Just a little bit of news for you. I have been able to add some more of the Craftascope Rose petal dies to my Etsy store at last after they sold out on Hochanda. Also I have listed a few items from my New August Launch, including the whole Regal Rose Collection, please do be quick if you would like anything as it seems to be going very fast and there is no more stock until the August launch and Stamperama in Stevenage. The link for my Etsy store is at the top on the blog page.
Thats really all for now as I have been told to rest for a few days, and I want to be back to 100% as soon as possible. So take care and Happy Crafting.xxx
Morning Friends and Crafters, For those of you who saw my second episode of 'Back to Basics' with Craftascope last night. I really hope you enjoyed it and found it useful & worthwhile. After the show I added a few finishing touches as discussed and added a little sentiment. So here is the end result, do excuse to odd finger print. You can still take a look at the video on my youtube channel and I have added the link to this post to, so pop over and see how it was done.
As I said on the video, I will be adding to the series for as long as I get your requests. So if there is anything you would like to see included in the future shows, then please leave your comments on the comments under the video so I can find them easily.
This weeks 'Natter with Nick' offer ended last night but there are still some really great buys on my Etsy store, some are a little low on stock now, but hopefully you will find what you want to add to your Craftascope Library. I did a second demo on last nights show, I added it as a separate video and you can see it here.
Well I have lots of preparation underway for my first stand at Stamperama in August, not long to go now. I will be sharing lot's of new goodies before visiting Hochanda on the 13th August. Well thats all for no, so Take care and Happy Crafting.xx
Hi Friends and Crafters, A little bonus post and tutorial for you today, I have that many to share that I am going to run out of days before my next visit. As you know over the last week or so I have been sharing cards made with the beautifully detailed leaves from my Floral Companions Stamps and Dies. I have some on my youtube channel as video and some written with additional photos. You might have seen the Autumn and Winter, well I thought that this made a really wonderful Spring card with the Addition of a lovely Clarity Stamp.
Distress Inks Squeezed Lemonade, Mowed Lawn and Salty Ocean
Step 1: Take a piece of stamping card and blend across the distress inks to get a really nice blend from Yellow to a variety of greens.Cut your chosen leaves using the coordinating dies. Spray with temporary adhesive and secure to copier paper. Then use a stamping platform to stamp your leaf designs.
Step 2: Take a piece of 5 1/2 x 5 1/2 piece of black and gut with a basic die (here I have used Square). Position you Nesting die centrally on your card to create an aperture. Then use the layering dies to create the black frame. Secure these and mount onto your card and colour the Green Man.
Step 3: Arrange your selection of leaves around the aperture to draw your eye into the card. I have sprayed the leaves with a spray varnish, here I have used Spray n Shine.
Here is your finished card:
Thee leaves really are versatile, they can be used as the main focal point in your card, they look great on their own or mixed with any of your other stamps and dies. They also work perfectly to frame other toppers and can also be used on any project to add that finishing touch.
The detail is wonderful, however by using the dies without the stamps, there is the option of adding your own choice of stamps or artwork, zentangle for example to really tailor the project to match exactly.
A great, Well I'd say an essential addition to your crafty stash or your Craftascope Library. I do hope you have enjoyed this little bonus post. For now Take care and Happy Crafting.xxx
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.
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
Hi Everyone, Well it's so hot here today, I can hardly breathe it's so humid as well. So today, I have a really quick and effective card for you. We sometimes need a card in a hurry, that looks great but doesn't take us too long to create. This card still has a lot of texture and interest and would really suit any occasion, depending on the words or sentiment you decide on.
I hope you will join me later this evening for my 'Natter with Nick' at 7 pm. I have another offer for you that will last until Sunday at Midnight so tune in so you don't miss this weeks.
Step 1: Cut your chosen leaves from copier paper to make the masks, spray on the back with Temporary Spray Adhesive and set aside. Take 2 halves of copier paper, use the spray again to secure to your card to form a 3'' strip down your card blank, this will act as a mask. Arrange you leaves all along the strip.
Step 2: Use the Pearlywinks sprays to add that vibrant colour then remove the masks to reveal the design.
Step 3: Using your Pearlywinks sprays again, colour your small piece of stamping card.
