Grace

Morning Friends and Crafters. Today I am sharing a card that is just perfect for Batch making. Great for making for charities and fund raisers as well as raising funds for yourself too. These would wonderful boxed as a set, maybe a selection make in different colours. They make wonderful Thank You cards and as mentioned, changing the look is as easy as changing the colour strip. This uses just a few stamps from Sara's wonderful Enchanted Forest range along with a stamp from my collection and just 3 Distress Oxides. I hope you enjoy the tutorial.

You will Need:

Craftascope 'Dolphin' A5 Media Stamp Set 1

Enchanted Forest 'Dandelion' Die and Stamp Collection

Enchanted Forest Peg Stamps

Distress Oxides: Candied Apple, Squeezed Lemonade and Blueprint Sketch

Copier Paper

Stick n Spray

Versafine Black Ink Pad

White Stamping Card 8 x 6'' Approx

Mat Black Card 8 1/4 x 6 1/4'' Approx

Centura Pearl Card Base Silver/White 8 1/2 x 6 1/2

Step 1: Tear your paper to give you a slightly wobbly line. Secure to your card using a little Stick n Spray.

Step 2: Use the oxides to apply the colours either side of your card first, then add the center colour overlapping the one either side to give a nice blend. Remove the copier paper mask and then remove any excess adhesive with a piece of kitchen roll.

Step 3: Position and stamp the large 'Grace' stamp with the black ink. It has a really nice open text, that really lets the colour shine through, tying it together with the background. Next stamp your beautiful dandelions, elongating the centre stem. To do this mask off the dandelion with copier paper, all but the lower part of the stem, ink up your stamp and join it at the base. Add the little seed heads, blowing in the wind, make sure to stamp some off the page.

Step 4: Measure your black matt to make sure it leaves a narrow border around you topper, dont secure just yet.

Step 5: Gut this layer using any of your dies, not only does this save a lot of card, it reduces waste and postage, saves money and can be used for another project.

Step 6: Layer this onto your base card with tacky glue.

Step 7: Add your 'Grace' Topper to your card, it makes a beautiful card for any occasion, there are plenty more wonderful and uplifting words and phrases in my collection. See my live show link below.

My collection is still available at a wonderful offer price on Hochanda with Freedom Discount and Flexi Buy on the full collection. HOCHANDA LINK. I also have the collection available at my CRAFTASCOPE ETSY SHOP.

If you did miss my very first Hochanda show and the launch of my collection, it is still available on Rewind, via the Hochanda Website, it was last aired on Tuesday 20th November so please be quick.

NICK'S FIRST LIVE HOCHANDA SHOW LINK

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

Thank you ever so much for popping by today, I do hope you enjoyed the tutorial along with the finished card. I hope you will stop by again to see what else I have to share. For now Take care and Happy Crafting.xxx

Tough Tag

Morning Friends and Crafters. I had such a wonderful time at Hochanda. It was such a great show, Matt made me feel as relaxed as possible. The whole team at Hochanda made me feel right at home, very welcome and did everything they could to make it perfect. The set was staged to perfection, I met 'Magic Hands' in real life, I didn't even know they were attached to a person,lol Today, I thought I would share a tutorial for one of the show demos.

You will Need: 

Craftascope 'Trent' A5 Media Stencil

Craftascope 'Profile' A5 Media Stamp Collection 2

Eco Green Acrylic Paint Mulch and Clamshell or Similar  (Cream and Beige)

Brayer

Glass Mat or Gel Printing Plate 8 x 10''

8 x 4'' Tag

Crafters Companion Spray n Shine

Basic Rectangle Die (Approx 4 x 3'')

Mermaid Lagoon Distress Ink

Versafine Black Ink

Black Fine Liner

White Gel or Posca Pen

Black Card

Step 1: Create the background. Use a Brayer to spread a little of one colour onto your matt or plate. Scrunch up some copier paper and remove some of the colour to create a pattern. The add your tag face down and smooth the back, peel away to lift the print. Do this with your second colour, you really dont need much paint for this at all, leave to dry. Cut your rectangle from copier paper, keep both parts. Spray with a little Stick n Spray and position onto your tag.

