Day 6 Advent offer -2 for you today- A long but heartfelt posts today.

Morning to you, I hope you are all well. I've added both Hochanda shows with Leonie to my youtube Channel now, so they're available anytime need some inspiration. We all hit a brick wall sometimes and just don't know what to create, so there's lots of inspiration for you on my youtube channel. The day 6 offer has been added, it's exciting there are 2 today, I had to really they go perfectly together. There's also a new Hidden Prize to find. I've added the stencils to a Pick n Mix Post, so you can select any 2 or any 4 and they are all Half Price, this is first come first served. If you missed the Retro Rounds stencils or dies, there are a few available, but again do be quick. I have also got a few of the amazing ATC Card Envelope die set available, but only a few. I hope you will take the time to read my heartfelt blog post today, those you know me well with know it's not just a bunch of meaningless words, It's exactly how I feel.

In case you haven't seen my posts over the last few days, I will recap the Craftascope December Giveaway. All you have to do is simply Create a Card, Scrapbook Page or any other project of your choice. Post your creation on your Facebook page and use the hashtag #craftascopedec20. Feel free to tag a crafty friend who might be interested in joining in for the chance to win one of the 3 prizes.

Here are the two Hochanda shows for you, there are lots more on the channel, for those of you that have invested in the Mens stencil, I have a Real Time tutorial (under 20 minutes), to show how to easily achieve a realistic face. Believe me it really is easy to do, I have seen a lot of results from previous customers some as young as 6.

This next bit is quite long, but it's all about Craftascope and me, it would be great if you took the time to read it. I have just added some random photos to break it up a bit. and Sorry, I started this earlier and it was morning but now it's afternoon.

My vision for Craftascope was to bring you something different, something that would encourage your creativity and the tools to create your own unique designs from Scratch. Over time, I've seen your styles change & evolve. From your messages and mail you have embraced that and thoroughly enjoyed the journey.

Every collection in the Craftascope range has been designed to work together to achieve a huge variety of projects. I had wanted to create a huge a permanent and interchangeable library of elements that would suit every single occasion and individual style. They will compliment everything you have in your craft room already and can even breathe new life in to older items.

Every stamp has been drawn by hand with pencil, paper and pit pens, then specific details have been removed to give as many options as possible and so as to not restrict your creativity.

Craftascope was never set up as a business venture, it grew from my own love of crafting & the joy of  helping, going back many years, before anyone had even heard of 'Nick from Barnsley' or 'Nick from Bulgaria'. Before it ever began, I have loved sharing  recommendations and tutorials. It's never been about making huge amounts of money, but obviously, it's imperative that it at least pays it's way. Living on an a small Ill Health Pension, I'm not in a position to pour in cash to cover shortfalls. I could have designed for a larger company, but then I would have been restricted in what I could bring and that was never an option, my original designs were never going to be commercial and would only be for a select market.

Until this year I had happily ticked on by. The best reward was from seeing the amazing creations you have shared with me, the crafters that have become more than just customers to me. Seeing and hearing about your crafty journey, allowing me into your lives and sharing your more personal stories has been an absolute honour. Crafting is about so much more than just making a card or project, it's about supporting each other, helping to build peoples confidence and sharing special friendships. I am so happy that I can call so many of you friends rather than customers. There's not many businesses where that can happen.

Sharing Craftascope was incredibly scary for me, it was only ever going to be one collection. When you bring a collection you've poured your heart and soul into each design and if people don't like it, it's a reflection on you. I remember having a conversation with Barbara Grey, way back then. I told her it was only going to be the one collection. It was something I wanted to bring as It was missing from the Craft world. 

I had never wanted to appear on Hochanda, I'm very nervous and fairly shy. After having probably one of the worst screen tests with Janice, my bottom lip was doing 100 to the dozen, almost bursting into tears, the actual show went very well. All the costs were covered, including my flight, Just the ticket and what I wanted to achieve.

Then things changed, Hochanda had given me the most amazing welcome, they made me feel part of the family and although I still don't enjoy being on TV, I do love everything that goes with it. The wonderful feedback from Crafters and the fact that people were actually loving the designs and spending Hard earned cash on them. It was amazing to realise that I was actually helping people and so many more than I could ever hope to reach on my blog.

