Saturday 31 August 2019

A brand New Giveaway & Lots more Besides

Hi everyone. Firstly I would like to say congratulations to Mary Wilson who was the winner of the Craftascope Etsy Giveaway. If you missed my last video I shared a few demonstrations with the Heat Paints and I did the draw live, Mary won the full 'Regal Rose' Collection so well done. This means that we have a Brand New GIVEAWAY to win my new 'Splinters In Time' collection launching very soon. I have some amazing samples that I have brought back with me to share with you, some I will need to do on the video, but I have added some to this blog post.

To be in with a chance of winning the new 'Splinters In Time' Collection all you have to is leave a review for any of your purchases from my Etsy Store from the 25th August, as simple as that, so good luck.

If you have not seen it already I have  added a Half Price offer, which will run until Friday 6th September or while stocks last. The offer is for both sets of the Triskaidecagon Nesting and Layering dies Normally 39.98, but now only 19.99. There are 24 dies across the 2 sets, offering a unique but essential addition to your craft collection. For more samples, please take a look at the show below. I have only been able to add a limited number at this price so please dont miss out, this is an amazing offer for something you can use for so much.

You have all had the opportunity to meet the new design team, it really is fantastic having such a wide variety of people each with a totally different style. They are all busy making samples for the new Launch from Craftascope on Hochanda. I have seen some of the samples they are creating, so I am really looking forward to sharing these with you. Nearer the time I will be adding links, so you can see more of their creations.

Just when I thought my run of bad luck was coming to an end, 2 of the boxes I sent to myself arrived. One of the sprays has leaked all over my tea bags, biscuits, bed sheets and more. To top the lot, the third box has been lost by DPD & Parcel Compare. I have been communicating with them for the last 2 days and I am praying that it's found as it has my Heat press along with other essentials. Hence the delay in sharing some more video with you. I have contacted the CEO and I am really hoping that this is sorted out and they find it. First they said that they never received the parcel, then when I provided proof they came up with another excuse, like they do. Now they are saying that it was returned and signed for, which is rubbish. I will keep you posted. I just can't understand how they could lose such a large box.

Thank you ever so much for your continued support, Comments and wonderful messages, I really love to get them, not only does it lift my spirits but lets me know you are there.Take care and Happy Crafting.xx


Friday 30 August 2019

Introducing Terri Gifford to The Craftascope Design Team

Morning Friends and Crafters. The time has come for me to share the last new member of the Craftascope Design Team. I hope you have enjoyed the introductions, They work so hard behind the scenes to share the most amazing projects and Creations. It's important to me to give them credit as they really bring the collections to life. It's like Christmas for me when I get to open the parcels and boxes, it's a real pleasure to share them with you during the shows and afterwards when they are shared on Facebook. So today, Last but by no means least, I am introducing Terri Gifford, here is what she would like to say and some of her Creations:


Hiya, My name is Terri Gifford, and this is a little bit about myself.  I am originally from Ohio, USA  but have lived all over the US and now have been in London for the past 10 years.  My mom always teased me that if I ever made it to the UK I would never want to go back... I guess she was right. 


I have been crafting for as long as I can remember.  I used to do macramé, ceramics and cross stitch with my mom and I always had a love for miniature doll houses.  I remember that I used to want to build and design my dolls houses instead of playing with them.  

As I grew up I discovered paper crafting, my favourite being lino printing and embossing, any type.  I also collected paper like others collect coins or postage stamps.  As I delved more into lino printing I soon discovered stamp carving which i took to like a duck takes to water...  I still love any sort of embossing and stamps but have now found the world of mixed media and junk journals... woohoo!!!!!


I started my adult adventure with 6 years in the US Navy fixing computer systems.  After that I went to University in San Diego where I received a degree in Fine Arts of Interior Design.  I practiced design for almost 20 years, at which time I had the opportunity to move to London.
Since moving here I have become a dog groomer and now own my own salon in East London.  But, through all of these changes, art and craft have always been there for me, and I try never to be without it.


During my crafting journey I have always tried to combine craft with my love of art and design.  I always wanted to mix the two and am so happy to see that they have finally met in the middle.   Although I love most any sort of crafting, I always return to paper crafting,  I usually bring all the others into paper crafting.  


I am delighted to be selected as one of the newest design team members for Craftascope.  Although I have been doing some sort of art or craft my entire life, I only just recently started to share my makes. I have just started a YouTube channel and am now diving into the world of Instagram and even a blog.  My life will always include art and craft, it is a part of me and my way often expressing myself.  I hope you enjoy my journey as much as I am.

