The Paper Engineer

Inspiration for 2012

2012-01-02T19:32:00.038Z

Is it really 2012? Doesn't seem five minutes since it was 2011 does it? I am not one for making New Year resolutions, not because I don't believe in the concept but more that I have difficulty in sticking to them (along with a great majority of the population). However I have to remind myself why I started this blog and in the early heady days I remember saying something about sharing ideas. I don't seem to have done much sharing during the past couple of years and I would like to try and remedy that.

In conjunction with my design work for Chocolate Baroque I hope to give you some ideas on how to use some of the digital products that are available over on the CB website as well as adding a few of my creations to the Chocolate Baroque Design Team Blog . If ever you are in need of inspiration, or want to see what they are currently doing with the latest CB stamps, then the DT blog is THE place to visit. This talented group of ladies continue to design the most beautiful pieces of artwork and I am very proud to be included in the team. So, without making it the dreaded resolution I am going to try and post more regularly (where have you heard that before!).

Whilst we are discussing inspiration there is a real treat waiting for you over on Glenda's blog. Back in 2010 at the Paradise Art retreat weekend we were all privileged to be entertained by Adrian (Glenda's husband for those of you who may not know) with his fabulous ditty entitled 'Add a Brad'. This struck a cord with all of us and in fact any crafter will have at some point been down this particular road. Adrian has been promising to record this artistic rendition for some time now and has obviously spent some of his hard earned time off doing just that. Furthermore Glenda had added a fabulous gallery of her personal artwork to the sound track. So if you want true inspiration, or if you can say 'I was there' and want to spend a few minutes reminiscing, then pop over to Glenda's blog and click on the link. I defy you not to feel cheered by it.

However before you go, and in the spirit of my earlier promise, here are some cards I have made using the Pretty Birds printable downloads. Having seen a year of extra large cards I decided that tall and slim would be an elegant way to start 2012. I have also designed an envelope template that fits this card shape exactly. This will be available to download for free in the next couple of days. I want you to be able to get the most out of your printables and you can actually make four of these cards from each printable paper by dividing it into 2" x 8" strips, then mat onto plain co-ordinating cardstock and trim (leaving a narrow border all round). Each card measures approx 61 x 210 mm and you can make two from an A4 sheet of card. Using the Groovy and the boxmaker side, butt the shorter side of the card up to the 'Box Base' edge and score at the third groove. Fold and cut; you now have the perfect slim card on which to attach your paper strip. These cards also make an excellent canvas for the Paintchip printables.

That just leaves me to say wherever you find your inspiration may I wish you a very Happy New Year .

Lesley

5 Milestones and Beyond

2011-10-16T07:15:00.005+01:00

'Where did the time go?' must be one of the most used phrases ever and it's something we have all said at least once. This weekend I have overdosed on it! Yesterday was my grandaughter's 5th birthday and during the day I caught myself either thinking or say those immortal words. And I don't know where the time has gone - such a lot has changed. Some good things and some not so good - all the stuff that adds up to life's rich tapestry. As we watched Annabel and her friends dancing at her birthday party I realised that, like a camera, our brain takes snapshots of our lives and replays it in the form of memories. We then replay these to comfort us, cheer us or even to shed a tear over - but it's as though we have a huge filing cabinet that we dip into according to our mood.

So, filed under 'M' I would like to share some memories to celebrate my grandaughter's birthday.
What's in your filing cabinet?

Lesley

P.S. I'll be back later with some photos of the birthday card I made for her, plus a sneeky peek of something coming soon.

A little bit excited

2011-07-16T15:22:00.008+01:00

Well, here we are mid-summer and it is absolutely pouring down! I suppose we should expect it from the British climate, but really.

Anyway, once again I've been absent but there is a good reason.. I have been hard at the designing thing. I have put together a few digital and printable kits and guess what?... the first one was released today over on the Chocolate Baroque website. And yes I'm just a little bit excited - as I am rather pleased with how they have turned out, I hope you all are too. I'm putting a little sneaky peek on here, but if you have time please pop over and see what you think (you'll find all four sets in the printable downloads category). It's one thing to design a product, but I need to know if I'm on the right track. There are also lots of other lovely products on there including some fab stamp promotions and it's free p+p on UK (mainland) deliveries all this weekend, well worth it.
I am hoping to be able to show some things I have made with the kit very soon, in the meantime I hope you are crafting to your heart's content and that life is being kind to you all.

Until next time

Lesley

Inspiration?