Step 4: Stamps a selection of words from the Retro Stamp Sets and cut out. Mat them onto Black card using Tacky Glue.
Step 5: Use the 3D glue gel to secure your sentiments in Place on the card.
And here is your finished card.
Thank you for joining me today, I hope you have enjoyed the tutorial today. Just another reminder about the Graceful Striplet Die,There are very few left and there are lot of people who have them in their baskets. I don't have enough for each person who has it in the basket, so if you do want it, please check out, I feel like I am going on and on, but I really dont want anyone to miss out and they are going to.
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.
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
Hi Friends and Crafters. Firstly thank you ever so much for your comments and requests for things to bring along for the Back to Basics with Craftascope, if you have any more to add, please leave them in the comments under the video so I can pick them up easily. I do hope you have been enjoying the videos I have been sharing over the last few weeks on youtube. If you haven't seen them they are available on my channel. I will be starting with my written tutorials soon, as I have now had chance to get everything up to date since coming home. A t-shirt I made with the Retro Chaos Stencil from the Retro Collection, it makes such a clear impression and so nice to have something different.
I added a video yesterday, which you might be interested to see. One of the dies (Graceful Striplet) that I was planning to bring in August features. I have decided not to take it any further, but wanted to show it to you and give you the opportunity to get hold of one of the 11 dies. You do need to watch the video before deciding on your purchase. Most of them are already in peoples baskets, so if you do want a set please act fast, until they are purchased they are not safe in a basket.
I am really looking forward to joining you on Wednesday at 7 pm for Natter with Nick. For now take care and Happy Crafting.xx
Hello Friends and Crafters, I do hope you are all well and the weather is getting better for you, I know it was bitterly cold on my last couple of days. Well today I have started a new series of Videos 'Back to Basics with Craftascope'. This was following my Natter with Nick on Wednesday, there were a couple of comments with regard to Masking, subsequently I received a couple of messages about the same thing. It occurred to me that there are so many new crafters and there is very little out there to help, so I though the Back to Basics might be a great idea. This is one of the cards I made in the show.
This is really to test the water and see if anyone does find it useful. I will keep an eye on the messages and comments to see if it's something that crafters would like to see regularly. If it is popular then I am more than happy to continue with the shows. So if there is anything at all that you would like to see, pleased add your comments below the Back to Basics Video on Youtube, so I know that this series is something you want to continue. Here is another card I made during the show today.
The Natter with Nick show was great on Wednesday, it was good too see some of you there and chat. The offer for the show is the wonderful Textures 1 stamps, these are great to add to any collection so if you don't have them. it's a great time to add them to your collection. There is a 5 pound saving on them until Midnight on Sunday (16th June). Here is the link for the Back to Basics Show.
There is also a welcome reduction on my Craftascope 'Blooming Marvelous' Collection, normally 79.95, now only 58.95, but this is only while this stock lasts. It's been a really popular offer and there are literally only a handful left. I know some people have it in their baskets, but if someone buys it you will lose out. I hate to see people who want things lose out, quite a few people missed out on the Retro Banner Stamps and the Rose Petal Dies, so do be quick.
This is the first chance I have had to say a huge thank you to everyone of you who has supported me on my short Craftascope Journey. It really has been terrific to have had so much support from you, I was over the moon that so many of you embraced the One Day Special, I was so proud of my Retro Collection. I've been thrilled to see all of the amazing creations being made and shared by so many, Above is a link for one of the shows with Charlie, if you would like to have a look, some inspiration or simply a refresh. For now take care and Happy Crafting.xx
Hi Friends and Crafters. Well it's Wednesday and time for another Natter with Nick tonight at 7 pm. I have broken it into two this week to see if they are faster to upload and I have to say that they were, I left enough time in case it was another 8 hours, but it was less than half that this time. I do hope you will join me for a natter, some demos, Hints, tips and some Wednesday night fun.