I was full of ideas for products to design. I felt that there was a lot missing and (Without Being Big Headed) a couple of things I wanted to improve, the rectangles being one of them. I know they are basic and incredibly boring to look at but they are essential and so much more.

My Media Medley Collection came next, I actually shared this story recently with a customer, (Now a Friend). It started off with a simple/plain ATC Card. I had been searching for years and only ever came across ones with detail, so they already had someone's mark on them, for ATC's  you really want them to reflect you and your style. It grew around that with an envelope, lattice and all sorts of extras to make it more versatile. If you would like to see it in detail, do take a look at the Video on YOUTUBE LINK, I have added the last few sets yesterday, but there are only 3 or 4 left, so do act fast.

Seeing life on the other side of the camera, is on the whole very exciting. So many people that we don't see. Wonderful meeting those invaluable people behind the scenes, without who, there would be no shows at all, but they're forgotten a lot of the time. There is some bitchiness, only from the odd one or two and obviously behind your back. I have to say I found this the hardest to deal with. There is nothing very nice about people that are nice as pie to your face, only to find out that they are happy to talk or write about you, they're spineless really. Then there are those who don't actually say anything but encourage others too. Many times it has got to me and I have sat at home in tears. I constantly worry about what people think about me. So when things are said that are untrue or assumptions it hurts a lot, especially when you can't speak up, without making it worse. Luckily these people are few and far between. The vast majority are amazing people who will do anything they can to help you. Yes, on the whole the 'Crafting Family' is fantastic, they are friendly and supporting.

It's far easier said than done, but you really do have to ignore it. Very difficult when it's your character thats brought into question.

It's for all these reason and more that I feel so devastated at the possibility of closing Craftascope. This year (2020), was going to be my Best year yet. How things had been progressing, I was actually on course for some well earned profit. But as well all know now, that just wasn't going to be the case. 

This is why I really had to share with you, the things that have lead to this weeks posts. I just can't do this alone, without asking for help & support, or even some sort of Christmas Miracle, the only option I have is too close and it would be awful. I had to disband my Design Team earlier this eek and it's been one of the worst things I have had to do. Hearing back from them and what they had to say was worse though. They have done a sterling job of bringing the designs to life.

Through this year I have tried so many ways to get through and and endeavor to boost the low sales. I have always wanted to carry on for as long as I possibly could and  for as long as my health would allow. I d have a serious illness, that is continually deteriorating, but Craftascope has really kept me going. There was so much more that I wanted to share and I really wasn't ready to stop.

It's been a disastrous year for most of the world, I know I am not the only person to be affected. If you can add your support for me and Craftascope, it really would be amazing. I would never normally ask, and I know it is a big ask, but every single sale will help and could make the difference, it might even be the Christmas Miracle I need and am praying for. Do take a look at the Craftascope Store on Etsy, I have well over 80 Items and some have savings. I can't thank you enough for taking the time to read this. Any help that you can offer will really be appreciated.

For now Take care and Happy Crafting. Please keep Safe xxx

Lots and lots to share, Captain Tom and his New Single, Covid19 & More

It really is a wonderful thing, I am sure there are many times we have all wished we had the luxury of hindsight. Unfortunately no one can see the future. It's easy for us all to look back and wonder how an unfolding situation might have turned out if we had taken a alternative path. No one can possibly say different choices would have made the outcome any better or worse. The journey might change, but who can honestly say if the end result would have been a better one. All we can really do is look back and learn from every decision made.

Every person has their own opinion on a variety of subjects and different topics. It's the coming together of minds and action that makes a vital difference.I am no exception, we all like to make our own decisions when it affects our lives and the lives of our Family and Friends. I'm not political, the important point now is to save lives, the best way to do that is work together and support each other.

It's doubtful that there are many who are enjoying the restrictions, but we know it's the right thing to do, keeping everyone safe. Whatever Government had been in power there would be many difficult decisions that would have to be made. They have followed health and scientific advice and taken into account information and data from many different experts. Despite all the criticism, they have chosen a path that they believe is best for the country at the time.

It was wishful thinking on my part, when I had hoped that the whole of parliament would join forces to fight this pandemic. It could have been an agreement between all parties or even a more formal route, creating a national or coalition Government for the duration, like I said in my last post. There has been so much condemnation and criticism, even more over the last 2 weeks. People are falling ill and lives are being lost, this really isn't time to be wasting valuable time, when it could be used for the good of the nation. 