2011-05-08T20:13:00.018+01:00

Once again I have been absent from blogland for some time - a lot of which has had to do with the fact that my computer was badly hid by a nasty virus. Not just once, but twice! (and we are super, super protected - or so we thought). Then once I got my cleaned up computer back we discovered that most of my programs had gone - things like Microsoft Office, Photoshop - key things I needed to function. To be honest it kinda put me off wanting to switch a computer on ever again. I really, really wish that the clever little *****'s who inflict these viruses upon us would actually turn their hands to something more productive. They are talented individuals who could probably do a lot of good in the world if only they would channel their energies into more positive actions.

Anyway I digress. Amongst all this I have found it very difficult to create any meaningful artwork. Okay I've dabbled with bits here and there, but nothing really productive nor any finished piece that I actually wanted to share with anyone (humph!). But I find that nothing grabs your attention more than an occasion for which you are expected to produce the goods! Enter my Mother's 90th Birthday, sadly without the required Muse. However, I never cease to be amazed at what inspires us to create and mine came in the form of (wait for it)..... THIS.

William and Kate's Wedding cake. I saw this photo during the course of the wedding celebrations and just fell in love with the colour scheme - creams and whites.

Now my brain was working overtime and I've beavered away the last few days. I have even returned to my computer again as I couldn't find the right coloured paper for part of my project, so designed my own!

Today was my Mum's birthday and I am happy to say I actually came up with the goods!

This is the lady for whom it was all for - doesn't look her age at all does she? We have had a wonderful family day, with four generations getting together. I think that's a celebration in itself. And Mum has had balloons for the first time in her life! Just fab.

I thought you might just like to see the finished article. Thanks Mum for helping me find my creativity again (with a little help from Wills and Kate!)

So whoever you craft for and from wherever you gather your inspiration - enjoy.

Until the next time....

Lesley

A New Year?

2011-01-24T07:15:00.003Z

I expect by now that you all think I have either left the country or just given up blogging all together. Well here I stand in 2011 having completely missed 2010 on the blogging front.

2010 was a funny old year, and not the happiest for a lot of people for many, many reasons. So I guess that as the clock struck 12 at midnight on New Years Eve there were quite a few who were not sorry to see the back of the old year. But what is it about a New Year that makes us think we can shed all our woes and problems like an old skin? After all, the clock has just clicked over into another day, just like the previous 365. Technically nothing has changed, we are all just a couple of minutes older and yet it is almost like we have been given another chance to start things over again. Perhaps it is the thought of new beginnings which excite us, a new blank canvas to redraw what we hope is a better picture, the wish that everything will seem brighter.

Well now it is three weeks down the line from those magical chimes and the reality of life has set in. Has anything changed, have we all suddenly become happier, more contended individuals? I would like to think that for some people, their world is becoming a better place - for whatever reason. And for those who still have their struggles, I hope their burden becomes lighter or at least more easy to bear.

For me I can celebrate one change - it has been exactly one year since I gave up smoking and although I need to start the diet now(!), well soon(!), I am very proud of my achievement. So maybe hoping that the New Year will be a fresh start is not such an impossible dream. For all of you who either need or want a new beginning may I wish you every good luck on your road to discovery.

Now it may be a little past those witching midnight chimes, but I just want to say 'may your year be the one you desire' and I hold a glass up to absent friends.

Lesley

Your Mission......

2009-11-19T22:36:00.006Z

If you saw this advert would you apply???

WANTED

One helper to assist 40 ladies for 48 hours by handing out inkpads, stamps, paper, kits, brushes, glue, paint and other assorted items. Must be able to scoop out gesso and gel at least 40 times, paying special attention to handing it out again and again and again (usually AFTER you have just cleaned the palette knife and put the lid back on!). Be able to know exactly where everything is in the whole room and locate within a nanno second, whilst seamlessly spooning out more gesso and gel! The ability to keep awake during the whole 48 hours is essential, as is experience at cleaning tables, resetting them and eating your meal in less time than the other 40 participants (please note: indigestion will not be allowed as you won't have time!) Standing may be required, smiling is a must and you will have to have had a practice session first - by spending at least five days at previous major event! Must be able to count to 6400, have a sense of humour, give out gold leaf (whilst not breathing!) and on no account will you be able to play with the other 40 or so people in the room. Successful candidates will be recruited for future similar events!

