Wednesday 31 October 2018

Craftascope Launch Preview

Morning Crafters and Friends, Not long to wait now for the launch of my own range on Hochanda. I do hope you will tune in on Thursday Afternoon at 4 pm to support me, Im sure I will be incredibly nervous. Today, rather than a tutorial I thought I would share a few of the samples I have made for the launch show, showing a little flavour of what I have to offer.

I love dolphins and over the years I have searched high and low for a stamp with very little detail to allow for multiple looks and techniques. Here I have used the stamps to create a couple of ornaments, using Wonder Tape and Wonder Crystals.

This is  an incredibly simple look to achieve using the stencil in it's simplest form, I have placed the stencil on to white card then spritzed a couple of colours to create either a card or wall hanging, with the addition of one of the sentiments. It would suit a range of occasions and is easily changed completely by using different colours.

A different sort of Christmas card here, a little bit of fun with a cheeky sentiment from Bee Crafty. I've created the background with a selection of my Winter stamps along with a border stamp from Bee Crafty. A great card to make for the men in your life, just a little bit different It's also a great one to batch make.

Here is another simple card, made with a selection of spritzers, this time running it through an embossing machine with pieces of clingfilm. This gives it some really interesting patterns and texture across the design.

Thank you for joining me again today, I hope you have enjoyed the little gallery of samples, There are so many more ways of using the collection so I hope I get the chance to show you as many as possible. I will be sharing tutorials after the launch show, so I hope you will come back for some more inspiration and ideas. Another thing, here is a 30% off voucher to use on your first order (anything) from Hochanda, use code FEY5JBP7.

As you know I love writing my blog and helping as much as I can, well I would really love for you to add you support by adding me as a favourite blog. All you need to do in that section is choose other and add my blog address nickinbarnsley.blogspot It would be great to get a mention even if I dont come anywhere.

Here is the link to add your support for all of the categories. 

https://www.britishcraftawards.com/


Until Tomorrow, Take care and Happy Crafting.xx

Tuesday 30 October 2018

Swimming in the Moonlight

Morning Friends and Crafters, I'm so pleased you have stopped by today. I am sharing a page I made today, but it would also make a great Birthday card. I hear so many crafters say how difficult it is to make cards for men, much of my collection can be used to make mens cards for all occasions, that are very different from whats available out there. It would also look smashing mounted, framed and hung.

You will need:
Craftascope Dolphin Stamp Set 1
11 x 11'' Black Card
Shaded Lilac Distress Oxide Ink
Stayzon White Ink Pad
Phat Foam
White Gel Pen
White card for mounting or a 12 x 12 Journal
A Little Bit Magical 'Maid of the Sea' 
Square of Copier paper with a basic circle cut out (for the moon)
Torn Copier Paper for the Hills and Mountains
H2O's or Creative Expressions Mica Watercolours

Step 1: Start by placing your moon in the sky, use the shaded Lilac Distress Oxide to add this. Next add the mountains and hills, again with Shaded Lilac. Place the torn paper, then with a smoothie or Phat Foam, blend gently downwards, build up the colour until you are happy with the depth. Using an old hard brush, swipe back and too across the moon to give the illusion of mist and clouds.

Step 2: Take the edge of a ruler or piece of card, tap Shaded Lila onto it and create the shore line (See Photo), build this up until you are happy. Next stamp the dolphins and the rocks with the Stayzon white ink.

Step 3: Use Shaded Lilac and a hard brush or a stencil brush to add sea spray around the rocks.

Step 4: Colour the dolphins with H2o's, Then add some white Stayzon to lighten the mountains, Imagine where the moonlight would fall.

Step 5: Use your white gel pen to add moonlight to the surface of the sea. *Top Tip* Add a little and dab with your finger tip, it makes it look more natural and less like a line. Slowly and gently build this up, also add a little around the rocks.