Thank you ever so much Terri, I am sure you will all join me in welcoming Terri to the Craftascope Family.

After the launch of the next collection you will see links at the side of the page to those of the Design Team that have blogs. All of the Design Team Share their creations on Facebook and we in turn will share those Shares. The current design Team are all listed at the side of the blog page, with links to their blogs.

Look out for new videos on my Youtube Channel, Feel fee to subscribe, there is no charge and subscribing means you are among the first to know of new additions. If there is anything you would like to see in the videos or have any questions, please comment below the video. I will do my best to include these as soon as possible. For now Take care and Happy Crafting.xx



Thursday 29 August 2019

Introducing Elaine Mellor to the Craftascope Design Team

Hi Friends and Crafters, There are just 2 more new Design Team Members to share with  you, so today I would like to take the time to introduce you to Elaine Mellor. I have had the pleasure to work with Elaine before when we were both members of Leonie Pujols Design team. Here is what Elaine would like to share with you:

Hi, I'm 43 and I have been crafting for around 15 years. I love Paper Craft and Stamping is a passion of mine and I love to unwind in my craft room. I do try to do something creative everyday, even if it's just a little bit of colouring. 

I am super excited to be working with Nick again and the rest of the design team. I am really looking forward to getting started.

Thank you ever so much to Elaine, I am sure you will join me in welcoming her to the Craftascope Family. I am sure you will look forward to seeing her creations.

In case you've not seen the latest videos on my youtube channel here is a link to the first half of a 2 part video. In this video I have shared a few demonstrations using the new Heat Transfer Paints. I have also shared a few valuable hints and tip and there will be more to come. If you have any requests or questions along with anything you would like to see, please leave them below the video and I will make sure these are covered in the videos as soon as possible.

I have been waiting patiently for my heat press to arrive, having arranged a courier to collect it and deliver it to me here in Bulgaria. I have found out this morning that DPD have lost it. Goodness knows how you can lose such a large parcel. It really is the end, why on earth does everything seem so difficult. Just when I though my spell of bad luck had come to an end. I will be taking this further, especially as DPD seem to want to pass the blame onto me for the loss. I will keep you updated, but for now it's back to the iron.x Hope you will join me again tomorrow, when I will share the final addition to the Craftascope Design Team. Take care and Happy Crafting.xx

Tuesday 27 August 2019

Introducing Alison Markham to The Craftascope Design Team

Morning to all my Friends, Crafters and wonderful supporters. I am truly blessed to have such a circle of wonderful people, many of who have become more than just followers or customers, many of you really have become friends and for that I am truly grateful. Today I am introducing you to Alison Markham another welcome addition to the Craftascope Design Team. I have already said how difficult it was to select the additional members to join the current team, but I am confident now that we have an even more diverse and exciting group, who will grasp the opportunity to show just how versatile the Craftascope Collections are. So I will pass you over to Alison now, here is what she would like to say and show to you:

I am a single Mum of two very grown up children and I have been crafting for more years than I care to remember. Starting as a small child with my Mum and Gran doing knitting and embroidery. I now enjoy making cards, home decor and mixed media pieces using stamps and stencils mostly.

I am a Teaching Assistant in a primary School and I also run the schools Nature Group, where I share my love of art and craft with children who have Social, Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties. I am really looking forward to working with the Craftascope products.

Thank you ever so much for that, I am sure you will all join me in welcoming Alison to the Craftascope Family.

My first 2 boxes arrived yesterday, so I am just sorting a few things out and then I will be able to get on with some more video. Please don't forget if there is anything you would like me to cover with either the heat paints or any of the collections, please add your comments to the most recent video. I really want to make sure I am covering the things you want me to. For now Take care and Happy Crafting.xx


Monday 26 August 2019

Introducing Magda To the Craftascope Design Team, New Giveaway & A WINNER

Morning Friends and Crafters. Today I have a lot to share with you, A Giveaway Winner & Details of the New Giveaway. But First I'm really excited to Introduce you all to Magda. Magda is one of the wonderful new additions to the Craftascope Design Team, I know you will all join me in welcoming her into the family. Here is what she would like to say along with her photo and some of her creations.

Hi! My Name is Magdalena, but friends call me Magda. Crafting has been my passion for several years. I live with my Family in Luxembourg. I like Paper, paint and have fun - it's a great combination.

Favourite style is vintage and I love paper and foam flowers. I like trying all techniques. Thank you Nick for the opportunity to be part of the Craftascope project team.