Step 2: Use a smoothie or similar to add the Distress Ink  all over the tag. The colour will highlight the texture from the acrylic resist. Rub over with a clean cloth or kitchen roll to remove any excess ink.

Step 3: Carefully position the outer rectangle and remove the inner. Next position the stencil and ink through with the black ink. Leave this to dry for 10 to 15 minutes to avoid any smudges.

Step 4: Remove the stencil to reveal.

Step 5: Remove the outer rectangle, make sure its dry, then remove any excess adhesive with a kitchen roll or similar.

Step 6: Use your black fine liner to add a deckled edge around the rectangle, highlighting the image.

Step 7: Mount your tag onto Black card, Stamp your words onto white card and cut them out individually. Rather than mount these, take your black and white pens and add some detail around them. The tag is now complete, it's great on it's own but would also look great added to a card or other project.

If you would like to get your hands of the last few of my collection they are only available at Hochanda or via my Etsy site, a link is at the top of my blog (CRAFTSCOPE ETSY SHOP).

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

Thank you ever so much for joining me today. I do hope you have enjoyed the tutorial along with the finished project I have shared. I hope you will join me again very soon to see what else I have to share. For now Take care and Happy Crafting.xxx

Mica Face

Morning Friends and Crafters, so pleased you are joining me again today. I thought I would share something easy, but really striking and effective. It would make a really fun card for a guy or any occasion really, depending on what you add or the sentiment you choose.For the background layer I have used the script stamp from Leonie, it's an amazing stamp to create backgrounds or add texture, interest or dimension to any project, it's out in my craft room constantly.

You will Need:

Craftascope 'Xander' A5 Media Stencil

Craftascope 'Profile' A5 Media Stamp Set 2

Selection of Mica Powders

Versamark Ink Pad

Anti Static Pad

Soft Brush

Crafters Companion 'Spray n Shine'

Black Gloss Card

Purple Centura Pearl card

White Card

Black Card Base

Collall Tacky Glue

Collall 3D Glue Gel

Step 1: Wipe over your card with the anti static bag, position your stencil and ink through with the Versamark ink pad.

Step 2: Remove the stencil and sprinkle your chosen colours of mica.

Step 3: Use a very soft brush to remove the excess powder and lightly polish the card with the brush. Spray a very light mist of the Spray n Shine to set the mice in place.

Step 4: Repeat the process, this time using the script stamp to create your next layer. Mount your design onto the script background then onto the purple layer before adding it to your card base. Don't forget to gut your card layers with a basic die to save weight and card for other projects.

Step 5:On another piece of gloss card, stamp your sentiment as before and coat with the mica. Brush away the excess and polish with the soft brush, Once again spray with the Spray n Shine. Trim each of the words and mount them onto white card with Tacky Glue.

Step 6: Use 3D Glue Gel to position and secure the words in place on your finished card.

I do hope you have enjoyed the tutorial today and the finished project. I hope to see you here very soon to see what else I have to share with you. Don't forget to visit my Etsy shop if you would like any of the items from my collection, the link is at the top of the blog page. For now Take care and Happy Crafting.xxx

The real Facebook Live Video

Hi Friends and Crafters. I have now got a copy of the real Facebook live video, that I did before my first Hochanda show on the 1st November 2018. Just a little preview of a small selection of the samples I made for the launch of very my first collection.

It was repeated a few times and most recently on Tuesday 20th November so it is still available on Rewind via the Hochanda Website.

SHOW LINK HERE

My collection is only available on my Craftascope Etsy Shop and on the Hochanda Craftascope Shop. Do take a look if you would like any of the range, while stock is still available. Take care and Happy Crafting.xx

Media Canvas

Morning Friends and Crafters, I will be sharing a few more posts with you this week and then I will be having a break for a little while. So today I m sharing a media canvas that I made using one of my A5 Media Stencils,here I have used 'Bailey'. I hope you enjoy the tutorial.

You will need:

Craftascope 'Bailey' A5  (Approx 8 1/4 x 5 3/4) Media Stencil

Selection of Daler Rowney System 3 Acrylics
Amsterdam Acrylics (They go a long way)

Canvas Board 8 x 8

White Gesso

Black Fine Liner 1.0

HB Pencil

Selection of Acrylic Brushes

Palette Knife

Step 1: Mix some of the Blue Acrylic with some white Gesso to thin it, use this to prime your canvas board. Use the fine liner and stencil to add the face to your canvas. This is just a guide at the moment. (dont forget you only need one edge to make the face no the full shape) choosing either the inside, outside or mixture of the lines with give you a different look. Stat building up your colours and textures, This project is all about layering, which will show through to give you the depth.