Well I chose to accept the above mission and spent a wonderful, tiring, happy and rewarding weekend on the first Graphicus crafting Retreat - aptly named the Paradise Retreat. The whole event was all of the above and more - it was creative, emotional, exhilarating and a little hectic at times but I wouldn't have missed it for the world. To coin one of my own phrases I may be 2" shorter and about 5 years older but it was worth it. A big thank you to all the lovely ladies I met - you were all stars and I think that every piece of artwork you created was AMAZING. Huge thanks must go Glenda who allowed me to be part of this experience in the first place. Also a big round of applause to Lynn, Adrian, Kath, Annette and the man who kept hanging around the gents loos all weekend emptying wash pots and cleaning brushes - Oh that would be my husband David! (he only came to help us set up in the afternoon and stayed during the whole weekend - I think it was being surrounded by all those ladies that did it!!). These people put up with me spooning gesso over their hands, standing on their feet and being a little fraught when I couldn't just lay my hand on whatever it was that was needed immediately. I think I can safely say it was a fantastic success. Would I do it all again - now what did that advert say??

Take care until I have time to recover!

Lesley

Missing..???

2009-08-23T18:47:00.023+01:00

Yes, I know I haven't blogged for some time and for that I can only apologise, but I have been rather busy with lots of exciting things. Samples for Barbara's TV shows - isn't she doing well? Demoing at Doncaster - one day only but felt like three, we were so busy. Working with Glenda on the new CD - Decadent Brocade - what a blast (and such a privilege). Demoing at the Open Days, putting together workshops for the new season at Graphicus and samples for the evening launch of the new Elusive Images Christmas stamps. Visiting my grand-daughter and giving her her very first set of rubber stamps - she's not three yet but you can't start too young! She's got the direct to paper technique with an inkpad off to a tee. Hope that's the only place she 'directs' it to though, otherwise I will have a very unhappy daughter and son-in-law on my case! In between there have been the mundane things of life (whisper- housework) and general living. So I hope you will accept my apology for being marked absent for a while.

Now I look at the calendar and it is almost September. Where did the summer go - has it been or, like me, has it gone missing? School holidays are almost over, the last Bank Holiday is only a week away and then the show season starts again. I know they say time passes quicker as you get older but, gracious, this year has flown at the speed of sound! I've also just realised that this blog is nearly a year old, at the rate the rest of the year has gone it will be walking, talking and off to university before I know it!! I've recently been reading the thread on the Graphicus Guild forum about why people blog and I hadn't really thought about it until I read some of the wonderful reasons given by this crafty group. I certainly cannot claim it is a way of regularly keeping in touch with people - can once in a blue moon be classed as regular? In the beginning (is that a line from something?) I said I would probably ramble - tick that box then; hopefully pass on some useful crafting gossip and info - 5 out of 10 for that one; and once in a while you might find something interesting here - only the lovely people that read this and take the time to leave such encouraging comments can judge that one. The one thing I do know for certain, although I don't tend it as lovingly as I should, I do find blogging very therapeutic and enjoy sharing my (sometimes off the wall) thoughts with the world. So I intend to keep going, will light the candle on the birthday cake and when I blow it out will make a wish (but if I tell you it won't come true).

So in traditional almost birthday fashion I have a present - not for me but for you. To say thank you for taking the trouble to join me here and I hope you will continue the journey. Sorry I can't send you the birthday cake but maybe this will do instead.

Click on the word link, download, then print and play. As usual, the papers can be printed borderless if your printer allows this.

Right, off I go again - does anyone know the receipe for a good cake??

Lesley

Is this the Sun I see before Me?

2009-05-31T09:21:00.032+01:00

Yes, I do believe that the sun IS shining, could this be the start of Summer? Well I've probably just put the jinx on that then! Still, isn't is great to be able to go out without 6 layers of clothing and a mac and a scarf? Is it just me or didn't the warm weather start when we went back to school after the Easter holidays? According to school it did because we had to wear our summer unifom (dresses) and I don't remember shivering with frostbite! Perhaps I just didn't feel the cold when I was younger. Anyway I'm officially accepting that summer may just have arrived and to celebrate I have designed a new freebie with a fluttering theme. Here we go then

As usual, the paper can be printed borderless if your printer allows this, whilst the butterflies would look ab fab printed on acetate or vellum. The frame is new one for you; it is actually transparent (although you can't tell here), so you can print it over a coloured background or just print out on plain paper and cut out. Click on the link, download and have fun.

A quick reminder before I go, Barbara from ClarityStamp will be live on Ideal World and Create and Craft tomorrow at 11.00am. Check your TV schedules, it is advertised as Crafting with Clear Stamps, and just sit down and enjoy (or record if you can). I'm sure it will be just a wonderful as the last one.

Hope you enjoy the freebie.

'Til next time

Lesley

And now for the Good News

2009-05-06T07:38:00.002+01:00

Well, finally, I'm back. Yes the curtain has come down on the craft exhibition season until the autumn, apart from one brief appearance at Doncaster in June. The lights have gone out, the stands are packed away and all the strolling players have wandered off! It's very sad really, but on the other hand it's good being at home again and I am hoping to be running some workshops during the summer, which I love doing, so it is more like an adieu than a goodbye.