It's always welcome to hear the views from experts, but there is a limit. Surely the media must have exhausted their list of possible guests. The variety of opinions, advice and condemnation is mind blowing and serves no useful purpose, when so many of them contradict others. It's really not surprising that the mental Health of some has been affected. Watching and reading the news can be terrifying. If reporters, editors and those responsible for the nations news had acted this way during the last War, the outcome could have been very different.

I've talked to and heard from a fair few people and their morale has certainly suffered, by far the biggest reasons are the way the numbers are continually reported, time and time again. The inaccuracies on the Television news. The media regularly sensationalising along with misleading headlines.

It's been a mammoth task for the Government to create a variety of packages designed to support approximately 95% of the population and in turn the economy.It will offer some welcome relief to many that do need the assistance and ensure that many businesses, employers and employees do have some security in this desperate time.

However there have been many businesses & individuals receiving Taxpayers money that are in a position to help themselves or easily have plenty to see them through. To many to mention here, one in particular that has been in the news is Richard Branson and Virgin Atlantic. Virgin is largely owned by Delta Airlines in the USA (49%) & KLM in France (31%) leaving only a 20% stake owned by Richard Branson.

You might already know that Richard Branson has been a 'Self Confessed Tax Exile, paying no Tax in the UK. My personal view is that the Government should, under no circumstances use Taxpayers money to help any business that can help themselves. Certainly not when there are businesses who can't secure the help they need to remain in business. Honestly I can't believe he has the Gaul to ask when he has more than enough funds. Even worse asking after he sued the NHS for 2 Million, money they could well do without losing.

Then there are the businesses that for one reason or another are not eligible, despite being profitable before this pandemic. Many of these would have not been in such a predicament, but through no fault of their own, they have been put in this impossible situation. It's understandable that the Government has to be cautious with Taxpayers money and certain checks have to be put in place to avoid any fraudulent claims. But to see any of these profitable businesses destroyed would be an avoidable tragedy.

Supermarkets have had their rates scrapped, saving billions of pounds between them. Understandable if they were suffering financially, but this is simply not the case. The supermarkets are one of the biggest winners in our current climate. For example Tesco's Business rates scrap is set to save them 700 million (about 50% of their annual profits), interestingly they are also proposing paying 637 Million to their shareholders, so in effect the Taxpayer will be covering their dividend. The savings to Sainsbury is going to be upwards of 500 Million, twice their annual profit. It's a huge amount to be lost across all of the Supermarkets, when this could be used to benefit those really in need of help.

It's simply not acceptable, when some are unable to purchase the essential food they need to survive. Some 'In Demand' items have now risen by about 4.4% according to the ONS, most of them being the everyday essentials. What about the homeless, Disabled, those on Benefits and Pensioners, it's a disgrace that there is no help at all for those with so little. Those people in society with the very least don't qualify for any of the assistance on offer. On the other hand, it's unbelievable that help is available for some of those who just don't need the assistance but are more than happy to take it.

Choice in the supermarkets has been reduced, which is understandable, however a lot of those products available are the higher priced branded goods. The everyday, Basic or Economy choices have all but disappeared from the shelves, so the savings that people have come to rely on are gone. Those people now have a very difficult choice to make, Which essentials items do they have to go without?

It should be a priority to consider ways of helping those people, perhaps a temporary addition to their pension or benefit or even a short term increment. The Government should have ensured every person affected by the current climate and needed help, got the assistance with all essential costs such as food, rent, mortgage, gas, electric etc. But they have left the bottom 20% who are most desperate with absolutely nothing, relying on Foodbanks and public generosity. Some are not even eligible to access a Foodbank for help, leaving them in a dire situation. However there are also those that can access the various Foodbanks, only to find they are also struggling.

As I have said, whichever Government had been in power, there would have been the same problems and disagreements. I am more concerned about Friends and Family, making sure they are as safe as they can possibly be. My hope really was that the Party Politics would have been set aside for the duration of this Pandemic. It is something that happened during the last War and should be the norm in times of emergency, where action and time are of the essence.

