I hope your all having a much nice bank holiday weekend, weatherwise, than we are. It has been raining on and off all weekend so far, typical bank holiday weekend!

Well I finally have some news to share with you all. I mentioned it a fortnight ago, but I had since had second thoughts, the usual talking myself out of it, and then back into it again! does this sound familiar to any of you? But after much encouragement from friends and also my family I finally decided on Friday to go for it, and I signed a contract to open my own little crafting haven! Now , for those who know me well, you know I'm still very nervous about it all, worried sick I'll fail , but i gave myself a good talking to (oh yes , I am mad!).

I will be 45 on the 20th of this month, and I have spent my life doing absolutely nothingbasically because I have always been scared of failing, drawing attention to myself, or just general lack of self belief, but because of this, I'm left with a list as long as my arm (and longer) of what if's????

Life for me has been very difficult on and off for the last two and a half years, just when i thought things couldn't get worse, they did. Talk about being kicked when your down! I felt totally out of control of everything around me, I was not in a good place, and at the time thought it would never end. But, I was wrong, things slowly improved since about February and now we are at a stage, that I truly believed would never come ! But things happen for a reason and I know all these unfortunate times have made me stronger even though I didn't realize it at the time.

It's made me realize, certain things you can't control, and its pointless wasting energy and time on them, instead put that time and energy into something you can have an influence on. Life really is too short! So with giving myself a talking to (several times), I have decided to give it a go, yes of course I'm still worried sick I will fail, but if I don't try I will never know, and so what if I do fail. Yes of course , I'll feel bad about it, but at least there is not another "what if" to add to my already very long list.

My friends and family have all been so supportive and encouraging, so thank you all for that. I also wanted to thank Sarita, for her words of encouragement, I know she has also made a decision to go ahead with turning her fabulous designs into downloads and stamps. You will definitely be fine Sarita, you have an outstanding talent. I can't wait to see your next drawing!

So a little about my new venture. Don't get too excited ladies, its only a summerhouse, but its my summerhouse (have always wanted one in the garden), or at least while I pay for it! It is inside the premise of Bay Tree Farm Garden Centre . There are 5 similar units there, only 2 others occupied, a wool shop and a lovely glassware shop, but hopefully the other units will soon be taken, and they are planning to add more if it takes off. The units have been their since November so its a new venture and its still very quiet, but I believe that with better advertising it may take off. I have been to the garden centre at least 3 times since November, and did not realize they had the shopping village there!!!!

There is loads of things to sort out, but I am planning to have an official opening the weekend of my birthday , the 19th/20th June. There is so much to organize so i will probably be a little lapse with my blogging posts.

I really would appreciate any ideas you have for the shop. I want to offer so much more than just crafting stash, somewhere to come and share ideas, to learn new techniques etc, and to chat! I have lots to learn myself.

If there is anyone out there who ever visits my blog that lives nearby please can you email me , thank you.

My Little Shop - Jazzlins Designs

Crafting has been a bit lapse, but i have made these cards this week in between long sessions on the internet. Firstly a 50th Birthday Card for Kelly's Mum. An elegant card for an elegant lady happy birthday sweetie!

I just adore the Stampin Up Bird and branch post, perfect for a quick card embellishment.

A quick card used with an image that Jasmine had coloured in for me.

Have a fabulous weekend, look forward to catching up with you all again as soon as I can.

Hugs Linda x