However I come back bearing good news... (small fanfare here)... are you ready, then get tuning into your TV. Tomorrow, yes that's TOMORROW Thursday 7th May, Barbara Gray from ClarityStamp is doing her very first TV show on Ideal World at 11.00am. Big round of applause. I'm also reliably informed that her show is being shown simultaneaously on Create and Craft, but check your schedules just to make sure. It's all very exciting and I am sure you will all join me in wishing her well with her screen debut; I just know she is going to be fab. Hope it's the first of many Barb.

And if that's not enough, Glenda's new Elusive Images show launches this evening at 6.00pm, another not to be missed hour. I just know we are going to be treated to more fab new stamps, wonderful techniques and Glenda's unique mini tutorials.

So what are we going to do everyone?? Tune in our TVs and watch two of the most talented and inspiring people I have the great honour of working with. Just sit back and ENJOY!

Back again soon.

Lesley

PS Don't forget the Craft Open days at Graphicus this Friday and Saturday, I'm appearing at that one too.

Here's the Freebie!

2009-04-05T18:17:00.018+01:00

As promised, if not a few days late, is your new freebie. There are actually 3 this time, a paper, a set of flowers and leaves and a complete alphabet. To the right is a card I have made to give you an idea of how it all comes together, but I am sure you clever people out there will have loads of ways of using it.

They are all based on a rusted pattern I have designed.

Click on this link and you can download all three freebies. As before, the paper has been designed to print borderless. Hope you like this and enjoy playing with it.

See you soon.

Lesley

The Phantom Blogger (plus sneeky peek of new freebie!!)

2009-03-30T23:36:00.009+01:00

I'm beginning to think that Dr Who and Captain Kirk et al got it right! I would love to be able turn a dial in the TARDIS and find myself exactly where I had to be in the blink of an eye. Or how about 'Beam me up Scottie', wouldn't that be fantastic. No more packing and unpacking cases, getting on trains, off planes, up and down motorways and in and out of cars and vans. Just a quick 'shimmer' and I'd be THERE!! Maybe I could twitch my nose like Samantha and just appear, in the right place, at the right time and at the right demo table - amazing. Unfortunately I am neither a space captain, a witch or a time lord and therefore I can only explain my absence from blogging is because I am human and have to travel through real time. And what a time I've had. From the trade show in Birmingham to now I've hardly had time to catch breath and it isn't over yet; although I'm not due to be at another show until after Easter (Ally Pally). But there will be lots to do in the meantime, preparing for TV shows, arranging workshop dates for the summer etc, so I'm making the most of a semi free evening and trying to give my blog an airing.

I've had a blast the last few weeks, except for being uncermoniously being taken out of the NECC in a wheelchair a couple of weeks ago (long story involving being unable to breathe, the emergency room in the NECC, Doncaster Royal Infirmary and anaphylatic shock) and as usual have met lots of old friends and hopefully made loads of new ones. A great big thank you to everyone who has stopped at my demo stand on Clarity Stamp, or who came to the Graphicus Open Days last weekend. Your kind words and interest are what keep me going. To the lady who came to me at the stand at Glasgow and was upset to see I wasn't Barbara I apologise. To Phree, who remained at the stand in Glasgow and watched me demonstrating, even though I wasn't Barabara, thank you. To everyone else who has stood patiently while I've waited for my craft iron to heat up, while I've been cutting out or while I've searched for something that I knew I had when I started the day, but seemed to have disappeared under a pile of something else and to those of you that have kindly brought me everything from samples of your beautiful work, to cups of coffee and homemade cakes, my heartfelt gratitude. A big thank you to Glenda, Lynn, Judith and Carrie for stopping by yesterday at Harrogate, it was quite strange to see them as 'tourists' and I'm sure you all had a great day. And finally, to those that I have not been able to chat to, or whom I have missed because I took a quick five minute break I am sorry and I hope to be able to catch up with you again somewhere very soon.

Ok, before I leave blog land again, I mentioned at the beginning a new freebie. Providing I am not sabotaged along the way, I'm hoping you will be able to download this within the next couple of days. But just to whet your appetite, here is a sneeky peek

This is just one small corner, think you might like it though (it 's actually a game of two halves!).

I'm now off to see if I can convert the shed into a time machine - 'Beam me up David'!

Freebie!!

2009-02-03T21:21:00.009Z

Once again I find myself blogging in arrears i.e. no postings since the beginning of the year. Memo to self - PULL YOUR SOCKS UP LESLEY!!

