Saturday 5 July 2014

Newbury - Artstamps show

Good late afternoon to you... I've been to the stamp show at Newbury Racecourse today, a show that takes me 2 and a half hours by train (each way) what with up to London, across London, down to Reading and change again for the Racecourse..... anyhow, this year the show wasn't as big as usual due to some administrative problems with the organisers - we are promised it will be back to normal in 2015!

However, despite the reduced size, I managed to do a bit of shopping ...
 some 12x12 stencils - good deal, 4 for £20 instead of £6 each. couple of gorgeous (if fiddly looking, in the case of the butterflies!) Memory Box dies
 enough double sided tape and foam dots to last me a good while... flowers, papers, one of those collapsable paint brush buckets.






stamps - the same stand with the offer on stencils, was doing Inkadinkadoo stamps at BOGOF (buy one get one free) so it would have been rude not to, right?
and some odds and ends... the stamps bottom left, were being demo'd, see photo below..  I couldn't resist them

 stunning in black and white, with a pop of sponged colour and a few dots of liquid pearls through the wreath.

Don't often take pictures at this show, but as I had my camera with me, making my neck ache, I took one to show how empty the hall is - anyone who's been before will probably be amazed to hear this was just at lunchtime when the place is normally heaving!

Still, I don't think I did too badly, and got home in a decent time, every train on time and right at the platform as I arrived for it, which can't be bad!

Thanks for looking.

16 comments:

sam21ski said...

Ooooh so there were bargains to be had then.

Fab price for the 12 x 12 stencils.

I think it's the same all over tbh, with not many people attending the shows. I also think there are not as many stands going either!!

Thanks for sharing - Sam xxx

pearshapedcrafting said...

Not so much of a crush to get your bargains - although I'm sure the atmosphere was different from the shows you have been to before! Must say those Majestix stamps do look good! Enjoy using your goodies! Chrisx

Lin said...

lovely stash Helen..what a long journey that was!! worth it tho as you got some good bargains xxx

fairy thoughts said...

Hi Helen even though there weren't as many exhibitors there I still managed a big bag full of goodies watch my space. Nothing on TV so I am going to decorate one if my MDF pieces from today
Janet

Julia Dunnit said...

Well, you wouldn't want to make that journey and not buy anyhting! We had a party last night and I've spent most of the day in bed, so am glad that I didn't commit to meeting you...it would have made me feel really awful. Very surprised at the lack of people...last year was small enough. Still, great bargains you've got, I like the dies, but the fiddly-ness of the butterflies would have put me off!

Lucy Edmondson said...

Glad you had a good day despite it being smaller. I'm going tomorrow. Hope this show doesn't decline as it's local for me. Lots of lovely goodies here!

Lucy x

Hazel Agnew said...

Fab stash, glad that it was worth it. Xx

craftimamma said...

You did manage to get a few nice goodies Helen and I hope you managed to meet up with your friends too. I agree with Sam, it's a bit worrying to say the least but I am positive Stamp Magic wasn't anywhere near as busy as when I started going about 7 years ago. There only seemed one or two less exhibitors but definitely less customers.

Hugs
Lesley Xx

massofhair said...

Loving the Inkadinkado stamps very much, good to find bargains also.

A long journey for you, glad you met friends & hope it's better next year as the gentleman says:-) x

Anonymous said...

You got a great selection of new goodies. I made a pile of Card-io samples for Lisa B Designs a few months ago & quite liked the stamps, had never used them before.
I'm glad you enjoyed yourself, despite the long hours of travelling & the reduced size of the show.

Carmen said...

I thought there was less at Ally Pally when I went... but that may have been because it was the first time I saw it in the big hall so just had more room to browse. I hope it isn't the start of the end of them all - I don't get to go to often due to pennies but love it when I do.

Really looking forward to seeing what you do with those stamps and stencils :)

Virginia said...

Ah hun, what a shame it wasn't as full as normal. mind you you did some fab shopping love the stencils and the inkadinkadoo stamps - I have the one with the butterfly on - gorgeous stuff!

Virginia said...

Ah hun, what a shame it wasn't as full as normal. mind you you did some fab shopping love the stencils and the inkadinkadoo stamps - I have the one with the butterfly on - gorgeous stuff!

Astrid Maclean said...

Wonderful looking stash!! Well worth the trip me thinks.... Can't wait to see what you will do with it!

Lesley Edmonds said...

Quite a haul! Great choices. Love that the little stamps look so great in black and white...inspired me to turn mine out....glad you had fun x

craftytrog said...

Looks like you got some great bargains Helen! xx