Thank you ever so much Magda, It's really great to have you on the team, I know everyone will be looking forward to seeing your creations.xxx

Yesterday, I shared a link for my new video on Youtube, I have to apologise for the late notice just before it went live but I had spent ages trying to join the 2 parts. It seems my phone splits them after 30 or so minutes, in the end they had to remain as 2 parts (both online now). In the video's I have a few demo's with the brand New Heat Transfer Paints, hints and tips. I want to do more this week as soon as my boxes arrive. What I would really like is for you to comment on the video and ask for the things you would like me to cover. I am hoping to do at least 2 more this week and get back to Natter With Nick and Back to Basics as long as this is popular.

I also drew the winner for the Craftascope Giveaway, so congratulations to the very lucky winner who will receive the full Regal Rose Collection. The new Giveaway started yesterday as well, full details are on the video, here is the video in 2 parts Im afraid, it was impossible to join them despite my many attempts.

I think thats all I need to share with you for now, My memory does seem to wonder these days. lol I hope you enjoy the new videos & that you will join me again later in the weeks for more. Please do add your questions and anything you would like to see or know below the video. For now Take care and Happy Crafting.xx


Sunday 25 August 2019

Introducing Sue Davies, Welcome to the Craftascope Design Team

Morning Everyone. Thank you ever so much for all of your wonderful creations using the Craftascope Heat Transfer Paints and the Craftascope Collections, It's been great having so many shared on Facebook, It would be great for those of you have sent them by message to share them to the Craftascope Makes page too for everyone to see. We all really love to see the inspiration, so please dont be shy. Today I am introducing you to Sue Davies, one of the wonderful new additions to the Craftascope Design Team. I do hope you will take a look at the creations on my blog and welcome her along. Here is what Sue would like to share.

Hi My name's Sue Davies. also known in crafty blogland as Sue The Iron. I live in the North of England with my long suffering Husband Neil and I have been crafting for about 12 years.

Like most people I started with a kit that fitted into an A4 box and now my hobby has taken over the entire house!!  
Stamping has always been my first love, I will never forget the first time I saw embossing powder heat up. I was instantly hooked.

After watching Nick on the Hochanda TV Channel, I knew that I had to become part of the 'Craftascope' Family and I am really excited to now join his super talented Design Team.

Thank you ever so much Sue, Really great to have you on board.xxx


I am still having  a lot of questions with regard to the Mugs and the machine I used on Hochanda. I added the links yesterday, so please do take a look. I will be sharing a lot of video over the next few weeks on the recently Launched Regal Rose collection and of course the new Craftascope Heat Transfer paints. For now I have uploaded the Hochanda Shows onto my Youtube Channel for you to watch again all of the colours are still available on Hochanda along with some of the Regal Rose collection, Some things have sold out but I do have a limited number on My Etsy store for you.


There are a lot of things to cover, I will also be having some dedicated shows for them on Hochanda as they have proved so popular. Hochanda are wonderful giving me the opportunity to do so many demos, there were 5 in each of my last shows. Im sure you can imagine there is so much to share about them so over time I will cover it all. Keep on sharing your wonderful creations, it's always lovely to see them. Below is the link for my Youtube channel, feel free to subscribe there are no charges made, like some and you will be notified as soon as and when the new videos are published. 

For Now Take care and Happy Crafting.xxx

Saturday 24 August 2019

Day 3,Welcome Brian to The Craftascope Design Team & MORE

Morning to you all, Today I am introducing you to Brian, who has joined the Craftascope Design Team. The new members of the team have been carefully selected, it's been important to me to ensure that all of the Craftascope collections and individual elements will suit all styles of crafting and allow crafters to create a wide range of projects. The stamps are made from Thermo Plastic Rubber, giving all the benefits of rubber while remaining clear for perfect positioning and pattern building. Here is Brian to tell you a little about himself, over time I am sure you will get to know him and the others very well.

Hi Peeps, my name is Brian & I live in West Sussex with my Beautiful Partner Phillipa. My creativity has been with me for such a long time, firstly Drawing the Pyrography, Glass Engraving & Jewellery Design.

I am passionate about recycling, so I try to use this in as much of my crafting as I can. I became addicted to Card Making well over 20 years ago when I was recovering from another addiction.

It's not just Card Making that I love, but papercrafting in general, to me Paper is a medium in it's own right. My love of Craftascope began when I watched Nick on Hochanda, he used fresh & inspirational designs which I love &so my Journey begins with this new Chapter.

