Introducing Sue Davies, Welcome to the Craftascope Design Team

Morning Everyone. Thank you ever so much for all of your wonderful creations using the Craftascope Heat Transfer Paints and the Craftascope Collections, It's been great having so many shared on Facebook, It would be great for those of you have sent them by message to share them to the Craftascope Makes page too for everyone to see. We all really love to see the inspiration, so please dont be shy. Today I am introducing you to Sue Davies, one of the wonderful new additions to the Craftascope Design Team. I do hope you will take a look at the creations on my blog and welcome her along. Here is what Sue would like to share.

Hi My name's Sue Davies. also known in crafty blogland as Sue The Iron. I live in the North of England with my long suffering Husband Neil and I have been crafting for about 12 years.

Like most people I started with a kit that fitted into an A4 box and now my hobby has taken over the entire house!!  
Stamping has always been my first love, I will never forget the first time I saw embossing powder heat up. I was instantly hooked.

After watching Nick on the Hochanda TV Channel, I knew that I had to become part of the 'Craftascope' Family and I am really excited to now join his super talented Design Team.

Thank you ever so much Sue, Really great to have you on board.xxx

I am still having  a lot of questions with regard to the Mugs and the machine I used on Hochanda. I added the links yesterday, so please do take a look. I will be sharing a lot of video over the next few weeks on the recently Launched Regal Rose collection and of course the new Craftascope Heat Transfer paints. For now I have uploaded the Hochanda Shows onto my Youtube Channel for you to watch again all of the colours are still available on Hochanda along with some of the Regal Rose collection, Some things have sold out but I do have a limited number on My Etsy store for you.

There are a lot of things to cover, I will also be having some dedicated shows for them on Hochanda as they have proved so popular. Hochanda are wonderful giving me the opportunity to do so many demos, there were 5 in each of my last shows. Im sure you can imagine there is so much to share about them so over time I will cover it all. Keep on sharing your wonderful creations, it's always lovely to see them. Below is the link for my Youtube channel, feel free to subscribe there are no charges made, like some and you will be notified as soon as and when the new videos are published. 

For Now Take care and Happy Crafting.xxx

Things are looking A Little More Rosey

Hi Everyone, Well I really don't know what to say apart from a huge thank you for all of your Heartfelt comments, messages and e-mails from so many of you. I am sharing a couple of the projects I have been working on using stamps from my new 'Regal Roses', which I will be sharing at Stamperama a week on Saturday. With the help of a very dear Friend I have been able to add some to my Etsy store today, so do have a look.

I really can't thank each and everyone of you enough for taking the time to offer your care and support. It really has helped me no end. It really does mean a lot to me and has made me realise just how lucky I am having such great friends and followers.

I have been answering all of the messages, which is taking time as I want to read each one and don't want to just rush through them. I feel a lot stronger today and I am looking forward to visiting Stamperama in Stevenage, a week on Saturday, with the new collection. At last the stamps and New Cathedral Dies are listed on my Etsy store as individuals as I know a few people were after them. I hope you like them. Thanks again. Take care and Happy Crafting.xx

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

Blooming Marvelous Collection

Morning Friends and Crafters. As promised I have now had the chance to upload the Blooming Marvelous collection Launch show with Dave Bradford. I know a lot of people have asked for it, so I thought it would be a good idea to add it here and on my Youtube Channel, so it will still be around after it's removed from the Hochanda Rewind service.

There are a couple of the Rose petal Dies sets still available on my Etsy site, so please do take advantage if you did want them. There are also a small amount of the other items available after selling out. I am doing my best to bring them back to Hochanda, so hopefully I can add them to my launch next month. I do hope you will join me then, for something rather exciting. For now Take care and Happy Crafting.xx

ATC Antics

Morning my lovely friends and crafters, What an amazing few days I have had, A really enjoyable visit to Hochanda and a catch up with friends, meeting all of the lovely people that bring us such great shows and then the launch of  the next installment of my Craftascope Library. Today, I wanted to spend some time showing you the stamp sheets in detail. There really isn't the time on the show to do that as well as present the demo's that we all love to see. I want to show just how versatile these stamps are and show the smaller stamps that are so valuable to us crafters, whatever our style or crafting experience.

ATC Antics:

This was specially designed to coordinate with the ATC die set which sold out, I have managed to squeeze some additional stock but there wont be anymore available after that. It's a real go to collection, enabling you to make a complete card or add detail, texture and dimension to any project. I have included some feel good sentiments along with words that can be mixed with others in any of the Craftascope collection to form new sentiments or phrases. Two of the boys appear in a smaller and more natural look, giving you even more scope to coordinate a tag, gift and matching card. I have included a positive and negative bubble wrap, that gives the most amazing texture, it's a huge improvement on the real thing allowing you to do so much more, with texture, dimension as well as opening up a whole new way of crafting.