Part 2 of this weeks episode will go live at 7.30, to give time to have a chat answer any questions etc. I hope you enjoy part 2 just as much as the first part. I will take this time to let you know about the 'BIG GIVEAWAY', I have still had a lot of people who don't know about it, I have shared it as much as I can, but obviously with the way Facebook share, there are people who will miss out. What do you have to do? Leave an Honest review for any Craftascope Purchase on my Etsy store. Thats it, then you will be in with the chance of winning my Brand New August collection, consisting of 3 Beautiful Stamp Sets, Stencils and dies.
When you have watched the Natter with Nick, please get in touch if there is anything you would like me to include in my future shows. Anything crafty at all, I will always try and include it. I want these shows to be enjoyable and informative, so your feedback is extremely valuable.
Well I will see you tonight at 7 pm and again at 7.30 pm. For now Take care and Happy Crafting.xx
Morning Friends and Crafters. Today is the start of my Journey home, Im travelling to Luton today on the first leg. I like to do it in stages so it's not too much all in one go, so I have a hotel booked for tonight and hopefully I will get chance to catch up with a few things online. I was so proud of my Retro Collection and the One Day Special went so well, Im really pleased you embraced the designs as well. I have a few weeks off now until I bring my new collection to you in August, so dont forget to tune into my Natter with Nick on Wednesdays at 7pm. It will be shared on my Facebook page and youtube. I look forward to chatting with you then.
I have uploaded the Launch of my One Dy Special today so you can watch even after the show is removed from the Hochanda website, I think it's always nice to re visit it now and again for more ideas and inspiration. I hope you will take a look.
I will be starting my tutorials again next week, once I have unpacked and got everything away, washed and in it's place. There always seems to be a lot to do when I get back home. Obviously the first thing will always be my lovely animals, there are a couple of cats who never seem to recognise me when I arrive, but it doesn't take long to get back to normal.
Thank you to those of you who have made purchases from My Etsy store after seeing my post about the craft club. Every little bit helps me get nearer to the goal and with any luck I can get it up and running as soon as possible. I know I miss it and the children in the village do as well. Don't forget that once you have used the goodies, leave a review on Etsy for the products ad you will be in with a chance of winning the GIVEAWAY, its the 3 Beautiful Stamp Sheets, 2 Stencils and 2 beautiful dies. It's a wonderful prize and someone is going to be very lucky.
If you didn't see the post, please do take a look, it is something really important to me. Rather than ask for donations, I just ask that you buy something from My Etsy store and help me save the money I need to buy a building in the village so I can continue with my Craft club. I know a lot of my followers were very generous years ago, when I first started in the Village Library and knew how passionate I am about it. If you can help, please do, every little bit makes a difference. For Now Take care and Happy Crafting.xxx
Hi Friends and Crafters. Well I want to say a huge Thank You to every one of you for my wonderful Birthday messages, I am really touched and a special thank you to those of you that have sent real cards to me either through Hochanda or to my UK Hub, it's been a real shock and very welcome to have some nice things to open. It really has been very special for me indeed.So a HUGE THANK YOU.... Here is a closer look at the copper tree I made with the Retro Leaves. A really nice piece that would look great on a wall. Tutorial coming soon.
Well, here goes. A lot of people will know that I used to run a Craft Club in my Village, I was kindly offered the Library, which was smashing. It's a lot busier there now and they kept cancelling at the last minute. Anyway to cut a long story short, I have to stop doing it. My aim was to buy a small house in the village and do the craft club there with no having to arrange it months ahead for the odd session.
Quite a few people have said to join one of those fund raiser sites to help raise the money, but I have to say, that I would not feel comfortable doing that. I also didn't want to do a fundraiser for my Birthday as that seems to be a popular choice to. My dream is to get the money together to get this building and get it sorted for the craft club and so I a asking, not for donations as I feel it is like begging, (thats just me). What I a asking is that if you could buy something from my Etsy Store, that way it helps me to save towards the goal and you also get something nice to craft with. I love this t shirt made with the Retro Chaos Stencil, a real winner for any bloke or lady of course.
It also means that you can leave a review to help others decide on any purchase, and you will also be entered into the Huge Giveaway, with a chance to win the full August collection, consisting of 3 Stamp Sheets, 2 Stencils and 2 beautiful dies. A wonderful prize just for leaving a review on the store. Take a look at the Natter with Nick for a few sneek peeks of whats to come. The new Dolphin Die and some wonderful Rose dies and stamps.