Step 6: Add a few more details around the mountains with the gel pen and a few stronger ripples on the water. Stamp your chosen sentiment or words, here' Let Your Spirit Soar' onto black card with White Stayzon, then mount onto white before adding to your project. Mount your project onto white card, add to a journal or add a frame.

Step 7: Finally using a black fine liner and your gel pen add a few birds in the sky and in front of the moon.

All of the stamps in my collection have been carefully sized in a way that they will suit Journals or card making. If used with shrink plastic they also make the most wonderful ATC cards. I have made a lot of ATC's using this collection and I hope I get the time to share them during the show, If not I will be sharing everything I have made here for you.

Thank you so much for joining me today, I hope you have enjoyed the tutorial along with the finished project. I would love you to tune in to my first show on Hochanda this Thursday at 4 pm for some more inspiration, demos and as many samples as possible. Another thing, here is a 30% off voucher to use on your first order (anything) from Hochanda, use code FEY5JBP7.

As you know I love writing my blog and helping as much as I can, well I would really love for you to add you support by adding me as a favourite blog. All you need to do in that section is choose other and add my blog address nickinbarnsley.blogspot It would be great to get a mention even if I dont come anywhere.

Here is the link to add your support for all of the categories. 

https://www.britishcraftawards.com/


Until Tomorrow, Take care and Happy Crafting.xx 






Monday 29 October 2018

Autumn Leaves Treescape from Clarity

Morning Friends and Crafters, today I am sharing a card I made with the 'Treescape' stamps from Clarity. I do hope you got to see the shows with Maria. This is such a strong stamp, it can be given a totally different look just by changing the background, great for all sizes of card depending on your preference.

You will Need:
Clarity 'Treescape' Stamp
Clarity 'Autumn' Stamp
Clarity 'Leaf' Stamp
Archival Black Ink
Infusions Rusty Car
Infusions Emerald Isle
Infusions Blackcurrant
Spray n Shine
Watercolour Card
Black Card
White Card Base
Water Spray
White Gel Pen
3D Glue Gel
Tacky Glue

Step 1: Spritz the glass mat and sprinkle with the infusions.

Step 2: Spritz the watercolour card and place on the inks.

Step 3: Select the area you want to stamp, Make sure you leave enough space around the edges so you can use it as a layer. Cut it out with a basic die.

Step 4: On another piece of card, use the same infusions but a lot lighter with the amount. When dry stamp the leaves and cut out. Spray with Spray n Shine.

Step 5: Layer your mats onto the base card.

Step 6: Use a ruler and the white gel pen and draw around the frame of the image.

Step 7: Stamp the Autumn and layer onto white card and then onto black.

Step 8: Add the shaped leaves as shown in the photo with 3D Glue gel. Use foam pads in the centre of the topper and glue gel on the sides, I have given this a curved shape.

Just a little extra here: If you have not shopped with Hochanda before, here is a voucher code giving you 30% off your first purchase (FEY5JBP7) it can be used for any purchase, feel free to share it.

I do hope you have enjoyed the tutorial today along with the finished card. I will be flying back to the UK tonight ready for my visit to Hochanda and my first show on Thursday, I do hope you will be watching. I have scheduled posts so I hope you will join me again very soon to see what else I have to share with you. For now Take care and Happy Crafting.xxx

Sunday 28 October 2018

Ethereal Man

Morning Friends and Crafters. I am so excited to share the first sneak peek of a sample I have made for my very first Hochanda Show on Thursday 1  st November at 4 pm. I am so proud of the collection I have put together, so I do hope you will tune in and support me, I am bound to be full of nerves. The project I am sharing today is such an easy way to create your piece using just a stencil from the collection.

You will need:
Xander Stencil
Words or Sentiment of your choice
Infusions: Royal Blood, A bit Jaded, Rusty Car and Blackcurrant.
Water Spritzer
Versamark
White or Clear Embossing Powder
Watercolour Card
Black Card
White Card
Anti static Bag

Step 1: Wipe your watercolour card with the anti static bag.