Such A Card:

I have designed some of these to layer and they look amazing in any colour combination to give a wide range of looks and feels. They work perfectly well as single stamps and dont have to be layered to give a wonderful look. Again they are great to add to any project to add texture and dimension, but as I demonstrated in my shows on Hochanda, they can be used to make a super but simple fast card and we all need one of those from Time to time. These are really different to anything else that is out there and give a unique feel to you crafting.

Textures 1:

This is the beginning of a small collection of wonderful texture stamps, sized to make it simple to extend them to suit your project. Being Thermo Plastic Rubber, they allow you to use all of your techniques, extending the use but remaining clear for positioning. There are some really interesting and unique textures here in this collection of 4, a really cost effective way of adding interest to anything.

Handy Helpers:

Oh my goodness, this was another early sell out, but I did manage to get a little ore stock on extended delivery, so I do hope you wont miss out. This is an amazing set of unique stamps and where this whole collection started. The 3 hands give you the opportunity to use on any project, I have used feel good phrases on one, Crafty words on another and included a plain to cover all bases. There are also some super and different sentiments in this set which will match all projects and occasions.

As I have said before all of the words in every launch of the Craftascope Library collection will mix and match to give 1000's of sentiments that you can create, rather than tie to you specifics, we all want to get as much value as we can from our supplies and this is an excellent way of covering every possible scenario.

I do thank you for all of your support, without it I wouldn't be able to bring you the collections that I share with you. I want to be able to give you a collection of usable, different and unique stamps that build your collection over the months and years to come. I don't want to bring the same images or things that are already available, I want to help you evolve and try something different in your crafting. I am launching another new collection on Tuesday at Hochanda with Dave, so I do hope you will join me then. For now Take care and Happy Crafting.xx

1975

Morning Friends and Crafters, I am back with you this morning with some more inspiration using stamps and stencils from my collection. I do hope you got to see my first show on Thursday, if not it will be available on rewind  via the Hochanda website. Today's card could be made in any colour way, to suit any occasion, As it is I think it would make a wonderful card for a man.

You will need:

Xander Media Stencil

Profile Stamp Set 2

Selection of texture stamps (Your Choice) 

Watercolour Card

Black Card

Infusions Rusty Car, Lemonchello, Emerald Isle

Versafine Black Ink

Basic Rectangle Die

Step 1: Start by making a really colourful background for this project. Spritz your card and sprinkle with the infusions. Leave this to dry naturally  as the colours remain much more vibrant. Cut a rectangle from scrap paper and keep the inner and the outer. Position over your card, select the part of the stencil you want to use and  ink through with Versafine black ink. Use a ruler to make a frame around the image.

Step 2: Use the inner part of the rectangle to make of the image. Then using your choice of stencils and stamps to build up your design. Trim  down your design and keep the trimmings.

Step 3: Now use the trimmings to stamp your sentiments with the same ink. Mount these onto black card using Tacky glue.

Step 4: Mount your design onto black card. (Don't forget to gut the card, use basic dies and use for later projects)

Step 5: To finish your card, mount it onto a white or cream base card. Then add your words using Collall 3D glue gel.

Thank you for stopping by today to see what I have to share. I hope you enjoyed the tutorial along with the finished project. I post everyday and I hope you will join me again soon.  

Before I go there is one more thing, here is a 30% off voucher to use on your FIRST order (anything) from Hochanda, use code FEY5JBP7. 

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/


Until Tomorrow, Take care and Happy Crafting.xx

17 Cherry Tree Lane

Morning, I hope you are enjoying the launch of the new Dimensional Dies in Hochanda, with more shows today at 9 am, 1 pm and Your Final Chance at 5 pm, thats if there is any left of course. I have loved seeing all of the ideas and samples from the rest of the design team, they have been such an inspiration. I am sure you are all going to be brimming with ideas, with plenty of projects to keep you busy, once your collections arrive. Today I am sharing Cherry Tree Lane. I Thoroughly enjoyed designing this card and putting it all together. Here is the finished card, along with the tutorial, I do hope you enjoy it. Some of the photos are slightly different as believe it or not all my photos were lost so had to recreate it, but at least I have one for myself this time. lol

You will need:

