Beauty in Everything

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

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

You will need:

Craftascope Retro Leaves Die Collection

Craftascope Retro Rounds A5 Stencil

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

Clarity Stencil Brushes

8 x 8 Card Base

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

Distress Inks: Fossilized Amber, Wild Honey & Aged Mahogany 

Versafine Black Ink

Waste Plastic Packaging

EVA or Funky Foam

Yellow and Orange Card (Here Tim Holtz Distress Pad)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

One Day Special Launch show and more

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

One Day Special,Floral Harmony and a GIVEAWAY

Morning Friends and Crafters. A little celebration today and a 'GIVEAWAY' for you continued support. It's true that for a lot of us smaller and newer companies, your support is valued so highly, without it, I know I couldn't continue to bring my collections to you. So there are details in the today's blog post of how you could get your hands on my Whole New August Collection, 3 Stamps sets, stencils and dies. I am also sharing photos of my New collection Launching today on Hochanda at 11 am and 2 pm. It a comprehensive set of Florals, Leaves, Foliage & swirls in stamps and dies, both styalised and realistic.

I know everyone loves a floral collection, but mine had to be a little different to what is already out there. One thing I was certain about and that was to take away a lot of the inner detail and shading, leaving just enough to give the shape. This in turn gives you the change to add beautiful colour to your project without too much stamping detail, that way the colours can be a real wow. These are also great for stamping into, Zentangle designs, basically you name it.

There are 3 stamp sets, which are all nearly A4 in size, giving you a huge amount of sizable stamps on each sheet. They are Floral Scent, Floral Harmony ad Floral Companions. The floral Companions set consists of 20 individual stamps. There is a coordination dies set for this, which cuts out your leaves and floral perfectly. The dies are excellent quality and will cut through, paper, card, Craft Metal, Fabric, Soda Cans, leather ad much, much more.

In addition to the stamps and dies, I have designed a unique layering and nesting set of dies, they are the Triskaidecagon collection. Each is great on it's own but the 2 together opens up a variety of options for your crafting. In my opinion these are an essential item, we all need to mat and layer are cards and projects, so adding something different for this was just perfect for my collection. They also make amazing Shaped and Easel card sand are great for mens or ladies cards as well as Jounalling and Scrapbooking. There are 12 in each set, so together there are 24 dies.

I have some more additions to my Floral sets, The rose petal die, was a huge success and so this have been brought back for my show today. It did sell out before I even finished my demo so pleased do be quick. After feedback from quite a few sources I have added an extension set to allow even more versatility so now you can make even larger blooms, great for the centerpiece at a wedding or special occasion. I think most of you know me well enough by now to know that there will be more that you can do with this set so I hope to give you some ideas on the show and also on my blog and youtube channel over the weeks to come.

Another die set I have added to the Craftascope Library this time is the Chrysanthemum die set, like the rose petal dies, these are superb for creating amazing and realistic blooms with Foamiran, but also for you card and paper projects, mixed media, Journalling Scrapbooking and of course the wonderful ATC's. Please be quick with the Roses and Chrysanthemums, they have proven very popular and as you know the last Rose set I brought lasted a little over 6 minutes. I am a small business and it's not always possible for me to bring them back due to minimum production amounts.

Now onto the bit I am sure you are interested in 'THE GIVEAWAY'. You have the chance to have my full New August collection sent to you. It consists of 3 beautiful stamps sets, 4 Stencils and some wonderful Cathedral Dies, it also included a stunning addition to the Dolphin dies, so it's a cracking prize to have and certainly not to be sniffed at. All you have to do to be in with a chance is write an honest review for any purchase on my Etsy site, thats it, it helps me a great deal to get feedback from my customers and also helps others to decide whether to make a purchase or not. I have even added a 15% discount across the store as well and that includes all of my new launches, even the One Day Special and Today's launch. Any purchase over 25 GBP will have the discount applied automatically. I will randomly select a review and the winner will be announced before my Hochanda Show in August. Please let all of your crafting friends know and like and share the Facebook post. Good luck and thanks for the reviews in advance. 