Step 2: Ink through the stencil with Versamark, add the embossing powder and heat. Sprinkle with Infusions and spritz with water. In some areas, I really flooded the card to get some really nice flowing patterns. Leave to dry naturally.

Step 3: Layer onto black card and then mount onto white card.

Step 4: Create a background sheet using the same colour infusions, once dry mount your design. 

I have added this to my journal, but it would work equally well as a really nice greeting card,adding one of the word or sentiment stamps to suit the occasion. It would also make a nice piece of art to frame and hang on your wall.

Thank you ever so much for joining me today, It's been a real pleasure to share this with you today. I am nervous and excited but more importantly I am passionate about this collection and I hope you will share this enthusiasm. It's been a long time coming and getting it right and at last it's just as I wanted. I have a post going live tomorrow on the Hochanda Blog so do keep a look out for it. Another thing, here is a 30% off voucher to use on your first order (anything) from Hochanda, use code FEY5JBP7.

As you know I love writing my blog and helping as much as I can, well I would really love for you to add you support by adding me as a favourite blog. All you need to do in that section is choose other and add my blog address nickinbarnsley.blogspot It would be great to get a mention even if I dont come anywhere.

Here is the link to add your support for all of the categories. 

https://www.britishcraftawards.com/


Until Tomorrow, Take care and Happy Crafting.xx


Saturday 27 October 2018

Card Box and Notelets

Morning Friends and Crafters, I have a full project here for you today, It's a little card box and Notelets. It would make a lovely little gift for someone, or you could even make them to sell for yourself or for a special charity. For these I have used the wonderful stamps from Clarity 'A Little Bird' collection.

I have a special and very exciting post over on the Hochanda Blog today as well, if you get time it would be great if you would take a look and even better if you could leave a comment there.

You will Need:
Clarity 'A little Bird' Stamps
Acetate
Centura Pearl Box 6 x 6'' Finished Size
Amsterdam Acrylics
Versafine Black Ink Pad
Stayzon Black Ink
Basic Square Die
Tacky Glue
Red Liner Tape
 Selection of Coordinating Distress Oxides
Watercolour Card
Black Card
Centura Pearl Card Bases

For the Box:

Step 1: Start by cutting 2 x 8'' squares of Centura Pearl card. Score at 1'' on each side, use your big score and score one on the base side and one on the lid side of your board. Make sure you know which is your lid. In the lid cut an aperture approximately 4'' (just slightly bigger than the stamped image so you get a border.

Step 2: Stamp you design on Acetate, using Stayzon black ink. Then on the reverse, paint the design with the Amsterdam Acrylics.

Step 3: Cut the Acetate about 1 cm larger than the aperture.

Step 4: Secure behind the aperture using red liner tape.

For the Notelets:

Step A: On the watercolour card, make a selection of backgrounds for your notelets. Use colours that you feel work together. Add these colours to a large stamping block and spritz the block and the card, then apply. You can get some really interesting patterns like this. Leave them to dry.

Step B: Stamp your design on to each coloured background and mount onto black card. Cut a base card, leaving enough space to stamp one of the word chains on each one.

Step C: Repeat this for each one of your notelets, one for each of the colour selections you have chosen.

and here is a selection with the finished box:


Thank you, I am so pleased you have stopped by today. I do hope you have enjoyed the tutorial along with the finished project. Another thing, here is a 30% off voucher to use on your first order (anything) from Hochanda, use code FEY5JBP7.

I do have a post on the Hochanda blog today so it would be great if you could take a look and it you have time to leave a comment. For now Take care and Happy Crafting.xxx









Friday 26 October 2018

ATC Journal with Craftacope

Morning Friends and Crafters. I am so excited to share the first Tutorial Post for a project I have made with my first collection (lot's of photos on the blog post). My new collection will be launching exclusively on Hochanda at 4 pm on 1 st November. I do hope you are as excited as I am. It would be great if you would tune in to see the whole collection along with a lot more inspiration and samples. From now and for the next week there will be lot's of inspiration shared, both on here and the Hochanda Blog. But dont worry, I have been busily adding more tutorials for after that as well for anyone who would like some more inspiration or ideas of what else can be done with my Collection. 