However, it's getting to that time of year again; the Trade show looms large on the horizon followed by a list of craft shows as long as your arm (from Glasgow to Farnborough and quite a few points in between!) So, with this in mind I hope to see some of you, somewhere in the country, sometime during the next few weeks. You'll soon recognise me, just look for the stand where the demonstrator is half asleep (apparently I also snore so there's another good pointer in my direction!). Seriously, I have a load of prep to do for all sorts of things and so blogging may take a back seat yet again. In the meantime, what with the dreadful weather, the credit crunch and any other horrid thing you can think of, I thought you might need cheering up. So here, designed especially for you, is a paper that you can use for Valentines day, weddings, anniversaries, just about anything really.

If you would like the freebie, just click on this link, download and save to your computer, then just print and play. If your printer will allow it has been designed to print borderless. Enjoy.

See you on the road.

Lesley

At the End of the Year

2008-12-31T17:54:00.012Z

Well everyone here it is, the last day of the year. And I guess we can all say thank goodness for that. There have been fantastic times and there have been sad times. This year I have met some wonderful people at exhibitions and shows and at Graphicus Open days. I have spent lots of hours travelling and many more hours crafting and have lots of fabulous memories of being in the company of some very talented people. What does 2009 hold for us all ... who knows, I'm sure it won't be easy but I do know one thing. If you have the support of family, friends and loved ones then you can take whatever life throws at you. So where ever you are on this last day of the year I take great pleasure in saying thank you to everyone who has supported me this year - you have all been amazing. Now, with all that said, may I wish you all a very Happy New Year and leave this little gift designed especially for you.

Until next year...

Lesley

Last Minute Christmas - Freebie

2008-12-08T07:52:00.012Z

One of the things I was asked at the Graphicus Open Days was 'Are your ready for Christmas then?' My response... A big resounding NO! One present bought (and that was an accident), the house looks as if it's been recently vandalised (not condusive to the Christmas spirit) and not a card made (never mind written). The latter is probably the biggest problem. You see we demonstrate Christmas from about August but don't actually make anything for ourselves and if we were to give shop bought cards...need I go on. Then I had a thought (first one this year I hear you call) I'm probably not the only one. So, if any of you are struggling to make last minute cards, I have designed a mini kit you can download, print out and put together in no time. The kit contains:

4 background papers, 2 frames, 1 ribbon, 1 christmas flower, 1 jigsaw piece, some Christmas Script and a tag template.

If you would like the kit just send me a quick email (contact) and I will forward you the link to download.

Here are a few samples to give you some ideas

Hope you like.

Lesley

To Hull and back....(almost!!)

2008-12-05T23:12:00.015Z

For those of you who thought I had passed by, passed over or past out I am happy to report that none of these are true! I am actually still alive and kicking, well twitching maybe and have come back to blogland via a few locations around this great British Isles of ours. So just where have I been for the last few weeks - are you ready for this.... Kent, Glasgow, Home, Barnard Castle, Home, Doncaster, Birmingham, Home, Barnard Castle, Home, Oswaldtwistle, Home, Lancashire (not all of it!) Home, Barnard Castle, Home (now), Barnard Castle (tomorrow), Home, Blackpool (Sunday), Home (Sunday night), Bed FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR! Phew I'm tired just typing all those places down. You will note there is no mention of Hull, but I have seen the motorways signs to it a time or two during the past few weeks and felt it needed a mention!

I have to say I didn't see much of most of the places I visited as the majority of the time was spent on the craft circuit aka SECC Glasgow and NEC Birmingham. Although tiring I had a great time with my friend Barbara (Clarity Stamp) and met some wonderful crafters along the way; some old friends and lots of new lovely people. As always, if you visited me at either of these shows, a huge thank you for stopping by, without you I wouldn't have the fantastic opportunity to share this passion of mine and it would be a very lonely road. Birmingham was the end of the craft exhibitions for this year, and it was a little sad to see the stands coming down. But, credit crunch and God willing, it starts all over again from the 3rd week in January 2009.

My visit to Oswaldtwistle was to hold my first workshop at Dawn Bibby's Studio. I was invited as a guest tutor back in August, but what with my show list and dates already filled in their diary it was hard to find space before Christmas. However we managed to squeeze in a Saturday towards the end of November and, I have to say, it was a fun filled day which I thoroughly enjoyed. They were a smashing bunch in the class and I obviously did something right because I've been asked to gives them available dates for the first six months of next year!

