a pack of paper and some doilies from their Ice Cream Parlour range - beautiful colours. I am feeling quite inspired after watching their resident card making queen, Julie Hickey, demostrating her card making skills. Watch this space for some new cards!

More Craftwork Card goodies - greetings die cuts, both for birthdays and for Christmas. As well as some Christmas tree die cuts.

And finally, LB Crafts. I invested in some beautiful Paper Artsy stamps - gorgeous images, I really love them. I can't decide which is my favourite - I'm leaning towards the owl and birdhouses.

And because I spent a certain amount of money, I became the proud owner of a limited edition pin, made by Linda Brown - a very clever, creative lady.

So that was my day - and a very good one it was too. I was so tired when I got home and just wanted to chill, but things did not slow down. Emily had a Night Hike for Brownies, Guides and Explorers and didn't get home until 1.40am - I am feeling so tired today! Have a good day everyone.

M x