House Concept Die Set

House Accessories Die Set

Garden Party Die Set

Cottage Stone Embossing Folder

House Brick Embossing Folder

House Accessories Stamps Set

12 x 12 Coordinating Matt Card Pad

12 x 12 Coordinating Patterned Papers

A3 White Centura Pearl 'Hint of Silver' cut to 8 3/4'' x 16'' plus extra for windows etc

Mat Black Card

A4 Sheena Stamping Card

Acetate

Selection of Distress Inks

Shaped Nestie or Similar

Leonie Pujol Kite Stamp from Tangled Tails or similar

Clarity Skyline Mask or Similar

Glossy Accents

Tacky Glue

3D Glue Gel

Step 1: Cut the base section of your house, either overhang the part you dont want to cut or if using a manual machine, secure 2 pieces of thick card over the part you dont want to cut, as soon as you feel the resistance, reverse.

Step 2: Draw lines upwards from the sides of your house to help re position the die (see photo) Position the die lining up the cut line on the die onto your pencil mark. The distance between the bottom and the roof needs to be 5 3/4''. Repeat this cut as in Step 1 to avoid cutting the whole house.

Step 3: Using a craft knife and ruler, cut along your drawn lines to join the 2 dies cut shapes.

Step 4: Leave an extra tab at the top, approximately half inch to secure to the background later.

Step 5: Repeat the first 3 steps to make your second home, This time slightly smaller, also remove the roof section of this one to add variety (see photos). Also cut away the outhouse.

Step 6: Lightly draw a line at 8'' across your card, this will be your scoreline later.. Take a sheet of torn copier paper to create your landscape. Using an applicator of your choice blend Mowed Lawn Distress ink downwards from your mask. Repeat this step, moving your paper sideways also to stagger the hills. Three or 4 levels look great.

Step 7: Take the skyline mask, secure to your card, using black soot, built up your colour lightly, you really want a deep grey tone rather than black. Move the mask and repeat adding dimension to your card. Next Build up the blues for the sky, Shaded Lilac and Blueprint Sketch.

Step 8: Place your smaller house on the card to help position your concept die. Use the notches either side to position on your pencil line and TAPE in place, cut and manipulate the pop up.

Step 9: Use the green card from the pad to create the grass. (Top Tip) cut the card to the required width, lay it against your house, place a ruler either side of the house and draw a feint line for the recess. Next position the card at the back of your card, lay the ruler against the front of the house and this will give you the depth. Cut out and secure to your base  with Tacky glue.

Step 10:Take a sheet of Card the width of your base, emboss using the Cottage Stone folder. Then colour randomly with a mixture of Black Soot, Gathered Twigs, Vintage Photo and Frayed Burlap to give a realistic road, secure in place using Tacky Glue.

Step 11: Emboss the smaller house using the House Brick folder, then select your colour of choice for tinting the brick.

Step 12: Use a Dark Grey alcohol marker to colour the roof section of your main house. Use the brick stamp from the collection to add detail, then colour the bricks, choose 3 or 4 shades for this.

Step 13: Cut the window frames and window inserts from Centura Pearl white, then acetate and a chosen pattern for your wallpaper, using just the outside die. Repeat for the required amount and layer up.

Step 14: Cut the tree from Black and a brown from the coordinating pad. Layer using Tacky glue leaving a thin shadow behind.

Step 15: The fence will need 2 or 3 layers as it is only attached at the back of the house, stage the joins so it doesn't bend using Tacky Glue. Form enough for either side of the house with an inch or so extra to allow securing.

Step 16: Stamp the door in place on the main house, then on a piece of card stamp another to secure in place on the smaller house. Position and secure the windows in place with 3D glue gel for dimension. Add the roof trim and eves.

Step 17: Add the fence, securing behind the house. Then add window boxes, using the grass for foliage. A nice welcome mat looks nice here, cut and stamped onto self adhesive Burlap/Hessian. Position the tree using Tacky Glue and trim.

Step 18: Cut some blossom and leaves from the Garden Accessories set, shape them with a ball tool and add. Use the smallest of the blooms for the window boxes.

Step 19: Use a royalty free image and reduce in size.Position a basic circle die over the image and draw around it. Carefully trim around any bits outside the circle to allow you to position the die. Top Tip: Make sure the die is underneath any parts you dont want cutting, legs, bag etc. (See Photos)

Step 20: To finish your card, add extras of your choice, keeping the perspective with the card. Add some fallen leaves and grass to the scene to make it more realistic and your card is finished. Then you can decorate the outside to match.

I do hope you have enjoyed the tutorial and finished card. Thank you ever so much for joining me and I hope to see you very soon. Take care and Happy Crafting.xx