SURPRISE, Time For A Lift

Morning Friends and Crafters. So much has happened since my last visit to Hochanda. I don't often share my woes, normally because I try and muddle through as best I can. There's no denying that it's been a struggle this time, I really don't know what else could have possibly gone wrong, it seems everything has been passed my way, so touch wood that things will improve. This is the first post for a while, today I am sharing a journal I have stitched, covered and decorated with something from my New Collection & A Surprise. My post is fairly long but I needed to set a few things straight, so feel free to skip it all.

It's not often that things get on top of me, but the last few months have been incredibly difficult, a few personal issues, my health and of course the weather hasn't helped much either. I have mentioned one of the things before.I have been really upset by some comments and even worse a few cutting messages. I have to say they are very hurtful, maybe more so at the moment with being unwell, it's really got me down and I have found it hard to pick myself up this time.

There are only a couple of things that have got me through the last unpleasant weeks, one has been my new goodies. 'The Regal Rose' collection is very special to me, It's dedicated to my Nan, she adored Roses as do I, so this is all about roses, beautiful words and phrases. Apart from the main collection, there are also some wonderful extras that will compliment it, but work beautifully on their own.

The Lady Marjorie Swag: An open design with very fine, delicate lines. There are so many options with this one, evolving from one of my stamps. It will give a lot of versatility.

Then there is the Lady Elizabeth Bouquet Die, a beautiful bouquet with wonderful embossed detail. I managed to get it to work on my foiling machine as well. This will not be available on Hochanda and there is very little stock left. The packaging has the incorrect name, obviously it doesn't affect the die so if you want it pleased order now.

There are 2 additional shows on Wednesday 7th, do watch out for them (IT'S A BIG SURPRISE). After a lot of requests I have now created a stamp sheet of Retro Leaves and styalised trees, again very versatile. Also on the show a couple of New items, one of which is an alphabet to either coordinate with the Retro Banner die or for any of your other crafting projects.

All of the new goodies have been added to my Etsy store (LINK HERE), Unfortunately the Regal Rose Collection has sold out, but I will try to add some more stock next week. For now all the stock I have was added to the store, dont delay if you want anything. I really hope you will love it as much as I do.

Before I go on I would like to thank you ever so much for your support and wonderful comments and messages on Facebook. This is another thing that has really kept me going. I really appreciate how much you care, it does mean a lot to me. Much more that you could ever know. Without it I really don't think I would be continuing with this journey. I have to say sometimes It's something I wouldn't be doing if I didn't know how many of you enjoy what I share and bring for you.

I want to take this opportunity that I only recommend quality things to to help others, products and items I believe in and that exceed my expectations.I can assure you that I don't receive any payment for this at all,it's really not what I would ever do. If you know me, you will know that I am Honest and Truthful. I'm a genuine guy who likes to help people whenever I can. It's where I started, long before I ever had my own craft range and it will always be my top priority. I want people to enjoy their crafting and have fun while doing it. Some of the remarks have been downright spiteful, they really have got to me this time. I do hope you never feel obliged to visit my blog or that I bombard you with advertising for Hochanda or my Etsy Store.

I have only shared things, so people dont miss out, when stock runs low and I cant replace. Lately I have been on the receiving end of some very spiteful remarks and abuse, comments and messages, some of which were from people I thought were nice people, they have now been blocked. 

It's important to note here, that I can only make one order for my collections and once they are gone they are gone, I can't get more. Minimum orders are fairly hefty, so to get the best possible price and value for you I need to place large orders, to buy less means the prices are just too high.

For now Take care and Happy Crafting.xxx

To A Special Friend

I hope you took advantage of my Thank you Gift yesterday. If you missed it take a look at the post I blogged yesterday,it's still available. The project today uses elements from a few of the Craftascope Collections, showing how well they go together  and how to get more out of them. Hopefully I will have time to sort out a 'Back to Basics video to show the ATC Card and Envelope Die Set, as I have had a few questions about how to elongate it and use it in other ways. I have added the Hochanda show which does show it, but I can go into it in a little more detail for you.

You Will Need:

Craftascope ATC Card & Envelope Die Set

Craftascope Triskaidecagon Layering and Nesting Die Set

Craftascope Floral Companions Die Collection

Craftascope Floral Scent Stamp Set

Clarity 7 x 7'' Black Card Base

6 3/4 X 6 3/4'' White Stamping Card

Blue card cut with the Dies (Die 1 Layering), (Die 6 Nesting).

White Centura Pearl Cut With (Die 2 Nesting), (Die 5 Nesting), (Die 5 Layering) and a thicker frame cut with Dies 6 & 8.

Navy Blue and White Foamiran

4 1/2 x 4 1/2'' cut with the ATC Trellis Die

Trimmings of your choice.

Step 1: Use PVA to secure your white card to the base card.

Step 2: Cut your dies as detailed in the shopping list above.

