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

Advent Calendar Day 4 - Video Uploaded & More

Morning Friends and Crafters. The cold snap is gradually going and the snow is melting away, thank goodness. I will be glad when it's all gone, sadly I know it's going to be back sometime soon though, it always looks so beautiful and great when you're in the warm. There's a brand new offer added today for Day 4 of the Craftascope Advent Calendar Event, I do hope you are following it, there's something very special for day 24, if you have been watching you will have a head start. Don't forget to look for the hidden parcel, which is on one of the listings, details on yesterdays blog and further down this one.

As promised I have uploaded the first of Sunday's Hochanda shows with Leonie, it's on my youtube channel and will always be available for you to look back on for some inspiration. I thoroughly enjoyed both shows, Leonie gave us some great demos, I will definitely be trying some out as it's totally different from my crafting style. I could watch Leonie all day, I've mentioned a few times that she should do some crafting DVD'S, I'd love to have them. Here's the video, you can also watch on the Youtube site.

As mentioned at the top and in yesterdays blog, there's a parcel hidden on one of the listings, it's on a larger design, photo below, if you find it all you have to do is mention on your order form, where you found it, then I will add that item to your parcel as a bonus. Please dont make it public, where you found the parcel, each day it will be on a different item, so do look for it and good luck.

I do hope you read my blog yesterday, It was an incredibly difficult one for me to write, I am a fairly private person as many of you will know. I really don't like to share things like that or the state of my health, but I really had to reach out. It was pure desperation and the thought of closing Craftascope after working so hard to build it up from nothing. Running Craftascope has been a lifeline for me and got me through some bad times and kept me going. Even before the Craftascope Brand, I've had so much pleasure from being in a position to share my crafts. I've always considered it as a big family, it's been fantastic having such wonderful comments and hearing that I have either inspired you or helped in some way, however small. It's fantastic to hear & to know that I have made a difference for someone. 

I would like to say a huge thank you to Judy, Jo, Tina, Angela, Dawn & Jennifer for placing orders yesterday, I can't thank you enough for your support, as I said every single order will help, it really will, it doesn't matter how small. I know things have been difficult for everyone, which makes your support all the more wonderful. I hope that one day I have the opportunity to offer my help and support.

Through life I've never been someone who sits back and I wont give in easily. The way I look at it, is just recently I have been dealt such a bad hand, that surely my luck has to change soon. Well for now Take care and Happy Crafting. xx 

Feeling a Bit Like Christmas! New Giveaway & Advent Calendar Daily Offers with Potty Prices

Hi Friends and Crafters. Well what a few busy days it's been. I hope you got to see the amazing Craftascope Shows with Leonie on Hochanda. I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed them and her demos were just fantastic. I am just waiting for them to arrive and I will post them on my Youtube Channel for future reference. I will definitely be trying them out, they're so different to what I do and show, so it's always good to see other people using the products. All of the orders have been carefully packed, boxed and off to the courier to deliver to Hochanda. It was scary going into town as I have only been out a couple of times since March, but I was so pleased I did as I treated myself to a Santa Clause.

He's about 4 foot  tall and looks just like the real thing, there were 3 varieties all with a different suit and each of the faces were individual. This one stood out to me, he has something about him that reminds me of my Nan, No not the beard!!!!He really makes me smile and I've even had a chat. It's not at all like the mass produced ones you see from China, he has a beautifully embroidered hat and coat, real wooden buttons and a lovely beard too. I thought he would be better than a tree and something nice to bring out each year. Here's a photo and there are some more at the bottom.

For December I have started a Craftascope Advent Calendar, each day there will be a secret item in the store with a really low price, it will be available for 24 hours and  be removed when the next is added. I was very late on Day 1, so I have left that on, It will be removed when I add the Day 3 offer. The offers will be limited to 35 and will last either 24 hours or while stock lasts.

Day 2's offer was added this morning and will last until tomorrow morning, when the next offer will be added, all the offers are limited to 35, so please visit early. These offers all include Postage and Packing, so it's really worth taking advantage of. If you would like to buy one and would like me to hold on with the posting until the last offer, please let me know, I will happily do this, so we can help to protect the environment, I will send the parcel when ever you like.

