Heat Transfer Links & Lot more Great News to Share

I have stolen some time to sort out a post and say Hi to you all, I can tell you I have missed being in touch so much. The wonderful Lou Withers has been a star and is going to Guest my December shows on Hochanda. This is such a massive treat for me as well, to sit back and enjoy. Lou has a huge talent and she always shares such a lot of inspiration, with everything she brings to us. Im really looking forward to watching and learning, to see the totally different take on the Craftascope Goodies. Tune in on Sunday 22nd December for a cracking selection of Craftascope goodies to suite a wide range of Occasions, Projects & People at unbeatable value too.

I can imagine you are all incredibly busy getting ready for Christmas and the big day. So sorry that I've not been around much over the last few weeks, I can tell you that I have really missed you all, the chats and your wonderful creations. I have to say a big thank you for all of your messages and the beautiful Christmas Cards, I promise that I am answering them all, but it's taking longer than I wanted.

There was a huge interest for the new Design Team Call, I had over 40 applicants, so it's taking time to  go through them. There's been some great artwork and I need to make sure I spend the time to make the decisions.

Today, I want to add some links for you. These are for the items that I use and recommend for use with the heat paints. There are other makes available, I've not used all of them, so I have listed the ones here that give the best results, while being great quality and great value too.

MUG LINK. These are super quality mugs, they are the ones I use and give excellent results, whether used in the press, oven or for even an iron for patient crafters.

SELLER LINK. This Ebay seller gives excellent customer service, the items are high quality and again give great results. Every item I used on the show, along with the samples was from here. There are other sellers that I have used, I will recommend this one as I found the quality was far superior and the results were excellent. They sell a wide range of items that are perfect for use with the heat paints, from key fobs, aprons, cushion covers, glass clocks etc. Highly recommended.

My heat press was from another seller, it was an item I purchased before discovering this seller. I have shared the link for the heat press I use various times previously, so please use the search facility on the blog.

SILICONE WRAP LINK. For those of you who dont have a heat press and don't want to buy one. This is for the silicone  wraps, they enable you to design your own mugs and bake them in the oven. Again there are others available, but these are the ones I have, so I know the quality.

For a Guideline, the oven should be around 350 F, they should be baked for around 30 minutes. Id also leave them in the oven until cool. PLEASE BE CAREFUL AS THEY DO GET VERY HOT!!!!

Just one last thing, I have at last figured out how to use Instagram, Well I say figured out, Im not great so please be patient, as I work it out. I am sure,I will make quite a few mistakes. My Name is NICKJR999, I will make the time to be around and I hope too chat to you all before Christmas. Take care and Happy Crafting.xx

Great Offers Ending Soon. Don't miss out

I was going to post this on Saturday Evening, but I have been without the internet. I am so pleased to see that so many of you have taken advantage of the special saving this weekend. I'd also like to say thank you for the lovely messages as well. I have tried to offer as much as I can, so there is something available for everyone. I thought I'd share some more inspiration for you today, just some of the things you could create with a few of the items available for you. There have been 8 sell outs, but there are still stamps dies and collections available for you. Here is the beautiful Rose Bouquet die, it's unique design allows you to use without the aid of glue, thanks to the tabs built into the design.

There's also a beautiful single Rose Striplet Die, this looks wonderful as a card front, with either designer papers, parchment or even your own background papers. There are so many ways to use this statement die. This also has the unique attachment built in, which is especially important when using parchment, which so easily shows adhesives. This is incredibly low on stock.

There are many other dies in the weekends events, including this beautiful Floral Striplet. As with most of the Craftascope dies, this is a two part die allowing you to use it in many ways to suit your project.

I love the next 2 dies and again they are designed to give you versatility. they're both two part dies and include stunning decorative outer edges to use together or separately, they make great toppers and look stunning Paper Pieced.

Another favourite is the Lady Marjorie Swag Die, it can be used in so many ways. It looks beautiful Paper Pieced or used with resin or glass paints. I have also experimented with my foiling machine for something totally different.

There is a stamp using the same design in the Regal Rose Collection. It was so popular that I designed a rose oval Set, there's also a coordinating 2 part dies set which goes hand in had to give many options for your creations.