My Barnard Castle visits were to Graphicus and have been a mixture of dropping off samples/ buying much needed essentials(!). Today and tomorrow are their Open Days so I have been demonstrating some gorgeous stamps, ink pads and pens, chatting with some fab ladies and gents and spending time with some very artistic friends. It is heaven! I realised today just how lucky I am to do what I do. We are surrounded by so much unhappiness in the world; the news is gloomy and depressing, there are horrible things happening to undeserving people and too much sadness that we can't do anything about. And in the middle of all this our tiny band of crafters, many who had braved the weather and travelled a good distance, laughing and joking and sharing and caring. Our own little haven, a respite for a few hours from reality and I was a part of it. Amazing!! How does it go? "Count your blessings one by one". I just have and so, to all of you I met and shared today with, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart, you have made me realise how truly blessed I am.

Until next time...

Lesley

PS: Here's another of my blessings

When the Muse flies out the window!

2008-10-12T14:40:00.083+01:00

There are times when I find my Muse floats about. Sometimes it's stamping, sometimes it's creating backgrounds, sometimes it is just dreaming of ideas. Today is a beautiful day, so I opened a couple of windows and the door into the garden and WHOOPS out went my Muse. I think she's enjoying the sunshine and some well needed fresh air. Unfortunately while she's out gadding about I'm here, surrounded with lots of 'bits' and unfinished pieces and I cannot pin her down to help me complete anything.

I'm sure you have all experienced the loss of creative thinking from time to time and when it happens to me I turn to other forms of stimulus. Maybe a book, some poetry, music, even a particular old movie can inspire me. But today nothing. So I thought I would share some more of my digital journal with you. (Click on pics to see more detail)

Above is my grand daughter. To the right our badly done to pooch!

You see, even my reminders are blank!

And this tells me how wonderful childhood really is.

I hope my Muse approves!

PS If you find her could you send her home!

WARNING! WARNING! Blog Candy

2008-10-12T11:07:00.009+01:00

Would you like to be playing with some of the latest, hottest products around? Well you could be because there is some amazing blog candy to be won over on the Elusive Images Design Team Blog. To be in with a chance of winning, pop over there now and leave your comment. But do hurry - you only have until 16th October, draw takes place on the 17th.

Remember, you have to be in it to win it. Good luck!

Where does the time go!!!

2008-10-08T19:25:00.039+01:00

How do the words of the Madonna song go..."time goes by so slowly". Huh! Who is she kidding? It's just whizzing by and I'm hanging on with an inkpad in one hand and a rubber stamp in the other! And Alice, our TIAPD (thinks it's a person dog!) is dashing around behind me chewing ribbons, sneezing on the glitter and burying her nose in my craft stash. On the other hand DH is keeping me going with cups of herbal tea and wonderful evening meals.

Anyway, I'm preparing new samples for the next Elusive Images live show (see Glenda's blog for the rescheduled dates), making birthday cards for assorted friends and family - (don't you make a rod for your own back? If you bought a card, they'd think you didn't care!) - and trying to get organised for the SECC show in Glasgow later this month. This may all sound like a whinge, but it's not; I am so lucky to be doing what I do and I thank my stars every day that other people seem to like it too.

I have managed to come up with a few people to whom I wish pass on the I Love your Blog Award, but I haven't got to the magic number yet; trust me I'll post on that soon. Also watch this space for pics of the projects from my Fenwick's class that I promised a couple of posts ago.

So, to finish here I'll leave you with a couple of things I have managed to complete. If you click on the photos you will be able to see the details more clearly.

The images for this card came from the new Eccentric Edwardian themeplate. I just love vintage and all the stamps on this plate capture this by-gone era so beautifully. I stamped the background with one of the script stamps onto patterned paper, using Teal Stazon, and edged this with Versafine Vintage Sepia. I then stamped the large and small watch faces on the same paper and cut them out. Next I thinly applied a couple of coats of clear varnish to accent the clock faces. I didn't use Glossy Accents here because that would make the paper too wet. I covered the base cardstock with the same patterned paper, mounted the script background onto some thin card (to give it substance) and attached it with foam pads. I stuck a piece of blue ribbon diagonally across the bottom right hand corner and attached the faces using foam pads. At least these clocks stand still!

This is a another of my computer art projects - it will be the front cover of a digital journal I am working on (eventually!).

Well that's all for now, the clock has whizzed again, struck twelve and I'm about to turn into.......

Very Illuminating!

2008-09-28T17:30:00.020+01:00

Today I have taken just for me. Now that may sound selfish, but as I explained in my last post, I have been here, there and everywhere. So after arriving home thoroughly *******!! last night, after the workshop in Newcastle, I decided today would be MINE. So I spent the morning catching up on emails and browsing my favourite blogs. And guess what...? I've been awarded this.