Finally and very exciting, We have the new Craftascope Giveaway and I hope that lots of people will get involved. If it's popular then, I will do them more regularly. You could win 1 of 3 prizes of 100 pounds to spend at the Craftascope Etsy Store. Simply create your card, scrapbook page or any other project of your choice, using Craftascope Products, post it on your Facebook page and use the hashtag #craftascopedec20 The original post is on my FB page, feel free to comment on that and tag a crafty friend who might be interested.

Finally all the stencils have  50% off, if there are 2 specific designs you want and they are not listed, please message me, if they are available, I can organise it for you. If you visit the Craftascope Store, please either use the link above or this one https://www.etsy.com/shop/craftascope If you search on Etsy, it will only show a selection of available items, to get all of them you will have to click on 'VIEW ALL ITEMS' 

Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions or leave a comment here. I will always help where I can. Thank you ever so much for all of your support, I have found it incredibly difficult this year like a lot of other small businesses. Every sale helps me to keep on bringing these unique collections, however small and I appreciate every single one of you.  For now Take care and Happy Crafting.xx

Just one of many ways to use the mens face stencils

Good evening to you all, well I am even later tonight. I have had so many things to sort out and I was determined to get a blog post written at the very least. So here I am sharing a collection of sketched faces made using the mens A5 face stencils Trent, Xander, Bailey and Brendon. At the time I designed these there were plenty of 'Ladies' stencils but nothing to help if you wanted a male face for a project. I designed these to be incredibly easy to use whether you are a beginner or more advanced. I have a real time video, it's about 15 minutes long and shows how easy it is to create your own from start to finish.

The stencil has an inside and an outside edge, one edge will give you one look and the inner edge will give you another, then you can also get another look by using a mixture of the 2 edges. You can leave the hair of totally and add a hairstyle of your own choice.

As you progress you can start altering other parts as well and even add more such as shoulders chest etc. It's totally up to you, its a great tool for youngsters too, my nephew has actually used it to learn to sketch draw and paint and now loves it even more, it can really build your confidence to move on.

So it's a great learning tool if you choose to use it like that, but it can also be used in the same way as any regular stencil. With inks, paints, pastes etc, the choice is yours. It's great on t shirts and for so many other projects. Use them in your mixed media, journals, card making and scrapbooks too.

Here is the video, it really is worth watching if you have just 15 minutes or so, if you have already got the stencils why not work along too. It will be here whenever you want so, if you do get hold of them on Sunday's shows, come back and lets draw together. I tell you at the beginning everything you need, which is very little.

So thats all for now, I hope you have enjoyed this, I am hoping that I will get a video done again for tomorrow and go through some of the other items that will be shown by Leonie on Sundays Craftascope shows on Hochanda at 3pm & 7pm. There are some back in stock items, but be quick some have yet to last the length of one show and sadly I wont be bringing them back once they have gone. If you haven't seen any of the other videos or posts this week then I am giving everyone a voucher code for 35% off your orders on my Craftascope store on Etsy, the code is THANKS35, do feel free to share it with Family and Friends. Take care and Happy Crafting.xxxx

One of those Days, A bit late but another video and some demos

 Hi All ,So sorry it's late but I have another video for you tonight  at 7.30 UK time and you can have a laugh as you name it, it went wrong. But the card came out okay, so I hope you will enjoy it all the same. We all have those days when things don't go as planned. There are a couple of demos, a great way to use your scraps of card too.

Here's the card front as finished, just have to mount it on a base. I hope you have seen some of the wonderful samples from the Design Team, they have made some amazing cards and projects for the shows on Sunday, I hope you will join Leonie at 3pm & 7pm on Hochanda, there's loads of fantastic offers and some won't be back so please don't miss anything that you would like.

If you've not seen any of the previous videos, I have given you all a voucher, this is for 35% off anything on the Craftascope store on Etsy. The code is THANKS35, do feel free to share it with crafty friends and Family. Thats all for now and I hope to see you tomorrow. Take care and Stay Safe.xx

3rd Anniversary and a New Video

Hi everyone, This month marks the 3rd Anniversary of Craftascope. Yes it's 3 years since I first appeared on Hochanda with the very first Craftascope Collection. Since then, there have been 10 and the lovely Lou Withers launched the last one for me in September. I really can't believe how quickly the years have passed. Leonie Pujol will be spinning her magic this Sunday with a wide selection of Craftascope goodies, there's something to suit everybody. Don't miss her shows at 3pm & 7pm, There really are some 'not to be missed' offers to be had along with some back in stock items that might not last. I hope you will join ,e at 8.30 UK time for this new video.