You will need:
Craftascope Xander Stencil
Craftascope Trent Stencil
Craftascope Profile Stamp Collection 2
Greyboard cut to sizes in photo 1
Black Card 4 x 15 1/2''
Graphic 45 or your choice of Decorative Papers
Epiphany Round Tool and Covers
Construction Tape
Red liner Tape
Black Ribbon
Brusho
Watercolour Crad
Tacky Glue
3D Glue Gel
Versamark Black Ink Pad
Dusty Concord Distress Ink Pad

Step 1: Cut and arrange your greyboard as shown.


Step 2: Use construction tape to secure the sections together, you need a gap between each piece, the width of the particular board you are using.

Step 3: Your piece should look like this.

Step 4: Create your spine. Score as shown in the photo.

Step 5: Reinforce and fold the spine as shown.

Step 6: Add red liner tape and tacky glue for extra strength to the 1 cm section and join them together. This gives you the spine and extra space to allow for your personal additions. Decorate your journal with Graphic 45 papers or paper of your choice.

Step 7: Create a nice colourful piece of watercolour card with a selection of Brusho. Once completely dry, stencil through your stencils with Versafine black ink. I used just the eye area, making sure it was slightly bigger than the size I needed. Use the Epiphany tool to create the wonderful embellishments for the inside.


Step 8 & 9: Add to your design, here I have used them as buttons for the ATC holders I have added to a couple of my inside pages.


Step 10: Stamp the sentiment on matching paper, trim to size and blend the edges with Dusty Concord Distress ink, choose another colour if you have other colour papers.

Step 11: For the front of your Journal. Stamp the profile stamp on to matching paper and again lightly distress the edges with Dusty Concorde. I have used a sentiment panel on the front as I wanted to keep the word 'STORY' on the second page, but it's entirely up to you.

Thank you ever so much for sharing my exciting news today, I really hope you have enjoyed the tutorial along with the finished project, I have shared with you. Please keep your eyes out on Facebook as there will be a chance for someone to win the whole collection in a Hochanda Giveaway. Another thing, here is a 30% off voucher to use on your first order (anything) from Hochanda, use code FEY5JBP7.
As you know I love writing my blog and helping as much as I can, well I would really love for you to add you support by adding me as a favourite blog. All you need to do in that section is choose other and add my blog address nickinbarnsley.blogspot It would be great to get a mention even if I dont come anywhere.

Here is the link to add your support for all of the categories. 

https://www.britishcraftawards.com/

I am looking forward to sharing more with you over the week ahead, there is a post on the Hochanda Blog Tomorrow. For now Take care and Happy Crafting

Thursday 25 October 2018

Coming Soon, Exclusive Launch Sneek Peaks

Morning Friends and Crafters, I thought I would miss a tutorial today and instead share with you, a few sneek peaks of an Exclusive Launch, which is coming very soon to Hochanda. There are more Photos included on the blog today of samples I have made using my collection and some of Leonie's stamps too.

The launch of this Craft Collection is on 1st November at 4 pm, it is sure to be an incredibly interesting and exciting show. It's a unique collection that will suit all styles and levels of crafting. 

I am really looking forward to be able to share a lot more of this collection with you before it launches on Hochanda.

Thank you ever so much for joining me today. Please look out for my exciting post tomorrow, I have something very special and exciting to share with you and I can hardly wait. Another thing, here is a 30% off voucher to use on your first order (anything) from Hochanda, use code FEY5JBP7.


As you know I love writing my blog and helping as much as I can, well I would really love for you to add you support by adding me as a favourite blog. All you need to do in that section is choose other and add my blog address nickinbarnsley.blogspot It would be great to get a mention even if I dont come anywhere.

Here is the link to add your support for all of the categories. 



Until Tomorrow, Take care and Happy Crafting.xx