I hope you all join me in welcoming Brian to the Craftascope Family. I am sure everyone will be looking forward to seeing the creations.

Watch out for new videos from me very soon, I am looking forward to having the time to share more of the Regal Rose collection with you as time seemed to vanish on the last shows. I will also be sharing a lot more information and demos using the Craftascope Heat Transfer Paints. These are very exciting and superb quality it's been great seeing some of the creations already. Here's the Hochanda show with Alex.

I have had so many questions about the Heat press and the Mugs I used, so I am sharing it here again along with the links.

The heat press is a 5 in 1 press, I have gone with an unbranded machine which saved a fortune compared with the branded ones which can be between 300 and 500 pounds. This is an excellent machine that offers great value, it's on Ebay at  108.50, but I have spoken to the seller and he will accept an offer of 105.00, I want you to know that I am not getting any financial gain from the sales of these machines or any commission, I am just recommending them as a good alternative to the brands. THIS IT THE LINK TO THE MACHINE ON EBAY. 

Here are the mugs I used on the show, I found them to be great value and excellent quality, the seller offers excellent service and each mug comes in a white box so great for gifts and easily decorated. Once again I am not on any commission from this seller and get no financial or other payment for sharing this information. I am here to help and these are what I use and would recommend based on my experience. HERE IS THE LINK FOR THE MUGS.

Finally Just to remind you of the discount code I have shared for use on my Etsy Site, SCPMAG20. This will give you 20% off everything in store other than the Heat Paints, Extender and Thickener. I hope you will find something on there that you like. CRAFTASCOPE SHOP LINK.

Friday 23 August 2019

Morning to you all. I hope you are all well, In this blog I have included information about my Heat Press as I have had many questions about it.Today I am continuing with the Introduction of my wonderful new design team members, Like I said yesterday it's been a tough decision as all of the applicants were amazing and of such high quality. Today I am introducing you to Ann, here is what Ann would like to share with you, I am sure you will all join me in welcoming her to The Craftascope Family.

I'm Ann, and I live in the beautiful Golden Valley in Herefordshire, right on the Welsh border, with my husband, daughter (just about to start high school, how I'm looking forward to the teenage years!), father, four dogs and two parrots.

I started crafting many years ago when my mum taught me how to tat (a type of lace making using a shuttle and your hands). She made some beautiful things and encouraged me to have a go too.

Gradually I branched out into papercraft, card making and scrapbooking which I love. I also really enjoy needle felting and wet felting and like to combine this with free motion machine embroidery. I've recently started to experiment with mixed media projects and am playing with incorporating fabric, stitching, felting and more traditional papercrafting into my work. 

Crafting and creating things have been really therapeutic especially when I underwent treatment for breast cancer two years ago. I found it hugely relaxing to shut myself away and craft during my chemotherapy, and I'm sure it helped me to maintain a positive and balanced outlook. It's still my "me" time, away from my normal hectic life.

I'm so excited to be part of the design team, what a great excuse to disappear into my craft room and lose myself in creating lovely things with fabulous products.

Xxx

Welcome Along Ann and great to have you as part of the ever growing team. Now a little information for you about the heat press. The one I have is the 5 in 1 press and I purchased it from EBAY after a lot of consideration, It's an unbranded machine as these are a lot cheaper than the 400 odd pounds you can pay for a branded one. They machine is listed at 108.50, but I have told the seller that I am recommending it, he will accept an offer of 105.00 in the 'MAKE OFFER SECTION' THIS IS THE LINK TO THE ITEM I would like to make it clear that I am not getting any commission or payment for any purchases. The mugs I used are also on Ebay and I have to say they are excellent quality. THIS IS THE LINK FOR THE MUGS. They come with little boxes as well, again I am not getting commission for these either, I am only recommending them. Top tip, please ensure the mugs are at room temperature before transferring. I will be doing Video as soon as my parcels arrive back in Bulgaria.

Yesterday, I shared a discount code for use on my Etsy Store, which gives you 20% off any order over 30 pounds (SCPMAG20). Please feel free to use it on any purchase apart from the Heat Transfer Inks, Prefixer and Extender. Take care and Happy Crafting.xxx

Thursday 22 August 2019

Introducing The new Members Of My Craftascope Design Team

Hi everyone, Over the next few day's I would like to take the time to introduce you to the new members of the Craftascope Design Team. It was a hard decision to select the, as there were so many amazing applicants. As you know, it's important to me that the Craftascope collections and the individual items suit a variety of styles and occasions. So it was also important to me that the Design Team members should all bring something different to the Crafting Table. The first new member is Irina, so here's what she wants to say:


Here is I, IraChe, and I want to tell you a little about myself.