Step 3: Cut your trellis die, you will need to rotate them to remove the cartouche as shown on the show, cut it 4 times. You can make this as large as you want for other cards and projects.

Step 4: Arrange and secure your layers as shown for the center, I would recommend foam tape or 3D glue gel

Step 5: Cut a selection of the clematis flowers using the die.

Step 6: Twist them gently but firmly and leave for a few minutes.

Step 7: Gently unwind leaving the shape you have achieved.

Step 8: Secure your card with 3D glue gel and add centres if you would like to. Stamp a sentiment onto white card and edge with blue ink, layer onto coordinating blue card and mount onto your card.

Thank you for joining me today. I hope you have found the tutorial useful to show how well the collections go together to give totally different looks. Don't forget to use the 20% discount code I offered yesterday, it's still valid for a little while yet, if you would like to take advantage of it (THANKS20). Until next time, Take care and Happy Crafting.xx

Copper Tree

Hi Everyone. Today I am sharing a little piece of home decor, that I made with the Retro Leaves dies from the Craftascope Retro Collection. I brought it to Hochanda last month for a One Day Special. I have a full tutorial and lots of additional photos for you today, I hope you enjoy it. There's also a little 'Thank You' Gift for you all from me for your amazing support. It's made me so happy, I can't quite believe it, A little overwhelming, but I am so touched, I really am, it means an awful lot to me so Thank you. xx

You will Need:

Craftascope Retro Leaves Die Set

Leonie Pujol Creativity Stamp

Pebeo Metallic Copper Marker

Florists Wire

Copper Wire

Old Drinks Cans

Craft copper Metal

White Gesso

Distress Inks Mowed Lawn & Mermaid Lagoon

Heat Gun

Blow Torch

Large Board or Canvas

Step 1:  Use the metallic marker to colour the florist wire and set aside to dry.

Step 2: On a small piece of copper sheet and stamp the creativity stamp using the black Stayzon.

Step 3: Paint you board with the white Gesso.

Step 4: Mix some of the white Gesso with a little distress ink to add colour to the sky, then repeat with the green for the grass.

Step 5: Take about 10-12 lengths of copper wire, Tightly wrap another length around the branch.

Step 6: Continue wrapping the wire, after about 5 inches, start to split into branches to form a tree.

Step 7: Cut a selection of the leaves, use a blow torch to heat some of them gently, this gives wonderful colours to the metal. Leave some of them plain, then  emboss some of them as well.

Step 8: Wire them onto the florists wire with a hot glue gun.

Step 9: Make some holes in your backing board. Position the tree onto the board, thread wire through from the front and secure at the back of the piece.

Step 10: Position you leaves, once you are happy, wrap a little of the wire around and secure with 3D Glue Gel or a hot glue gun.

This makes a great piece of home decor and would look great on the wall, obviously you wouldn't have to make it this size, a smaller one would be just as stunning.

As a thank you for all of your support here is a 20% discount code  (THANKS20) to use on my Etsy Store for any purchase over 20 pounds, the link to the store is at the top of the page. It was so nice to find out that I have been nominated for the Crafts Beautiful 'Best Of' Craft Awards this year. I was totally speechless when they contacted me. I have to admit that I thought it was a joke at first, after that I have to say there were some tears of joy, so I thought it would be nice to share the joy with you all. I am so touched and it means a great deal to me. Take care and Happy Crafting.xx

Beauty In Seasons

Hi Everyone, Another lovely day her in Bulgaria, the humidity has dropped at last which is so much easier. The heat and humidity just makes every little thing such a chore. Preparations are now in full swing getting ready for Stamperama in Stevenage on the 11th August and then my Hochanda shows on the 13th August. Unfortunately I cant bring the Small Rose Petal stamps back to Hochanda this time, but I do have a very small amount left on my Etsy store, but once they are gone they are gone, for now at least.

You Will Need:

Craftascope Floral Companions Stamp Set

Craftascope Floral Harmony Stamp Set.

8 x 8'' Clarity Black Card Blank

Clarity White Card Blank (cut to 7 3/4'' square)

Distress Inks: Mowed Lawn, Squeezed Lemonade, Wild Honey and Mermaid Lagoon

Versafine Clair Black Ink Pad

Clarity Stencil Brushes

Basic Square Die approx 2 1/2''

Copier Paper

Temporary Adhesive Spray

Black Fine Liner pen

Step 1: Roughly stamp out 3 of the leaves onto copier paper and cut out.

Step 2: Cut out a piece of copier paper to 7 1/2'' square. Cut 4 squares out of this, evenly spaced and keep both the inner and outer cuts. Cutting the copier paper smaller than your card makes positioning much easier.

Step 3: Use temporary adhesive to secure your copier paper in place.

Step 4: Stamp a leaf and positive word in 3 of your squares and your sentiment in the 4th, Use the leaf masks you made earlier and secure them in place with your temporary adhesive.