https://www.etsy.com/shop/Craftascope

Well thats all for now my friends, I would like to take the chance again to thank you for all of your support, I have been really touched by the amazing feedback I have received, the wonderful messages and super comments. It means a lot, I know it's very easy for me to say that, but I really do mean that from the bottom of my heart. Do join me and Kathryn at 11 am and 2 pm on Hochanda today. Take care and Happy Crafting.xxx

Dare to Be Different One Day Special with Craftascope

Morning Friends and Crafters, Well at last I have got to the end of the preparation for my very first One Day Special on Hochanda. I do hope you will join me and add your support. This is a very different collection, absolutely fantastic for Mixed Media projects, but a lot more besides.

The stamps, dies and stencils will allow you to create a wide range of unique crafting projects. Today I have included a few Sneek Peeks for you. to give you a taste of whats to come.

I really am sure the shows are going to be a lot of fun and maybe a few surprises along the way. You never know.There has been an awful lot of prep, which has taken a lot more time than I expected so please forgive me for my absence, I do hope you think it's been worth the wait.

Please do join me on Monday evening at 6pm with Hayley and then 8pm with our Leonie. I will be back again for more shows on Tuesday at 9am, 1pm and for Final Call at 5pm. I really look forward to sharing this collection with you and hope you will add your support. Will you 'Dare to be Different ?' 

For now Take care and Happy Crafting.xxx

Dare To Be Different

Hi Friends and Crafters, Another busy but very enjoyable day here in Bulgaria. It's all systems go, getting ready for my very first One Day Special on Hochanda. Today on my blog, I have all of the show details and a full Sneek Peak of something I will be bringing to you very, very soon. Also today I am sharing a tutorial of how I made the book mark from my last show.

You Will Need:

Craftascope Dancing Dolphin Die

Craftascope ATC Card and Envelope Die Set

Craftascope Dolphin Stamp Set

Aly's Inky Fingers Alphabet Stamp Set

Shrink Plastic

Leather or Faux Leather

Gelli Roll Pens

Silver Jump Rings

Selection of Beads, Stones and Charms

Quickie Glue Pen

Stayzon Black Ink

Gilding Film or Flake.

Step 1: Use a tag die to cut a tag, here I have used the Sheena set. Next cut out the Dolphin using a scrap of Leather in a contrasting colour.

Step 2: On shrink plastic, stamp the 'Grace' along with the dolphins and the initial letters for the person it's for. Colour in using your chosen media, here I have used sparkly gelli pens.

Step 3: Use the same letter to stamp the initial on to the bookmark. Add little highlights using the glue pen and add the foil once dry. Use the appropriate adhesive to secure the dolphin in place.

Step 4: Use the jump rings to add the beads, charms and the little elements you shrunk earlier. This really is a wonderful piece to give as a gift, this one was for my niece, 'Charlotte'

Now for a little look at something I will be bringing to Hochanda for my One Day Special. I can't tell you how excited I am to share my new products with you. I will be launching my 'Dare To Be Different' Collection on Monday 27th May at 6pm on Hochanda. There will be another show at 8pm, with more chances to see the new goodies on Tuesday 28th at 9am, 1pm and Final Call at 5pm. There will free gifts, giveaways and lot of fun, I do hope you will join me.

It's my very first one day special, I am obviously looking forward to bringing you a lot more, so I would really appreciate your support, so please join my then. For now, Take care and Happy Crafting.xx

Clarity Brand New Launch! Sneak Peaks

Morning, Well what an exciting day today. Barbara will be launching some brand new Clarity goodies this afternoon and again tonight at 6 pm. Lots of Clarity goodness and Yes it's a new One Day Special too on Hochanda, It's sure to be be a fun filled evening packed with great demonstration and lot's of inspiration from the Design Team. It's bound to be extremely popular, so please don't leave it too late. If all is well and it lasts, there will be another show at 8 pm, further shows tomorrow at 9 am, 1 pm and the Final call at 5 pm.

