All about Flowers Today. Day 13 Advent Calendar Offers.

Hi Everyone. Today is all about flowers. Flowers have always been the most popular for any card or project. There are so many flowers that you can make, they make a difference on a card whether they're flat, decoupaged or in full 3D. Todays Advent offer is a real treat, there are 4 sets of stamps included in the advent offer today, all single so you have a choice of 1 set or all of them. All of them are only 9.99, it's worth mentioning that they are big stamp sheets, not just A5. There are lots of projects below, all made with the Craftascope Range. 

First is a very plain gift or presentation box, which has been decorated to make it something extra special. They are thoroughly enjoyable to make, goodness know how much you would pay in the shops for a hand made decorated box to this standard. This has used a selection of different sized roses made using the rose Petals, these are very low in stock, there are less than 5 remaining. The large Rose petals are a perfect companion set for Rose Makers or anyone wanting to start, you can make so many more sizes and blooms. They are also on a half price offer, but it is ending tonight. The Advent offers from the last few day have all been left on but will be removed tomorrow ready for Day  14, so do take advantage of anything that is available today.

Next moving onto the Floral Companions set, this is an absolute must for every crafter. These are constantly out as I use them on so many cards and projects. I used dies from the collection to decorate the card below, I have video for these, although they really are very simple and take seconds to make. I've also used the small Rose petal dies to make small white roses. The set also contains a selection of leaves which are needed for so many projects. The separate stamp and dies are not on offer but the pair are as they are designed to be used together and have 40% off.

Next is a seasonal Cracker box and Crackers, the decoration was made with dies from the Floral Companions Stamp & Die Set, explained above. As I said the set is a real go to collection, it has a wide variety of leaves and blooms to use on all of your floral cards and projects.

The project below is also made with the same set again, showing how versatile they are, the look is changed completely just by altering the colour used. The colour really can change the look of any bloom you decide to add to your creation.

Lastly, here is a project using the Chrysanthemum Die Set, this is a marvelous collection of 4 dies, you can create a variety of blooms using these and very easily and quickly. I usually cut a selection of sizes and colours and spend an evening shaping them all. Then the following day make them up ready for using in decorating or adding to a vase. These have been demonstrated on one of my YouTube Videos. I have added it below for you to see. Please be aware, this is the last stock I have and it won't be brought back again. It has never lasted a show, even when adding extended stock. So please get them, especially while they are at such an amazing offer, They have never been reduced to such a low price.

I shared a photo last night of one of the biggest blooms I have ever made, It is a real stunner and once you know how to make a rose, these are so simple to make, they really are. The most important step of making any flower is spending the time shaping the petals, don't skimp on the time taken for this stage. There are lost of videos on my YouTube Channel to show you and I am sure I will add more. Below are a couple of projects made with the Retro Leaves Die Set, this is just 2, there are so many other ways of using them, they have made super strawberries and all sorts of things, as always there are videos on my YouTube Channel to give you more inspiration.

I hope that you will take advantage of the amazing prices on the store and the generous offers today. It is Christmas and I know everyone has had the most dreadful year, either socially financially or both and hopefully we can now see a little bit of light at the end of the tunnel. If you read my Heartfelt post on Day 6,you will know how much I have struggled through this year as well. It has been incredibly difficult for me, but I really don't want to close Craftascope, I have tried with every bone in my body to get through and now I am asking for you all to add your support, if you possible can. If everyone just added a small order, even the pick n mix of stencils, it really would make all the difference.

I have 3 collections on Paper that I would do anything to share with you next year, but it's not looking promising. Every single purchase will make a difference, however small. Take care and Happy Crafting.xx

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 5, Another Video for youtube and More

Morning Friends and Crafters. Well it's Day 5 of the Advent Calendar event already, Todays offer is a must for every single crafter, don't forget to look for the hidden gift. It looks like a month that is going to fly by. I really can't believe it's only a matter of weeks until Christmas. I am loving my Father Christmas, He makes me smile every time I walk past, a couple of the cats are very wary of him, keeping a wide berth as they walk past. He's definitely a great buy and something that will come out year after year, although saying that I don't know if I would feel good packing him away. 

I have uploaded the second show from Sunday 29th Nov with Leonie on Hochanda, the link is here so you can either watch it directly or choose to watch it on Youtube. I have lots of other video on my channel and there is a link at the top of the blog page. Please comment on any of the videos if there is anything you would like to see me demonstrate, I would love to know what you are looking to see, if there's a particular technique or anything. It's much better than me doing something that nobody wants to watch.

