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.

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

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

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

Beauty In Everything

Morning Friends and Crafters, another great project for you this morning to make the most of your crafty stash. Here using the Craftascope Floral Stamp and Dies collection that I launched with Kathryn a few weeks ago on Hochanda. I have used this along with the wonderful Pearlywinks from Donna and Simon.

You Will Need:

Craftascope Floral Stamp and Die Collection

Pearlywinks Pumpkin Orange and Vintage Teal Winks

Clarity White card black cut to 6 3/4'' square

Clarity 7 x 7'' Black Card Blank

120 gsm paper

Black Fine Liner Pen

Versa Clair Black Ink Pad

Sentimentally Yours PVA

3D Glue Gel

Step 1: Arrange your chosen leaves on the paper and run through your die machine. I always like to use 3 sheets when using such thin paper, you will use them in other projects.

Step 2: Use masking tape to secure your white card in place. I like to overlap the card by 1/4'' to form a border. Use temporary adhesive to secure your leaf paper over your card. **I use the Clarity Card Blanks as they take the ink beautifully, having been let down in the stamping card I used to use.

Step 3: Spritz the teal first from one corner, so the ink is lighter in the middle. Repeat from the other corner with the orange. You will get a beautiful blend in the center.. Remove the paper.

Step 4: Remove all of the tape carefully, (always away from your piece) set aside to dry thoroughly. When dry rub over with a dry clean tissue. I've not done that here but it does remove the excess adhesive.

Step 5: Take a piece of white card and stamp your sentiment onto it, here i have used the Versa Clair Black ink.

Step 6: Spritz half and half with the same colours as before.

Step 7:  Cut out the sentiment and mount it onto black card, leaving a narrow border. Next cut one of the larger leaves from the spare card you spritzed. Stamp using the same black ink, look at how beautifully the stamps transfer, the leaf is fairly small but the text is so perfectly clear. Cut another leaf from the same black card.

Step 8: Slightly offset the  black and secure using the PVA.

Step 9: Mount your back ground card on to the black card base, this will leave a really nice thin border.

Step 10: Use a black fine liner to mark around your card to give a faux mat. Position and secure the sentiment and leaf onto your project using the 3D Glue gel.

Here is the finished card:

Thank you again for joining me today. It's always wonderful to have your company. I do hope you enjoy the posts that I share and find them useful. I am doing a lot more on my Youtube channel now and hope you will subscribe to that and keep an eye out for weekly shows, Here is a link to make things easy. NICKS YOUTUBE CHANNEL

(If you read the next bit, Please dont mention it on Facebook just yet) I have some amazing news to share with you today. I have been nominated in the Crafts Beautiful 'Best of Craft' awards. I have had to send my collections off to them and they have all arrived safe and sound. I have to thank each and everyone of you who took the time to nominate me. I have to say it was a real shock when they contacted me and must confess to crying  a little, well more than a little really. I couldn't have got this far without you and really words can't begin to explain how I feel, a few of you will know why this is so important to me, so thank you. I will give you more details as soon as I find out more. To get this far is amazing, obviously I would love to count on your support when the voting starts, it would be fantastic to go a little further. But THANK YOU so much.

The Craftascope Floral Stamp and Die Collection Launch show

Hi Friends and Crafters, Just a quick post to keep you in the loop so to speak. I've been away for a little while resting but I am well on the mend now so I am catching up with all the things I have neglected and hope to be back with you very soon with some more inspiration. I have just finished uploading the Launch show of the Floral Stamp and Die Collection with Kathryn for you so I hope you will enjoy it. It was such a busy show, Had great Fun.

More news, You might have seen that I have putout a Design Team Call to, so I can expand the great team I have already. I am looking forward to welcoming the new members, Full details are on my Facebook page. 

I have a lot of messages saying that they like to be able to watch the shows once they are no longer on Catch up to watch back the demos. I think one day I will have the courage to watch one back. As you all know I love to share and Hochanda is such a great place to visit and it gives me the opportunity to share even more with you. It's also given me a little more confidence, so I am doing a lot more on my Youtube channel.Here's the show link.

I'm over the moon that my New 'Regal Rose' collection has proved to be so popular, If you haven't seen it yet, they are on my Etsy Site, I know there are very few left now and only 1 of the full collection, so do be quick. Also another bit of news, I have been able to restock the Retro Banner Stamp Set at long last after it sold out in less that 24 hours, so again please be quick if you would like it, such a great set and so versatile. I also have a chat about the new collection on my Natter with Nick, below.

I have been toying with the idea of moving more towards video tutorials than the blog and I really would like to hear your views on it, if you have any or if you have a preference to one or the other. I have heard from quite a lot of crafty friends that they are shutting down blogs as visitors seem to prefer a photo on Social media rather than a tutorial. I have to say I feel it will be a shame to lose some of the blogs that are out there but I can understand when  it takes a huge amount of time to keep up a blog if people prefer a quick photo. Anyway I have asked before, so I thought I would ask again. See you very soon, for now Take care and Happy Crafting.xx

Way Out!!!

Morning Friends and Crafters. Fancy a little bit of fun with some vibrant colours and some straws? Well that's just what I have been doing, with the background for this mutlicoloured banner. This is a real statement die, great for any occasions and all types of crafting, from card making, journalling and scrapbooking and lots more. It's a great addition to your crafty stash and also makes a great card for a bloke.