I really pray that this does not sound like begging, a lot of you know me well enough to know that is just not me at all. I would hate to think you thought that of me. I am just so passionate about this and really want to make it happen and leave it for the Village after I am gone. I think you in advance for any support you can offer, It would make a huge difference. Take care and Happy Crafting.xxx
Hi Friends and Crafters, I have some very exciting news this morning. I have been able to list my New & Exclusive Retro Banner Stamp set, it's on my Etsy store. I have to say it's wonderful, so a huge thank you to Sarah & Vicky from Stamp Addicts for making them for me. Such a wonderful design. I know this is the die, but it can be used for the same, only with stamping techniques.
Other this to remember, I am running the giveaway to win my August collection. All you have to do is make a purchase on my Etsy store and leave an honest review once you have tried the Craftascope range.The giveaway is for the full collection, 3 Beautiful Stamps sets, stencils and dies too. If you missed my first Natter with Nick, do take a look at it, link below.
Talking about my Natter with Nick yesterday, There are bonus free items, when you buy the pair of Triskaidecagon dies, I have reduced the price and you will now automatically get 2 free stencils included until Midnight tonight. See my Natter with Nick for more Details.
Hi Friends and Crafters. Just a very quick post for now to let you know that my first Natter with Nick Episode is now on Youtube for you to see. There is a product of the week, which I discuss in a little more detail, there's never really enough time to tell you everything in a show, so I thought this might be a great idea.
Also in the show, I will show some of the show samples in a little more detail, these will be relevant to the products I have chosen for the particular episode. I will finish with a short demo and maybe a little look at some other samples or even products you have asked to see. It is supposed to be interactive, so it would be great to have your ideas. Feel free to leave any requests below and I will try to include them in the show.
I wanted to do these as a Facebook live but sadly my laptop camera is not working so until it's fixed I will have to use my phone, but it does mean I can watch along with you and answer any questions straight away. There will also be a special offer given during the show until midnight on Thursday. Details given about a giveaway/Competition.
Please take a look at the first episode and let me know what you think. Any feedback is very welcome. For now take care and Happy Crafting.xxx
Hi Friends and Crafters. Well thats my last Hochanda Show and launch for a couple of months now. I must say, I had the most amazing few days there, as I always do. It's always a great pleasure to visit and also have the chance to share my collections with you along with some Hints and Tips. I am trying something new. So who is going to join me for my 'Natter with Nick' show on Wednesday Evening at 7 pm? More details below and I am open to suggestions for future shows.
Firstly I want to take the time to let you know that I am running a Huge GIVEAWAY, the winner will receive my complete August Collection, consisting of Dies, Stamps and Stencils. All you have to do is leave an Honest review for any purchase on my Etsy site. I have also added a 15% Discount across the whole store for any and all orders over 25 GBP, do hurry if you missed anything. The discount will end at midnight on Wednesday 5th June. There is a link at the top of my blog page. Or Visit: https://www.etsy.com/shop/Craftascope
I have found it really difficult to go through all of the new items on the shows, I was even pushed on the One Day Special as I like to spend more time on the demos. I thought part of my Natter with Nick, will be to take one of the items and go through it in a little more detail.
Then maybe 5 minutes or so to got through a selection of the samples made for the show, which will show how the new products have been used and any other uses. Then any questions from you, anything Craftascope or related. Then maybe a short demo, again concentrating on the particular item featured in the show. Then finally a little chat or any more questions we can cover.
I think many of you know me well enough by now, that I will never recommend or use anything that I dont 100% believe in. At the end of the day, it's my reputation. If I recommended something that I didn't believe in, I would soon lose all credibility. There are certain brands and products that you will always here me talking about or using and there the ones I find are best quality and give excellent results again and again.
The item featured in the show, will also be available on my Etsy store at a very special price from the start of the show until Midnight on Thursday. I will either give you a special code at the time of the show or manually reduce the price before the show.
As I always say on my show, It's all about having fun and getting the best from your Crafting Products. If you have any Ideas, suggestions or feedback please leave it in the comments section. For now Take Care and Happy Crafting.