I have packed the orders that came in, thank you once again. I am more than happy to hold onto any package for anyone who would like to take advantage of any other offers through the Advent Calendar event. Just let me know as soon as you would like me to post them to you. If you've not asked for this then I will just send them as normal. Just to let you know, even if you have asked for the delayed dispatch, I will still mark them as sent to avoid the emails reminders from Esty. For all of you who have got Craftascope products, please get involved in the December Giveaway, it really is simple to do, full details are on my Facebook page and on my earlier blog post.

I'd like to thank those of you who added their support on Thursday, the sales did help. If there's any more of my valued customers and friends that would like to add their support, just take a look at my store. I have had some wonderful messages & E-mails, Thank you ever so much. A few saying sorry that they couldn't help more, I can't begin to tell you how you have helped. Even hearing from you helps, It's been a lonely year, not being able to see a way out. Every single sale will make a difference however small, if everyone bought some half price stencils it would make a huge difference. Please don't feel you are not helping, I can assure you, you really are. If closing Craftascope is what lies ahead for me, then so be it, but after trying so hard to keep going through the year, I am asking you from the bottom of my heart to add your support if you are in a position to help and if you would like to help me continue bringing my designs. Craftascope has been a  huge help to me, It has helped to keep me going despite my health, I dont know if I would have done so well without it. Thanks again for now Take care and Happy Crafting.xx

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 

Fun with Foam and another Youtube Video Tonight

Hi again Everyone. Im doing another Youtube Video at 7.30 this evening (UK Time) So if you would like to join me I would love you to. All of the video's will be available at any time that you're free. I've included some updates from yesterday and the stamps we made and another demo as well.

Here's a photo of one of the simple stamps we made yesterday. Not great in Black n White but add  coloured ink instead and it would be just perfect for a background for any project. Great for mixed media, journals or scrapbooks.

The same basic shape used for this stamp too, just in a different pattern giving a totally different look. This makes a super border for a card. Again perfect for scrapbooks, Journals, mixed media and ATC's too.

The 'Happy Banner' was also made into a stamp using the foam, sadly I got it back to front as I wasn't thinking so I spoilt the lines you would have got if it had been done correctly, but it still looks fairly good. It really is a good idea to look at everything you have in your collection as you can really make your goodies go further and work for you and your crafting.

Here is the stamp made with one of the Hexagons, masked and filled. Like I said yesterday this is a great little project to do to get your crafty mojo back, either stamping inside or even a little bit of doodling. Juts take 5 or 10 mins to yourself and I'm sure you feel better for it. More ideas on the video.

The last thing to share with you today is this finished card, which I made in the video. The colours are Picked Raspberry and Faded Jeans, the 2 mixed together give a lovely soft purple blend. The stamps are from the Paisley Palace stamp set, but there are other stamps that work well for this, depending on who and what your project is for. There are some perfect stamps in the Floral Harmony and Floral Companions Sets. There are some beautiful colour combinations that can really change the look and feel of the finished project.

Thats all for now, just to remind you about the shows on Sunday with Leonie on Hochanda, they are at 3pm and 7pm and will be a lot of fun. Before I go, the code for a 35% discount over on my Etsy Store is THANKS35. It's valid across the whole store until the end of the month. Take care and I hope to see you tomorrow for some more Crafting. Take care and Stay Safe.

BLACK FRIDAY WEEKEND FRENZY

So Friends & Crafters, Black Friday is fast approaching, Tomorrow in fact. I have made sure there's something for everyone in the Craftascope Etsy Store with saving up to 60%. As it's the first time I have been able to join in, I have to say I am excited about it. I've included a selection of projects in this blog, just some of the creations you could make with some of the items on offer. The offers end on Monday at midnight, there isn't an endless supply, so once they have sold out, they can't be replaced.

It's been sad for me losing a few of the Craftascope items, especially the ones recently on Hochanda as I can't get them back. I do hope you will take advantage of the substantial savings, while they are still available. I have included as much as I possibly can in this event, so it's a great time to fill in the gaps in your Craftascope collection, or simply treat yourself. while the value is even greater.

There are lots of exciting things happening at the moment, I'm expanding the Design Team and look forward to seeing the creations from the applicants. You know I love to see what people are making, I look forward to introducing the new additions. We have Christmas around the corner and then the New Year 2020, I cant quite believe how fast the time is flying by.

There are plenty of Tutorials covering everything in the Craftascope range, from the very first collection, with many more coming very soon. You can find them right here on the blog and on the Craftascope Youtube Channel, there is a link above for that as well as one for the Etsy store.

If there is any specific product you would like to see demonstrated or have any requests please leave your comments on the most recent video and I will include them as soon as I possibly can. For Now take care and Happy Crafting.xx