As I have said before I really have missed you all so much over the last few months. I would really have loved to visit Hochanda to share a couple of hours crafting with you. But sadly with things the way they are, it just wasn't possible. I am thrilled that Leonie kindly offered to do these shows for me. It's always good to see just how versatile the products are. How to use them in a totally different way.to achieve a wide variety of looks for your crafting.

It's been an incredibly difficult year for everyone this year, but how wonderful to see a little light at the end of the tunnel. Having been in regular contact with some of you it's been a great comfort to me. It's been a very lonely year, so I'd like to thank those of you who have kept in touch, it's made  all the difference.

It's been such a shame that I have not been around as much as normal, a few of you will know the reasons. Sadly my health hasn't been good and has deteriorated over the last few months, so it's just not been possible to spend so much time keeping my blog up to date.

Like a lot of small businesses I have struggled through the year and not being able to travel has meant my Hochanda Shows have not been possible either. I have never been the sort of person to share my problems or ask for support or help, but I have to admit that with my health \s it is and reduction in sales has been incredibly difficult to cope with. Quite a few people have asked how or if they could help, at the moment the best way to help me, would be to treat yourself to some Craftascope goodies.

It's hard to say and normally I wouldn't but just lately everything seems to be going wrong for me, I just keep telling myself that things will soon turnaround, so hopefully they will.

Please do bear in mind when shopping online, every country is warning pf postal delays, due to lack of transport, illness and self isolating. I would like to let you know that I am still packing and posting within 2 days and normally the same day, but the delays are put of my control. If you would like to buy anything from Craftascope, here is a voucher offering 35% off (THANKS35). Feel free to share it with Friends and Family. Every single order means a lot to me and makes a difference.

Do keep a look out on Facebook and my Youtube Channel this week, I will be adding more videos, showing off just a few of the products along with some card ideas, hints and tips. And don't forget to join Leonie on Sunday.

One last thing, I will be running a big Giveaway on the Hochanda Facebook Page. It's due to go live on the 25th, so good luck to you all. Take care and Happy Crafting.xxx

Congratulations to the Lucky Draw Winners, Still More to Come......

Hi Everyone. Yesterday was a very exciting day, it was the day the lucky draw winners were announced. The lucky winners both get a voucher to spend at the Craftascope Etsy store. The big prize was for 250 pounds and the other for 50 Pounds. I announced the winners on my new YouTube Video, Do take a look as there's a lot more on the video. Lots of inspiration, cards from crafters, tips and a bit of  chit chat. Do look out over the next few days as I will be launching a new prize draw and I hope you will all join in.

It goes without saying that I have missed you all such a lot. It's been a really hard year for everyone this year and like a lot of people I have felt lonely and cut off. Some of you will know about my health issues and sadly they have really taken their toll this year, so I have been around less than in the past. I am really hoping that I can spend a bit more time with you either on my blog or via Youtube Video's

It's nearly a year now since I was last at Hochanda, that another thing I have really missed, not being able to share my new collections with you, like I have before. A visit to Hochanda is always uplifting, after the positive news yesterday about a possible vaccine, things are looking a lot more optimistic for us all, especially for those more at risk, so lets keep our fingers crossed.

It's been wonderful that Lou and Leonie have both done Craftascope shows for me, we are all so unique when it comes to crafting, so having crafters with such a variety of styles is a good thing for us all. It demonstrates how the products can be used using a wide range of techniques to suit your own particular style.

In addition to the main prizes there's a little something for everyone, a 10 Pound voucher code to use against any purchase over 20 pounds. Just add the code 10FFF at checkout. I also gave the date of the next shows on Hochanda, later this month. Leonie has kindly offered to present the Craftascope shows on 29th November at 3pm & 7pm on Hochanda. Im definitely looking forward too watching, I have always loved Leonie's style of crafting. Im sure it will be a lot of fun and one not to be missed. Thats all for now, so Take Care, Happy Crafting and above all Stay Safe.