Step 2: Next start adding you lighter blues, whites and more of the warmer tones for the face. Maybe add some splatters as well, I find these are easiest with a fan brush, always wash it out straight away. Leave this to dry before replacing the stencil and roughly adding the details with an HB pencil. Again this is mainly a guide for you.

Step 3:  Continue adding more depth and texture to the background, start adding shadowing and shaping the face, you might prefer to use a finger or brush for this. Use a small brush to add some definition to the features. The lips are best not so defined as it can make them look unnatural but we can subdue them later.

Step 4: Now add more dimension to the face, bringing in even more of the warmer tones to add the illusion of the facial curves. Use deeper tones of the cooler colours to add shadows under the jawline and chin.

Step 5: Now it's just a case of fine tuning until you re happy with the result, Start dulling won the lips to blend them in more. Oncce again, dont forget it's not finished until you are happy with it. You can always add more to it, it's your artwork and creation, this is not a portrait, but your expression of one.

I hope you have enjoyed the tutorial I have shared with you today, along with the finished project. I do hope you will have  ago yourself, especially if it's something you've not tried before, it's all about having fun, dont forget.

Please take a look at my Etsy shop, the link is at the top of my blog. If you do want anything I will only be sending out until the end of  the week unless I can arrange something, if not the shop will close until my return. For now Take care and Happy Crafting.xxx

My TV show on Hochanda

Just a quick post here, I have had quite a few people ask about my show. I can tell you it is still on rewind as it was on again on Tuesday 20th November 'Introducing Craftascope' I have included the link for you also:

https://www.hochanda.com/Cinemas/29403/20-11-2018/02/Introducing-Craftascope

I also have a short preview video for you to see, just a couple of minutes.

My collection is only available at my Etsy Store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/Craftascope use code CYBERTRENT999  for a 20% discount and free postage and packing Until 27th November for purchases over 30 GBP or equivalent in your currency.

Or from Hochanda:  https://www.hochanda.com/ProductsListing-Brand/432/Craftascope

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

Dolphin Acrylic Stack

Hello Friends and Crafters, Something else a little bit different to share with you today. Using my Dolphin Stamps, with thee Funky Waves and other stamps from Leonie. All mixed together on an Acrylic Stack. I have also included a Cyber Monday Discount Coupon for you today, so dont miss out.

I am sure none of you have missed the face that the Cyber Monday deals are well under way.I have included a code below for you to use on my Etsy Shop, giving you 20% off any purchase of  over 30 pounds (or equivalent in your currency). Don't miss out, if you would like to take advantage of it, the offer will last until tomorrow or while the stock lasts. I am afraid there is not a lot left after my show: Use the Code: CYBERTRENT999 AT https://www.etsy.com/shop/Craftascope Please feel free to share the code, with anyone who might enjoy my collection.

You will Need: 

Craftascope A5 Media Dolphin Set 1 Stamp Collection

Funky Waves and Clouds From Leonie

Selection of Amsterdam Acrylics or similar, Poscas are great

Stayzon Black Ink Pad

Stayzon White Ink Pad

Copic Black Fine Liner

Thats Crafty Acrylic Stack

White Gesso

Step 1: Take the backing board and give it a coat of Gesso. When dry draw your design on with a pencil, Stamps waves, using a mask cut from Copier paper to avoid overstamping.

Step 2: Colour your design using the colours of your choice.

Step 3: Decide where you want your design on the first Acrylic layer, use your background to help you position. Stamp onto the front of your acrylic. Add a couple of the clouds.

Step 4: Colour your design on the back, Add some more depth by stamping some clouds onto both sides. Add a few very small birds using your fine liner.

Step 5: Take your next acrylic layer, stamps another couple of the waves, use a mask again to avoid overstamping. Then add a couple more birds, this time slightly larger, use your previous layers as a guide.