Here are sneek peaks of a few of the cards I have made for the shows.

I will be sharing a full tutorial for the cards I have made, starting tomorrow, so I do hope you will join me. Another thing, here is a 30% off voucher to use on your first order (anything) from Hochanda, use code FEY5JBP7.

For now Take care and Happy Crafting.xxx

Sneek Peeks For the Clarity Weekend Shows and One Day Special

Evening all, Just a very quick post this evening to share some sneek peeks with you. On Sunday night there is a great One Day Special from Clarity. Featuring on the show are some amazing stamps and stencils 'A Little Bird', It's been great fun crafting with them. So I am sharing a few snippets with you.

I hope you will tune in as it's going to be a very busy weekend, starting Sunday at 1 pm and 4 pm and the the One Day special launching at 6 pm & 8 pm. There are more shows on Monday at 9 am, 1 pm and 5 pm. 

So all in all a great weekend for all of us Clarity Fans, all of the shows will be jam packed with great demos and full of inspiration. Hope you will be tuning in.

For now Take care and Happy Crafting.xx

Christmas Dimensionals Launch Preview

Hi Crafters and Friends, Im so excited to share a few of the samples I have made for the One Day Special launching tonight on Hochanda. As you know I thoroughly enjoyed crafting with the last release of this new concept. Well tonight you will see the special launch for Christmas 2018.

The collection, is once again jam packed with extras that finish your scenes off to a treat, but can also be used independently on other projects. This new Christmas range also coordinated perfectly with the previous sets and opens up huge possibilities and opportunities to really go crazy with your designs. I have a full tutorial on the Hochanda Blog today, showing how well they go together to make cards and projects for someone special, I do hope you will take a look.

Many thanks for taking the time to join me today, I know I have been a little quiet but I have so much still to share with you over the coming weeks and months. Please stay tuned, for now Take care and Happy Crafting.xxx

Spring and Summer One Day Special

Morning, Hope you all enjoyed the Bank Holiday and the wonderful weather. Debbie is with us today on Hochanda with a great one day special, with a super price too. I have used both 'The Spring' & 'The Summer' set so I am sharing some of the samples I have made for the shows. Debbie will be on again today at 9 am, 1 pm and with the last chance show at 5 pm this afternoon.

The set's comprise of a collection of dies, 3D embossing folders and stamps, I do hope you tune in to see some of the inspiration from Debbie's Demonstrations and the samples from the rest of the design team.

Justin and Gordon will also be on Hochanda for 2 jam packed shows today at 11 am and 3 pm. Please dont miss these shows as they are bringing some fantastic new 'Must Have' goodies that will expand your stash. They will also be showing the amazing luster paints, stencils and Background Stamps, which really are worth adding. Or visit the links above, there are some great offers on their website.

The Wonder Crystals will also feature of these shows, they are offered on a pick and mix today, so you can choose your favourite colours. I have a feeling that a couple of the colours sold out yesterday, so please dont miss out on the colours you want.

I love the Wonder Crystals, there are so many techniques you can do with them. I love using them and always recommend them. Don't miss out.

Thank you for taking a look today, I hope you like what I have shared. See you very soon. Take care and Happy Crafting.xx

Jungle Dreams From Michelle (MJM Studios)

Morning, I hope you have been enjoying the One Day Special launched on Hochanda last night by Michelle. I know it has been extremely popular, but I am really not surprised, she has really pulled out all of the stops. Michelle will be on our screens again this morning at 9 am, with another show at 1 pm and Final Call at 5 pm. 

Michelle has been surrounded by samples, which just shows just how much we have all loved creating with this collection. I hope you got to see my review on the Hochanda blog, if not do take a look and leave a comment if you have time. Hochanda blog link.

I will be starting the Tutorials for the samples I made very soon. Don't forget my Journal Making series starts today on the Hochanda Blog. You could be the lucky person who gets the 6 x 6 Journal ready for you to decorate, by leaving a message there and sharing the Hochanda Blog post on Facebook. For now Take care and Happy Crafting.xx