Step 5: Mask off around your square to make sure you get no colour in any of the other squares or the edges of your card. Take one of your stencil brushes along with a distress ink and gently blend across your first square, blending form deeper at the top and lighter towards the bottom.

Step 6: Repeat step 5 with each of your remaining squares.

Step 7: Remove your large square mask and move very slightly left and down by approximately 4-5 mm  giving you a little backwards 'L' in the corner. Now use your smaller squares to mask off your coloured area. Take another stencil brush and using Hickory smoke, add colour to the space you have left. This gives a wonderful 3D look when you card is complete.

Step 8: Remove the masks and gently remove any excess adhesive with a soft cloth.

Step 9: Use a very fine liner to draw a line around each of your coloured boxes (not the Hickory Smoke part) Draw another line about 1/4'' in from the edge of your card. Mount your finished card onto the black card base, giving you your finished card.

Thank you so much for joining me this afternoon for this step by step. I hope you like the end result. If you missed my exciting news the other day, I will share it with you here. I am so happy to let you all know that I have been nominated in the Crafts Beautiful 'Best Of' Craft awards, so I am over the moon to have got this far. Thank you ever so much for your support, it really does mean a lot to me. My collection will be added to their website on the 15th August, when the voting begins. For now Take care and Happy Crafting.xx 

Have a Groovy Birthday

Hi everyone. At last things to seem to have cooled down a little. A lovely day, wonderful sunshine and much more comfortable as well. How about a great birthday card for today's post made with some of the Retro Collection. This would be great for a teenager, a bloke, well actually anyone really, a really fun card, looks totally different with other colours or embellishments. This one also uses the small set of rose petals to add the balloons.

You Will Need:

Craftascope Retro Vibes

Craftascope Small Rose Petal Dies

White Card Blank 5 1/2 x 7 3/4

Archival Forget Me Not

Archival Sunset

Versafine Black Ink

Black Fine Liner

Copic Alcohol Markers (Blue, Red & Yellow)

Glossy Accents

3D Glue Gel

Step 1: Use the single frames and solids to position and stamp onto your card blank. Start with the solid colour, then add the frames and words.

Step 2: Cut 3 of the rose petal dies, each in a different size, Colour with your alcohol markers.

Step 3: Stamp another of the large solids with the Archival, Then stamp 'Birthday'. Cut out and mount onto some Black Card.

Stamp 4:  Use 3D Glue Gel to position and add the last sentiment and the balloons. Use a black fine liner to add a wobbly line around the card, approximately 1/4'' in from the edge. The use the fine liner to add some strings to the balloons. To finish the card, add some glossy accents to the balloons to add a lovely gloss.

Thank you for joining me today. I hope you've enjoyed this tutorial and the finished card. It's been great for you to join me. I hope you will stop by again very soon.xx

Floral Mirror

Morning Friends and Crafters. I have something different for you today. Will it be Mirror, Mirror on the wall? Or maybe They Do It With Mirrors, How about a Floral Mirror using the Mirror Mist brought too us by Lou Withers and Clarity Stamp. Such an easy but extremely effective product to use, giving some amazing results every time. Here I have used stamps from the Craftascope Floral stamp and die collection.

You Will Need:

Craftascope Floral Stamp & Die Collection

Thats Crafty Acrylic ATC

Pentart Mirror Mist from Clarity

Amsterdam Acrylics, Greens, Yellow and Pinks

Black Stayzon Ink Pad

Black Acrylic Paint

Copier Paper Masks for your chosen florals.

Step 1: Stamp and cut out the florals for your design from copier paper.

Step 2: Peel off the protective sheet from one surface, this will be the back of your finished piece. Using the masks, create your design. Be careful stamping on the acrylic or similar surfaces, it can easily slip. If you do have a stamping platform it's a lot easier, line up the shape in the corner and then use the magnets at the open sides, this will hold it in place.

Step 3: Start with the yellow Acrylic filling in the centers of the flowers.

Step 4: Next use a selection of greens to colour the leaves.

Step 5: Then move onto the flowers starting with the deepest pink, then the mid pink.

Step 6:  Finally end with the lightest of the pink or even a cream, try to blend the colours.

Step 7: Use the Mirror Mist over your design. Normally one coat is plenty. Leave it too dry totally before adding a fine spray of the protective varnish spray. The leave this to dry thoroughly.

Step 8: To finish the piece add one or two coats of black acrylic. I did the first with an off cut of kitchen or bathroom sponge.

To reveal your finished design, peel of the protective sheet from the other surface. There so many wonderful projects you can create with this product. A project made to look like an antique mirror for example would look beautiful.

Thank you for joining me today, I hope you got to see my wonderful news yesterday. Thats Crafty do some amazing surfaces to use, including some really nice ATC Stacks. I was so pleased to read the comments that were left. I still cant quite believe it, but thank you to each and everyone of you for the support, It does mean a lot to me. Take care and Happy Crafting.xx