Captain Tom Moore, What an absolute Hero, He is such an inspiration to us all. His fundraising efforts have raised nearly 3 Million Pounds for the NHS and it's still rising. What an amazing accomplishment! It is going to benefit the NHS and through them it will have a positive effect on so many. The single he has made with Michael Ball and The Voice of Care Choir, 'You'll Never Walk alone' is doing very well, but every download will help this reach and stay at Number 1. If you have not downloaded it yet, there is still time.

There have been so many positives that have come out of this dreadful Pandemic, it's very easy to overlook them when the TV and Media is filled with Covid19 news. Let us hope that over the coming weeks the good news and accomplishments outweigh the terrible stories we are all so used to hearing.

Lastly I want to share, Last Friday the Government published news of some additional new test sites, with more to come very soon. In this there is also a revised list of those entitled to a test and included the families of those people, where that is appropriate, the list is now quite comprehensive. It also has information of how to arrange a test. I have been sharing the link to as many as possible as the media have not been sharing it, which could explain why the uptake of tests remains low compared with the 40,000 capacity. I also had an email to say that Amazon and the Royal Mail are also sending out tests, which is great news for those on the list, who can't drive or get to the testing sites. Here is the link, so feel free to share, it could help: GETTING TESTED ADVICE 

I'd love to hear your comments, views, experience and stories. It would be great to hear from you again or feel free to leave your comments below. I do hope that you are all keeping well. Take care and stay safe.

Working together to make things better. Stay Safe from Coronavirus

Hi Everyone. I think I am finally on top of everything, It's amazing how much goes by the wayside. This is very different to my normal posts, but I thought it would be a record of whats going on in our world right now. I have never been political, but like a lot of others there are some points that have really annoyed me, especially over the last couple of weeks. It's been clear that 'Point Scoring' seems to be a lot more important to some than allowing certain people to get on with what is so important.

Firstly, I want to say a huge thank you to Boris Johnson, Matt Hancock, Dominic Raab, Rishi Sunak and everyone in the Government along with the team behind them who are ensuring 'we're all in this together' and more importantly 'We're coming out of this Together'. Thanks also to all the frontline staff in a variety of positions, from  all areas of Healthcare, Delivery Drivers, Food Suppliers etc, the list really is endless, but everyone of them are helping us all to stay safe.

Wasn't it wonderful to hear the Queen's message to the Nation,such a wonderful lady, calming and reassuring to listen to. It's always a pleasure to listen to her. We're all going through such a challenging and traumatic period at present. The governments approach throughout this time has been in the best interests of every person in the United Kingdom.It has been professional at all times, taking into account the scientific data, but always in the best way possible to protect every person. Measures have also been brought in to protect the economy and businesses, it's understandable that they can't save every business, but the package they have made available is immense.

Is it time for a National Government? To maximise the Coronavirus effort? I think the Government has done an excellent job and I honestly believe they could continue to lead us through these unparalleled circumstances. I think that with Party Politics set aside for the duration, it would alleviate any unnecessary distractions.

We're all aware of the colossal task and the mammoth surge in demand for both PPE & those demanding supplies. PPE on the frontline is imperative to protect those in the NHS and working in the Health and Social care sector, everyone in the Government is working 24/7 to ensure the safety of everyone. Each minute spent backbiting or disputing their action, is time taken away from the more important job of tracking this Pandemic.

They are providing,supplying and procuring huge amounts of PPE, It's a huge task and they are all working tirelessly to get it to the places that need it. A majority of frontline locations are getting the equipment they need. But there are reports highlighting some areas where PPE is in short supply and is urgently needed, there have been huge improvements made and they are constantly working towards 100%.It's imperative that all frontline staff have everything they need, especially as they are putting themselves at risk day in and day out to protect us all.

It goes without saying that the best policy is to be open with the public,However constant squabbling about the lock down extension is not conducive and does little to ease public anxiety. It's fairly obvious to a majority of the public that the restrictions are going to remain in place for the foreseeable future. To relax them at present moment would destroy any gains made by the sacrifices of the past 3 weeks. It would be better to have the restrictions in place for a longer period, than to lose lives which can be saved.

Why on earth must the media,constantly ask about the measures.When will the be relaxed? How will they be implemented etc? These are impossible to predict without the necessary reports, as it has been pointed out time after time. Obviously the Government would like to lift the restrictions as soon as possible, minimising damage to the economy as much as possible. But they have to act responsibly and in the best interests of safety and progress.