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

Song of the Sea

Morning Friends and Crafters, My Dolphins are making another appearance for my project this morning. This time I have used them alongside ;The Funky Tree' from Leonie along with some other stamps to create this double scrapbook or Journal page. The Amsterdam Acrylics, brought to us by Lou are superb for creating the textured background and layers. Like she often says they go such a long way,as soon as you use them the quality is clear.

You will Need:

Craftascope A5 Media Dolphin Stamp Set 1 (Also available in a set with discount)

Craftascope A5 Media Profile Stamp Set 2  (Also available in a bundle with additional Discounts)

Funky Tree Stamp By Leonie Pujol

Leonie Pujol Typography Alphabet Dies

Rose Leaf Stamps

PaperArtsy Stencil or your chosen Design

Medium/Large Bubble Wrap

Selection of Gel Pens

Amsterdam Acrylics

Personal Photos

Extra Stamps of your Choice

Versafine Ink Pad Black

Black Fine Liner Pen

Black Card for Mounting your Photos

Yellow and Orange Brusho.

White Stamping card

Step 1: Use a selection of the Amsterdam Acrylics to create a textured background, here i have used a selection of blues and greens. Don't worry they go a long way, so you use very little. Use cross swipes to create as much texture and depth as you can overlaying the colours. Next paint the same colours onto your bubble wrap and stamp with it, either scrunch it up or mount it on a block with Tack n Peel.Stamp the first of the tree bases with Versafine Black ink.

Step 2: Create a mask for the tree base on copier paper. Stamp a couple more tree bases. Next I added a staircase which was printed onto rice paper, this was to coordinate with one of the photos I used. I then added the tops of the trees, these give a lot of texture, depth and dimension, especially hen you colour them with your gel pens. Next stamp a flurry of rose leaves around the top left of the first page, this will keep drawing your eye into the page.

Step 3: Use a block stencil around your page, this will add more depth and interest to your page, I have used a lighter colour here but you can stick to a background colour if preferred. Mount your photos onto black card, before securing them gut the centre with a basic die, the middles can then be used to mount any other photos, it saves an awful lot of card and keeps the bulk down in your journal or scrapbook.

Step 4: Repeat the stenciling on the second page. Cut out the word required with the alphabet and colour with the Brusho. Stamp your Dolphins and chosen words. Use the acrylics again to colour them, Lastly mount and secure your photos. Whatever photos you decide to use, you will create a wonderful page to display your photos and so much nicer than leaving them in a box or on the phone.

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.

As you know I love writing my blog and helping as much as I can, well I would really love for you to add you support by adding me as a favourite blog. All you need to do in that section is choose other and add my blog address nickinbarnsley.blogspot It would be great to get a mention even if I dont come anywhere.

Here is the link to add your support for all of the categories. 

https://www.britishcraftawards.com/

Thank you ever so much for joining me today, I hope you have enjoyed the tutorial along with the finished project. Please stop by again to see what else I have to share with you. Take care and Happy Crafting.xx

Dreamer

Hi, For this card I have used the Mixed Media collection of dies from Leonie. I made this samples for the shows on Hochanda today. Leonie is live at 8 am, 11 am and again at 3 pm, the shows will be available on 'Rewind' via the Hochanda website once they have been aired.

To start I cut  selection of Hearts and triangles from the 'Mosaic' set of dies from the collection.

Next, using a black fine liner pen, I added detail to these elements ready to colour with my alcohol markers.

From the same Mixed Media collection of dies, I cut some of the leaves and one of the 'Funky Flowers'

I coloured the leaves using Mowed Lawn Distress ink. Then replaced them in the die before applying Walnut Stain. I also added the same ink to the stem of the smaller leaves.

To create my background I used Leonie's lovely sparkle pens. For the sky, I used the 3 shades from the 'Wrapped Up' set. The used the 'Evergreen' set for the landscape, then added some texture with a damp sea sponge.

Finally, I arranged the elements on my background to create my dreamy village, using 3D Collall glue gel. The sentiment I used was from the coordinating stamp set.

Thank you so much for visiting today. I hope you have enjoyed the step by step and the finished card. Please come back for the next one tomorrow. I have some exciting news that I m really looking forward to sharing with you very soon. As my followers will be the first to know, right here on my blog. Take care and Happy Crafting.xx