How fantastic, this blog is only three weeks old today and Craftimamma of Crafty Love N Hugs has been gracious enough to nominate it. A huge thank you for this. It is very encouraging that, although still in it's infancy, you find my input interesting (does that read okay?) Anyway, please look at Craftimamma's blog for fabulous photography and inspiration.

Now as I understand it the rules for this award are :

1. The winner can put the logo on their blog.

2. Link the person you receive your award from.

3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.

4. Put the links of those blogs on yours.

5. Leave a message on the blogs you have nominated.

So, checking through the list, I have done 1 and 2, but 3 is going to take some serious consideration. There are some very creative and interesting blogs out there and many people who inspire me. So, to make sure I pass the baton to those people who I really want get the recognition they deserve, I will take a little time before posting those nominations.

Having settled down from the excitement of receiving my first award, and coming in from helping DH with his work on the roof (yes I did say roof but that's a whole other story!!) I have spent the afternoon designing. This time on my computer using Photoshop. Although many may say this is not true hands on crafting, I really enjoy using this medium for my creativity. The blank white document on my computer screen can be just as challenging as a blank piece of card or paper. And can go just as horribly wrong too!! Anyway today has been a good day and I have added some new artwork to my growing collection. If you don't like computer art look away now.....

This is my version of an illuminated letter, which I have designed especially for a very good friend of mine. However I'm also hoping to incorporate it as the bookcover for a project I have in mind. Let me know what you think, and if you would like to see more in the future. If you really like this I might be able to share it with you so that you can download it for your own use.

There you have it, all in all a very illuminating day! Take care 'til next time.

From one thing to another

2008-09-25T02:19:00.004+01:00

and another......

I have just realised that it is almost two weeks since my last post. The reason is in the title...let me explain.

As you will know from my last post I have been working with some wonderful new stamps from Elusive Images, so last week it was all systems go designing samples for the up and coming TV shows. Then it was Friday and I whizzed down to Harrogate to help my very good friend Babara Gray (who owns Clarity Stamp) to help set up the stand at the Paper Extravaganza Show. Back home Friday night to get myself revved up for the coming weekend. Bright and early Saturday morning saw me on the A1 again going back to Harrogate. The show opened at 9.30, Barbara and I started demonstrating and the next thing we knew it was 10 to 4 and we realised we hadn't had lunch! It was just sooo busy. Showed closed at 4.30, we spent an hour or so restocking and tidying the stand ready for Sunday and then home. Sunday morning saw a repeat journey back down the A1 and yet another busy day. Not quite as manic as Saturday, managed lunch at about 2 ish! Then it was all over, the stand was packed back into the van and I was on my way home. Although demonstrating at shows can be very tiring (both on the feet and the voice!) I really enjoy them. You meet some lovely people and it's exciting sharing your crafting passion face to face. Cue here - a huge thanks to all of you who visited the stand and took the time to chat with me. For those who came and I didn't get to speak to - apologies, I hope I will see you somewhere soon.

Monday saw me up at Graphicus, dropping off said designs (see above). A quick chat with the wonderful team that work there and a dash round the shop, just to check out the stock you understand!! Bought a couple of things that I just HAD to have and then it was back on the A1 AGAIN, this time up to Newcastle. I am running a workshop at Fenwicks this coming Saturday and, as it's the first time I have done any work there, I wanted to pay them a visit. Since then I have been working on the projects for Saturday's workshop. After that it will be more samples for Glenda's TV show (I came home to a delivery of more new stamps on Saturday night, they are gorgeous. I just know you will love them, but you will have to watch the show - I cannot reveal anything here!)

So there you have it. As I said at the beginning - one thing to another. Makes for an interesting life! Take care 'til next time.

P.S. Sorry there are no photos this time, but I will share some of the projects from Saturday's workshop soon.

Let us Spray!

2008-09-13T11:42:00.032+01:00

First a big thank you to those kind people who have taken the time to comment on my intitial post to this blog. It means a lot to me.

Anyway, I can't believe it's nearly a week since I first set this up; but we all know how time goes so much quicker for the older generation! I would love to say I have been so busy crafting that I haven't had much time for anything else. If only that were the case. Unfortunately my right hand has been out of action for much of the week, which has made life rather difficult (bathing, dressing, writing etc have been a bit of a challenge) More importantly stamping, cutting and general crafting have been nearly impossible. Tip here: Do not try spraying Glimmer Mists with your left hand (unless you are left handed of course). The dog wasn't too impressed in being showered with Hollyberry ink! Sorry no photo here - she moves too quick for the camera, if not quick enough to avoid being glimmered! So, I had to put things on hold for a few days. However, I am pleased to report my hand is much improved and I'm back spraying in a more controlled fashion.