It really doesn't help, listening to all the bickering about when and how they will be lifted, no one has a crystal ball, the Government will lift the restrictions when they know it's the right thing to do. It's incredibly stressful to have all these varying opinions about the lock down and when/how it will work. The Government has said, and will keep saying that they will make the decisions based on the data, when they have it.

On the BBC News this morning, Rachel Reeves mentioned the need for discussion with regard to the lifting of restrictions. She also said Parliament should reopen, albeit in a different way to adhere to the social distancing regulations, to maintain safety.

It had already been confirmed a few days ago, that they will reopen on the 21st April, probably remotely. Obviously lifting restrictions does require a great deal of thought and discussion, taking into account all of the relevant  data and scientific research.Ensuring that any easing of the restrictions is done responsibly when it's prudent to alter or lift them.

In my opinion however, It's simply not possible to have a concrete exit strategy for lifting the restrictions, it will need careful thought. Parliament can discuss a wide range of different measures and possibilities, but the order in which they could be implemented would be dependent on the scientific evidence and data to show if/when it would be right to do so. There just can't be a one size that fits all.

It's not something for the media to keep asking about, the lifting of the restrictions will be an ongoing and constantly changing discussion, that will need careful consideration to maintain the gains that have been made by keeping up the social distancing measures.

In the current climate, when action is of paramount importance and every minute counts, Is it time to create a National Government to deal with this dreadful Pandemic? Time will be better spent maximising the support given to all areas, rather than criticising the Governments handling of the crisis. This is totally different to anything anyone has ever had to deal with before. No one can possibly say whether the actions have been right or wrong, Boris Johnson & his team have acted on the best available data, information, scientific research and advice. Time spent 'Taking the Government to Task' as Kier Starmer says he wants to, Is time wasted, when working together would be more constructive. It's really not the time for blame, it's time to pull together and act in the best possible way.

On the one hand Kier Starmer says he's not interested in 'Scoring Points' against the Government, but rather contribute, his actions and comments tell a very different story. Which is a great shame, It's just what the country needs right now, opposition that can put politics aside for the good of the country. Everybody needs to play their part to stop the virus spreading and save lives. The UK needs to act as ONE, this situation needs a united front.

During a BBC interview Yesterday, Liz Kendall said more or less the same with regard to lifting the restrictions. She added that the Government needs to be transparent and include deaths outside of hospital rather than hide them from the public. The interviewer had actually been told earlier that those numbers were published each week for everyone to see, it was also explained that these deaths are not available in time to be included within the daily figures. Rather than share this information with her, he acted shocked when she said the numbers weren't being made available.

For anyone interested in the figures, they are published every Tuesday at 9.30. Due to the lag in reporting and registering these deaths are not included in the Numbers given at the daily Number 10 briefing, but they are not hidden. HERE ARE THE WEEKLY FIGURES.

From our discussions last week, I know a lot of you have been put of watching the evening briefings. I have been watching daily and sadly I can tell you that the questions from the media have not changed, the same questions are being asked day in day out. Honestly the ridiculous questions asked by them are beyond a joke.Many of them wasted,each asking the same question. Do they actually not listen to the previous questions and answers?In fact do they actually take note of what the panel is presenting, you wouldn't think so to watch.

Agreed, It's painful to watch, but it perfectly demonstrates why our newspapers are full of rubbish. Nine times out of ten the answers are twisted to suit the reporters agenda, by the time they reach print. This is why I like to watch live, you cant really rely on the transcripts provided by the media and rarely reflect the true content,and often dramatised.

These people have the privilege to put forward their questions and yet 80% are repetitive. Many important questions are never asked, we could be receiving valuable and beneficial information, if only the media worked together.

I have started a Mixed Media Journal with news,art and photos from all over the world. I'd love to hear from you, how are you doing,Keeping safe and well. It's great to be back and I hope to share a lot more with you over the next few months. It will be different to todays post.

Todays was written as It's so sad that with so many people working tirelessly and yet there are some that feel the need to rip them apart and criticise rather than offer support and assistance. It's not right, it's time to pull together.

Take Care,Stay Safe & Happy Crafting.xxx