Well that's all for now, Happy shopping. Please don't delay, if there are things you would like too add to your Craftascope Library or to buy as gifts. These offers will now be available until Tuesday, I have extended it as I was unable to post my update. The offers are limited and if they sell out before the end, they can't be replaced. Thank you ever so much for your support, Take care and Happy Crafting.xxx

BLACK FRIDAY WEEKEND FRENZY

So Friends & Crafters, Black Friday is fast approaching, Tomorrow in fact. I have made sure there's something for everyone in the Craftascope Etsy Store with saving up to 60%. As it's the first time I have been able to join in, I have to say I am excited about it. I've included a selection of projects in this blog, just some of the creations you could make with some of the items on offer. The offers end on Monday at midnight, there isn't an endless supply, so once they have sold out, they can't be replaced.

It's been sad for me losing a few of the Craftascope items, especially the ones recently on Hochanda as I can't get them back. I do hope you will take advantage of the substantial savings, while they are still available. I have included as much as I possibly can in this event, so it's a great time to fill in the gaps in your Craftascope collection, or simply treat yourself. while the value is even greater.

There are lots of exciting things happening at the moment, I'm expanding the Design Team and look forward to seeing the creations from the applicants. You know I love to see what people are making, I look forward to introducing the new additions. We have Christmas around the corner and then the New Year 2020, I cant quite believe how fast the time is flying by.

There are plenty of Tutorials covering everything in the Craftascope range, from the very first collection, with many more coming very soon. You can find them right here on the blog and on the Craftascope Youtube Channel, there is a link above for that as well as one for the Etsy store.

If there is any specific product you would like to see demonstrated or have any requests please leave your comments on the most recent video and I will include them as soon as I possibly can. For Now take care and Happy Crafting.xx

Craftascope Design Team Call.

Craftascope Design Team Call.

Are you Passionate about Crafting? Do you enjoy mixed media, creating multi media Projects  from nothing? Love using Stamps, Stencils and Dies? Do you also have an interest in working with Fabrics and get excited thinking outside the box.

Craftascope aims to encourage crafters to build on their existing skills. We produce Thermoplastic Rubber Stamps, that have all the benefits of Rubber, whilst being clear for easy positioning and pattern building. We're currently looking to expand the established Team.

Ideal candidates would preferably already have a love of Craftascope products and enjoy designing with them. CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: December 6th 2019.

Requirements:

Produce high quality samples to be shown on Crafting Television and maybe elsewhere. Additional Samples when required with suitable notice.

Candidates must have an active social media presence and be willing to share their creations and those of their fellow team members prior to launch. This is a very important and is expected.

A blog would be ideal but not essential.

A Facebook account to enable access to the DT Group.

Work well as a team Player, Support your Teammates.

Be willing to interact with Customers and answer questions where appropriate.

In return you will receive: Stamps,Stencils & Dies to create your samples with approximately 6 weeks to complete your projects prior to a launch. Generous Discount On the Craftascope Store.

If you are interested please email craftascope99@gmail.com with the required information (below), email applications only, no discussion will be entered into on social media. Please include 'DT CALL' in the subject line. Your name and a bit about you and why you would like to join the Design Team and work with the Craftascope Brand. Any Design Teams you have been or are currently on. Any Social Media links (eg: Blog, Instagram, Youtube, Twitter etc) Photos of 4 of your own projects, which show a range of techniques, including at least one card. It would be great to see the Craftascope products used but not a requirement.

Lots of News, Black Friday Weekend event and Much More

Hello Friends and Crafters. Im sure many of you will agree that it's always nice to get home. Well I am back home again, although I had a wonderful time, it's always great to get back home. I've been having a few days rest, there's a lot to sort out before the winter arrives. The flight home was great, I got my first photo from the plane as well. I am really excited that I can join in the Black Friday Event this year, something that just wasn't possible last year. Keep your eyes on the 'Craftascope Etsy Store' (link above) for some great offers and 50% savings.

It's hard to explain, but I was quite sad to lose a couple of items from my range, It had taken me over 9 months to bring back the ATC Die set, so it was sad to see it sell out again on Hochanda, even though I know the people that managed to secure the set will have great fun. Some of the items in the sale are very limited so if there's something you want to add to your Craftascope Library, please don't miss out.