My creative pseudonym IraChe, but in real life I'm Irina Chebotareva.
I live with my family in the South of Russia, in Krasnodar.


I'm creative in different styles and directions. Most often on mood and for pleasure.

I make cards, ATC, tags, mixed media projects, altered art and much more. Like to make unusual, colorfull works with stamps, stencils, watercolor pencils, sprays and everything, that can help my work to look wonderfull. "WOW" - this is the best compliment from peoples to my work)))



Paints, texture pastes, sprays, stencils,cutting dies and papers - occupy half of the workshop), but the second half is occupied by stamps). I have a special tender love for them. And I can say honestly - Yes, I stampoholic ☺
My relatives support me in everything in my creativity. Daughters - the main critics and advisers.

My husband helps with everything: editing videos, advising me if I have any doubts about projects and much more. And he has long understood words such as embossing, tag, mixed media, texture paste).


These are links to my social networks.



There you can see a lot of my creativity.
Make beauty with smile,

Irina Chebotareva

Thank you so much for all of your support, it really does mean an awful lot to me and makes a huge difference to me. Im sharing this code today, it's a discount code from the Magazine allowing 20% off orders over 30 pounds on My Etsy Store  (SCPMAG20) which will make quite a difference and I hope it helps. Valid till the end of this month, the only items that it cant be used against are the new Heat Paints, Thickener and Pre Fixer. I will introduce another new member tomorrow. Take care and Happy Crafting


Thursday 8 August 2019

Let Leonie Loose with Craftascope & Some important Information

WOW, Well what amazing Let Leonie Loose show's yesterday, Amazing demos and such different ways of using the Craftascope goodies. I have always wanted them to be versatile & designed them to suit different styles of crafting. I was thrilled that she shared totally different ways and such a lot of inspiration from the design team too. There were 8 sell outs on my Etsy store overnight, I have managed to add a little more, but please don't miss out if there is anything you want. I am afraid the Retro Banner has gone, but the stamp set is a wonderful alternative or addition if you are lucky enough to have the die.Take a look at all the wonderful photos from the shows yesterday. Also important information about Stamperama In Stevenage.



I am busy trying to get ready to travel, so I cant be around too much to answer but I will as soon as I can. I am on Hochanda on Tuesday 13th August at 12 and 4.





But first stop is Stamperama in Stevenage on Sunday 11th August. It seemed a long time coming but now it's here at last. We have a super Make and Take, please book (£10 Charge) as soon as you can as each one is limited to 6-8 people. You will have the chance to design and take home your very own mug using Craftascope goodies. It's very exciting.


I really cant wait to see all of you amazing creations. I will also be doing the draw for the new Regal Rose Collection after setting up the Craftascope Stand. If you have left a review for any of your Purchases on my Etsy store, if you haven't already you still have until Saturday Morning when I will be closing this giveaway.



Don't forget to check out whats left on Etsy, there are some items that I can't restock. For no take care and Happy Crafting.xxx


Sunday 4 August 2019

Simply Cards and Papercraft Magazine GIVEAWAY

Sometimes it's easy to forget the things that are important to us, to loose sight of what you are all about. Life gets in the way and takes us off on a tangent. I wanted to start this blog by saying Thank you, I was incredibly touched by your uplifting comments, heartfelt messages and emails.They really helped my get up and brush myself off and see whats important to me. I really had no idea how many of you cared not just about me and what I share, but it showed me what wonderful, generous and precious followers and friends I have. It does mean a lot to me and no words can really tell you how much. Todays post is different, I am sharing some pages from this months Simply Cards and Papercraft magazine, which includes a Craftascope Giveaway. There are 2 chances to win, see the Simply Cards and Papercraft website for details and good luck.

A friend suggested that the comments I received would be  great added to a journal, I thought this was a fantastic idea. So thats what I am going to do and if I ever get into such a mess again I can pick it up and know just how many of you care.

I have just had a look at some of  the Design Teams samples for my New Collection and I have to say they are amazing, I am so excited to share them with you all. The collection is being launched next Sunday at Stamperama in Stevenage and I hope that some of you will be joining me, It would be great to see some friendly faces.

In this months Simply Cards and Papercraft Magazine,there is a 20% discount code for readers (SCPMAG20) that can be used against any thing in my Etsy store.

Thank you for taking the time to join me today, I hope you will join me again very soon. Take care and Happy Crafting.xx