If you have read Glenda's blog (Artylicious), you will realise there is is a TV show coming up. As one of the design team I am also preparing samples and thought I might share some of the backgrounds I've been working on.

For those of you who have indulged in the beautiful bottles of colour that are Glimmer Mists, you will already know that using them is not one of the cleaner areas of crafting. In fact, it is downright messy (halleluah to that!), and you have to be careful where you spray - viz a viz one Hollyberry dog! If you have seen Glenda in action she uses a box which is a fantastic idea, almost like a little spray theatre. I'm much more clumsy and have had my box on the floor, almost over the head of the dog (if she should could use the phone I'm quite sure I would have received a visit from the RSPCA by now) and bounced it off the dining room wall. So I gave that up and now I just cover a very large area with paper and/or my heat proof crafting mat. It very much depends on what I'm doing. By far the best is newspaper, for several reasons. First, it's cheap (actually free because we get 2 free papers a week here), second, the sheets are much larger and therefore cover a bigger area but, most importantly, it acts as both a blotting paper and an ink well. I'll explain further.

I have been using semi-gloss cardstock tags which, unlike standard cardstock, do not absorb Glimmer Mists as readily as regular card/paper. You get a more muted effect on semi-gloss, and the newspaper helps in this process. Tip Use at least four of five sheets of newspaper, I tend to open it up from the midde so that I have a double spread. First choose your colours, then spray approx half to two thirds of the tag with the darkest colour - you need to spray quite close to pool the ink. Then turn the tag over and use the newspaper as a blotter, pressing firmly over the back of the tag. Keep pressing until the ink stops running e.g. the tag is still wet but the colour doesn't run when the tag is held vertically. Next, apply a further respray and repeat the blotting process. By now the newspaper will be quite soggy with your colour. Allow this puddle to dry for a couple of minutes and then start pressing and dragging your tag through it. What happens is that, as the puddle is drying, all the mica comes to the surface. By dragging and pressing your semi dry tag through it you are gathering all the mica and laying over your existing spray. So keep going until you are happy with the result. Change to a clean sheet of newspaper and then spray the remaining blank area of your tag with the another lighter colour and repeat the process of blotting etc. Then leave to dry thoroughly. You should now have a double coloured, shaded tag with loads of mica 'threads' spread over the top.

Both of these tags have been created using the technique I have just described. I have found that those colours which carry more mica give a better effect. Here I have used Frosty Night and Snowflake on the left and Hollyberry (without the dog!) and Olive Vine on the right. Neither the photos nor my photography do these justice but, trust me, they are gorgeous. This technique also works on regular card stock, but the colours are more intense.

Here's the aftermath on the newspaper. I'll keep these and use them on another project.

Now my tags are ready for stamping on. Sorry I can't show you any finished results yet, but the stamps I'm using are still a secret.

Well, I hoped you like this and that you try the technique. Till next time....

Is the World Ready.....

2008-09-07T17:52:00.001+01:00

....for yet another blog, well mine anyway? We shall see...

This is my first foray into blogland. Don't get me wrong, I read loads of other fantastic blogs but now I've created my own, urged on I have to say by some wonderful creative friends of mine - Glenda (Artylicious), Lynn (Inky Artitude) and Annette (For Blogs Sake). So if you want to blame anybody for me unleashing myself into this universe, then it's all the fault of these three ladies (lol). I am inspired by many more than the aforementioned, but I will come back to that in a later post.

Ok, so now I've hurtled headlong into virtual creativity what can you expect?? Propably lots of useless ramblings of a crafting nut, hopefully some useful crafting gossip and info and, once in a blue moon, I may post something that you will find really interesting (and inspiring).

Some of you may already know me, or may have even met me, therefore you know what you are letting yourself in for! But for those of you who don't, let me try and sum up what I'm about (shouts of 'shut up and get on with it Lesley').

In the real world I work with my husband and we provide training for adult learners. In my other world I craft any spare moment that I have. I'm proud to say I am one of the design team for ELUSIVE IMAGES (a position made in heaven) and I am also a freelance demonstrator. I LOVE crafting - with paper, stamps, ink, paint, stampbord, grungebord (you get the drift?). Anything and everything inspires me - even a visit to B & Q (there are other things you can do with washers and electrical tape you know!!). I also love sharing my ideas with others and I hope this blog may be an extention of that.

So, there you have it - my first post. I have finally committed myself (NO comments here please!!) in print and in public. Hope you think it was worth all the effort, now and in the future. How does that saying go "hold on, I think we may be in for a bumpy ride"?....... I hope you can hold on with me and enjoy the journey.