As promised, I will soon be adding more videos to my Youtube Channel. If there is anything at all that you would like me to cover or go into more detail, then please add these to the most recent video, in the comments section and I will include them at the next available opportunity. I was so pleased to see that there were still roses blooming when I got back home and Grace, enjoying the sunshine too.

Last piece of news, I will be running a 'Design Team' Call over the next few days so please keep your eyes peeled, if you're interested. A little photo here of one of the teddies I made, I promised I would add it as son as I found one.

For now Take care and Happy Crafting.xxx

Craftascope News.

Morning Friends and crafters, everything is in full swing here, I will soon be on my way to Hochanda for my Anniversary shows. On November 1st, it will be exactly a year since I brought you my very first collection. There are so many people too thank, Hochanda for giving me the opportunity and taking a chance on Me, Leonie Pujol, for giving her honest opinion and giving me the courage and confidence to produce the collection in the first place.

Most Importantly of all are YOU, My Customers & Friends, who have followed my journey through the first year. Bought and enjoyed the collections I have shared on Hochanda. Shared your wonderful creations and above all given me your Support, Friendship and Trust.

There have been up's and down's along the way, difficult decisions to make and through it all many of you have stayed with me and helped to grow the Craftascope Brand to what it it is today. I can never thank you all enough for that. Whatever happens in the future, I will never forget your Friendship and the support you have shown me at times when things seemed impossible.

Last night I found out that I have been shortlisted for the 'Craft Product of The Year' in the 2019 'Best of Craft Awards' Judged Categories. I had to read it 3 times, in fact I read the first sentence and almost closed the mail thinking it was one of those friendly let down Mails. I am over the moon to have been selected and totally speechless. I love Crafting, It's been in my blood, since I can remember.

For many years, I have tried to help others where possible, It's always been incredibly important to me. I know just how much time, money & disappointments I encountered when I first started out. So I wanted to make a difference for others and I really hope I have.

It's come at a time, when good news has been illusive, so this couldn't be more welcome. To have one of my Favourite Collections 'The Media Medley' shortlisted in these awards is more than I could ever hope for, Many of you will have this collection already and I hope you have been enjoying it as much as I have. With any luck maybe my Anniversary Launch might be in with a chance in the future.

I did a little preview on youtube of whats coming up on Friday. I have been overwhelmed by the amazing samples from my wonderful Design Team. It seem that they have been having a ball with it, I have received a record amount of samples so far, with still more to come. 

I hope you will join me over the weekend, starting Friday at 6pm for the launch of my One Day Special, I have lots of offers planned, a different one every hour, Giveaways and more. I will be on again on Monday, with brand new colours to add the Heat Transfer Paints and more new goodies. Everything will also be on my Craftascope Etsy Store. For now Take care and Happy Crafting.xx

Return to Cherry Tree Lane

After watching Mary Poppins Returns today I am sharing 17 Cherry Tree Lane. I loved the film and the soundtrack, especially 'Lovely London Town' & 'Nowhere to go But Up'. A few of the words, maybe will suit a few of us at sometime: A really feel good film & certainly lifted my spirits, no end.

If your day's up the spout

Well there isn't a doubt

There's nowhere to go but up

And if you don't believe

Just hang on to my sleeve

For there's nowhere to go but up

I Thoroughly enjoyed designing this card and putting it all together. Here is the finished card, along with the tutorial, I do hope you enjoy it. Some of the photos are slightly different as believe it or not all my photos were lost so had to recreate it, but at least I have one for myself this time. lol

You will need:

House Concept Die Set

House Accessories Die Set

Garden Party Die Set

Cottage Stone Embossing Folder

House Brick Embossing Folder

House Accessories Stamps Set

12 x 12 Coordinating Matt Card Pad

12 x 12 Coordinating Patterned Papers

A3 White Centura Pearl 'Hint of Silver' cut to 8 3/4'' x 16'' plus extra for windows etc

Mat Black Card

A4 Sheena Stamping Card

Acetate

Selection of Distress Inks

Shaped Nestie or Similar

Leonie Pujol Kite Stamp from Tangled Tails or similar

Clarity Skyline Mask or Similar

Glossy Accents

Tacky Glue

3D Glue Gel

Step 1: Cut the base section of your house, either overhang the part you dont want to cut or if using a manual machine, secure 2 pieces of thick card over the part you dont want to cut, as soon as you feel the resistance, reverse.