I have managed to get a little bit of stock back on my Etsy Store, I am still trying to get the Stamp version of the 'Retro Banner' back in stock and will let you know if it's possible.

You will need:

Craftascope 'Retro Banner' Die

Craftascope Retro Fever Stamp Set

Craftascope Retro Vibes Stamp Set

Clarity Stamp 8 x 8'' Black Card Blank.

Selection of Brusho

Mat Black Cardstock 7 1/4 x 7 1/4''

White Stamping Card 7 x 7''

Mat Black Cardstock to cut the Banner

Coloured Card (A real Scrapbuster)

Tacky Glue and 3D Glue Gel

Step 1: Take 4 colours of Brusho, totally your choice. Premix them with a little water. Drop the first colour onto the card and blow out towards the edge of the card. Repeat this with your other colours to give a wonderfully vibrant background.

Step 2: Cut out the Retro Banner 3 times in black card from gutting. You need to whole banners and a section of 2. ****TOP TIP**** Don't use your pokey tool, tap the die firmly cutting side up on a surface to release on it's own, It does release and doesn't distort your die cut.

Step 3: Mount your vibrant background onto your base card, You can easily gut this card before sticking it down and use it on another project. 

Step 4: On your white card secure the banner die cuts to form a circular shape. Use coloured card to paper piece the banners.***TOP TIP***** This is a great way to use all of your scrap card pieces, I know we all have them.

Step 5: Back this piece onto your black card and make sure you have gutted it. You could easily position your banner die and use it latter for another card or project.

Step 6: Select a sentiment for your card. When I finished the background, I used the rest of the premixed Brusho to colour some scraps using the straws as well, these come in really handy for sentiments or smaller projects and we dont like to waste the colours. Here are two variations, but you could use any sentiment to suite the project.

Well, thats a really fun card to make, the explosion of colour with the banner would look fantastic in a journal or scrapbook, it really does make a statement. So versatile, how about printing thumbnails of photos and putting them in the blocks. Whatever you make or decide to do with your Banner I do hope you will share your Creations. Look forward to my next Back to Basics with Craftascope Show, dont forget if you have any ideas or anything you would like to see, please add it to the comments section under the videos, it makes it easier for me if they are all in one place. For now Take care and Happy Crafting.xx

Beauty in Everything

Hi Friends and Crafters. Well here I am with the first tutorial using the New 'Retro' Collection launched on Hochanda a couple of weeks ago. I have to thank you all so much for embracing the  unique collection. I was so touched  that so many of you have now joined the Craftascope Family. It's also been a real treat for me to see all of the beautiful Creations being shared. It really does show me, how much fun you are having and for me thats the best part of bringing you my designs.

Before I start with my tutorial today, I want to mention the 'Graceful Striplet' Die I have added to my Etsy store. If you dont know abut it I have added the video here for you. At the moment there are more of you have it in your baskets than I have stock, so sadly people are going to be disappointed. If you really want this die, then I urge you to check out. They are not safe in your basket and if someone buys it will be lost. I hate to go on, but I had so many messages from people who missed out on the Retro Stamps and Rose Petals that I don't want the same thing happening.

You will need:

Craftascope Retro Leaves Die Collection

Craftascope Retro Rounds A5 Stencil

Clarity 8 x 8 Card Blank, cut to 7 1/2 x 7 1/2''

Clarity Stencil Brushes

8 x 8 Card Base

Basic Round Die (Approx 6 1/2'')

Distress Inks: Fossilized Amber, Wild Honey & Aged Mahogany 

Versafine Black Ink

Waste Plastic Packaging

EVA or Funky Foam

Yellow and Orange Card (Here Tim Holtz Distress Pad)

Step 1: Trim your Card blank to 7 1/2 x 7 1/2, you will use the remainder at another time. Cut a piece of copier paper that same size and cut a circle into it. Use temporary adhesive spray to secure to your card.

Step 2: Using the Distress inks blend from Light at the top to Dark at the base to create a really rich background.

Step 3: Cut your chosen leaves from EVA foam, I like the EVA foam more than the Funky Foam as it hold the ink better, especially good if you are going to use them again. Spray the back with Stick n Stay then secure to the waste plastic packaging. This will allow you to use them again and again.

Step 4: Remove the mask from your card and replace the inner circle over your design, again with temporary adhesive. Take the stencil and the 2 lighter ink pads and create some interest around the center focal point.

Step 5: Use Temporary adhesive to your stamps and position them into your design using the black ink.

Step 6: Stamp your sentiment onto white card, edge with the black ink and layer it onto Orange and Yellow card. Mount your artwork onto the same yellow and orange card to match, making sure you have gutted it as always.To finish off mount it onto your base card and secure the sentiment with either foam pads or 3D glue gel.

If you prefer not to add matting and layering to your card, then I would suggest working directly onto the Clarity Card Base, as I say on all my videos and tutorials it takes the inks and colour really beautifully and well worth it.

Before I go just to let you know abut the offer I have on the Blooming Marvelous Collection (pictured above) on my Esty Store, There are only 4 left at the amazing price of 58.95. The collection includes the Beautiful Dolphin Die, 3 A5 stencils and 2 A5 plus stamp sheets, not far off A4 really so a it's a great time to add it to your Craftascope Library. See the Etsy listing for more inspirational photos.

I hope you will join me tomorrow at 7 PM for the next episode of ''Natter with Nick'' to see what I will be sharing and for the new Natter with Nick offer. For now Take care and Happy Crafting.xx