Step 6: Repeat on your final layer, this tie add your chosen sentiment and remember to stamp on the front or it will read back to front. Maybe add a couple more clouds to add even more depth to this 3D project.

Step 7: When dry, stack your design and secure together using the screws provided.

Here is the finished project. 

I do hope you have enjoyed the tutorial I have shared today along with the finished piece. Join me again soon to see what else I have to share with you. Take care and Happy Crafting.xx

My Facebook Live Video

I thought I would share my Facebook Live Video Link Here. I want to keep it as I thought it went very well, despite the nerves. Just realised that this is my blooper real test one, Will post the real one as soon as I can, but it gives you a look.xx

Here is the full version after the test: 

If you would like to see me do a review of my collection then this is a couple of minutes that you might enjoy.

My collection is still available at a wonderful offer price on Hochanda with Freedom Discount and Flexi Buy on the full collection. HOCHANDA LINK. There isn't a lot left, I doubt I can order any more either due to the minimum order amounts so please be quick. I also have the collection available at my CRAFTASCOPE ETSY SHOP.

Another thing, here is a 30% off voucher to use on your first order (anything) from Hochanda, use code FEY5JBP7.

Also to let you all know that my Etsy shop is Open for business and stocked, with a discount available for the Cyber Weekend or while stocks last. Happy Shopping.

CRAFTASCOPE ETSY SHOP

Take care all and Happy Crafting.xxx

Mixed Media Acrylic Portrait

Morning Friends and Crafter, Im back today with another mixed media project for you, There are lots of extra photos to go with this tutorial, making it very easy to follow. It's one of those pieces that really does look better in real life the camera just hasn't picked up the colour as much as I would have liked. With Cyber Weekend in full swing it's really a good time to get all of your essentials and while your at it why not treat yourself to something new.

You will need:

Craftascope A5 Media Stencil 'Bailey' (Only available at my Etsy Shop or via Hochanda)

8 x 8 Board, Here I have used Zutter but any board will be perfect.

Pebeo Studio Acrylics Modeling Paste

Indigoblu 'Townhouse Teal Acrylic Paint

Pebeo Deco Paint (81) Mango

Dylusions 'Squeezed Orange'

Eco Green 'White' Acrylic Paint

Black Gesso

Step 1: Add a couple of inches of the modelling paste to your board.

Step 2: With a palette knife, spread over the surface unevenly.  

Step 3: Cover with a sheet of medical gauze, making sure it makes contact with the paste, especially around the edges.

Step 4: Start building texture around the board, making sure you leave an area for your portrait. Coat each layer with the paste before adding and molding to your project.

Step 5: Repeat step 4.

Step 6: Keep building layers as before to create as much texture and dimension as you like. Leave this to dry thoroughly before continuing.

Step 7: Start adding your background colours. Have lots of fun and dont think about it at all!!!

Step 8: Add a little white Gesso where the face will go, again dont be careful with it, keep away from heavy lines. Add the Gesso roughly. If you add to much you can always add more colour.

Step 9: Lightly trace your 'Bailey' Stencil, use only one set of lines, either the inside, outside or a mixture of both, you dont want to draw around all of them or you will get a thick line. each choice will give you a different look.

Step 10: Use a graphite pencil to deepen the lines of your face, roughly.

Step 11: Start building up more colour to you piece, darker around the edges by adding the smallest amount of black Gesso with your finger. Next use the mango, again with your finger to start building up the features, nose round the chin and cheeks. Use the colours first then to deepen use the smallest amount of black and only if needed, as the colours mix they will give you the depth.

Step 12, 13 & 14: Continue building your layers of colour, until you are happy. Don't worry if you go through stages, when you dont like it, carry on. I went through a lot with this piece. Remember it's not finished till you decide and white Gesso is a very good friends sometimes.

My Etsy shop 'Craftascope' is now open and fully stocked, I have joined in the Cyber Weekend by adding a 20% discount on all orders over 30 pounds (or equivalent) with free postage and packing, until tomorrow, or while the stock lasts. There is a link at the top of each blog page or CLICK HERE.

I do hope you have enjoyed the Tutorial along with the finished project. Maybe try it especially if it's something you have never done before, It's always fun to try something new, It's always fun and there's never a dull moment in crafting, more inspiration to come so do pop back. Take care and Happy Crafting.xxx