Step 2: Draw lines upwards from the sides of your house to help re position the die (see photo) Position the die lining up the cut line on the die onto your pencil mark. The distance between the bottom and the roof needs to be 5 3/4''. Repeat this cut as in Step 1 to avoid cutting the whole house.

Step 3: Using a craft knife and ruler, cut along your drawn lines to join the 2 dies cut shapes.

Step 4: Leave an extra tab at the top, approximately half inch to secure to the background later.

Step 5: Repeat the first 3 steps to make your second home, This time slightly smaller, also remove the roof section of this one to add variety (see photos). Also cut away the outhouse.

Step 6: Lightly draw a line at 8'' across your card, this will be your scoreline later.. Take a sheet of torn copier paper to create your landscape. Using an applicator of your choice blend Mowed Lawn Distress ink downwards from your mask. Repeat this step, moving your paper sideways also to stagger the hills. Three or 4 levels look great.

Step 7: Take the skyline mask, secure to your card, using black soot, built up your colour lightly, you really want a deep grey tone rather than black. Move the mask and repeat adding dimension to your card. Next Build up the blues for the sky, Shaded Lilac and Blueprint Sketch.

Step 8: Place your smaller house on the card to help position your concept die. Use the notches either side to position on your pencil line and TAPE in place, cut and manipulate the pop up.

Step 9: Use the green card from the pad to create the grass. (Top Tip) cut the card to the required width, lay it against your house, place a ruler either side of the house and draw a feint line for the recess. Next position the card at the back of your card, lay the ruler against the front of the house and this will give you the depth. Cut out and secure to your base  with Tacky glue.

Step 10:Take a sheet of Card the width of your base, emboss using the Cottage Stone folder. Then colour randomly with a mixture of Black Soot, Gathered Twigs, Vintage Photo and Frayed Burlap to give a realistic road, secure in place using Tacky Glue.

Step 11: Emboss the smaller house using the House Brick folder, then select your colour of choice for tinting the brick.

Step 12: Use a Dark Grey alcohol marker to colour the roof section of your main house. Use the brick stamp from the collection to add detail, then colour the bricks, choose 3 or 4 shades for this.

Step 13: Cut the window frames and window inserts from Centura Pearl white, then acetate and a chosen pattern for your wallpaper, using just the outside die. Repeat for the required amount and layer up.

Step 14: Cut the tree from Black and a brown from the coordinating pad. Layer using Tacky glue leaving a thin shadow behind.

Step 15: The fence will need 2 or 3 layers as it is only attached at the back of the house, stage the joins so it doesn't bend using Tacky Glue. Form enough for either side of the house with an inch or so extra to allow securing.

Step 16: Stamp the door in place on the main house, then on a piece of card stamp another to secure in place on the smaller house. Position and secure the windows in place with 3D glue gel for dimension. Add the roof trim and eves.

Step 17: Add the fence, securing behind the house. Then add window boxes, using the grass for foliage. A nice welcome mat looks nice here, cut and stamped onto self adhesive Burlap/Hessian. Position the tree using Tacky Glue and trim.

Step 18: Cut some blossom and leaves from the Garden Accessories set, shape them with a ball tool and add. Use the smallest of the blooms for the window boxes.

Step 19: Use a royalty free image and reduce in size.Position a basic circle die over the image and draw around it. Carefully trim around any bits outside the circle to allow you to position the die. Top Tip: Make sure the die is underneath any parts you dont want cutting, legs, bag etc. (See Photos)

Step 20: To finish your card, add extras of your choice, keeping the perspective with the card. Add some fallen leaves and grass to the scene to make it more realistic and your card is finished. Then you can decorate the outside to match.

I do hope you have enjoyed this revisited  tutorial and finished card, I just loved watching the new (to me) film. Very nostalgic and even made me cry. A real feel good film though, I am sure I will be watching it again and again. Thank you ever so much for joining me and I hope to see you very soon. Take care and Happy Crafting.xx