Make Today Amazing...

Hope you're enjoying your Easter weekend, the weather has been a real mix, a lot of rain here and in Surrey and more snow for some of you I know.
Let's hope the sun will shine for us all soon, we could all do with some warm bright days but the lighter evenings are a real treat.
We have spent some time doing necessary jobs and relaxing in between.
Today I was able to completely relax and spent some time designing projects for craft classes which was really enjoyable especially as I didn't have to rush at all.
My choice for today was bright cheery designs and later this month I look forward to sharing the cards and techniques over on the
Craft Show Crafty Bloggers blog.
As a bit of a treat I enjoyed a glass of something while I was crafting away...
I recently discovered Edinburgh Gin, Rhubarb and Ginger liquer, add a slice of lemon and make into a long drink with ginger ale, cheers!
Enjoy your evening and a shorter working week ahead...xKx

Craft class candle wax resist technique

Today I'm sharing a step by step tutorial by request for a technique used recently at craft class.

It uses a wax candle to create a distressed resist background.

 Ingredients to complete the card include - Inkylicious Bigz Butterfly 1,
Sentiment stamps from Mama Makes, watercolour inspirations,
Spellbinders die set - card creator, curved borders 1,
Jeanine's Art Christmas Classics embossing folder - Christmas Tree.
I also used distress inks and Versafine Clair cheerful ink pad, these ink pads are a dream to stamp with, I love their vibrancy and clarity.
To start with I've used the embossing folder and cut a piece of glossy card to size.

Once the card was embossed I rubbed the whole surface with the side of a candle to apply wax to the surface, then on top of the wax surface blended distress ink with a smoothie sponge.
The colour used is Peacock Feathers.

Once finished inking, polish the whole area with a paper towel, this will reveal the embossed resist leaving a distressed background.

Place the stamp in position to decide where to cut the curved die through the card.

 Remove the stamp and use low tac tape or a magnetic shim to hold the die in place for cutting.

Stamp the butterfly onto smooth white card using the Versafine Clair.

Roughly cut round the butterfly edge and apply sellotape behind the antenna area, this will allow for easier detailed cutting, as the image has not been heat embossed which also makes cutting easier.

At this stage I also blended some Squeezed Lemonade distress ink over the stamped image.

Then fussy cut the butterfly. 

Mount the butterfly in position on the embossed, coloured card and glue in place.

Choose a sentiment to stamp and position the card pieces before gluing to determine how much space is needed for the stamped sentiment/s.

This is where a stamp press tool comes into it's own to stamp the sentiment/s in position on the card.

I stamped the sentiment with the Versafine Clair ink, look how crisp and vibrant the colour is.

 The embossed pieces can then be glued or taped into place

We had a lovely time using this technique at craft class and below are some more ideas and cards created in the class, aren't they all just fabulous!

Have a lovely day xKx 

Needle Felting technique class

Yesterday I had a great time attending a lovely beginners needle felting workshop run by Judy, who along with her sister Roz own
Woolly Felters.
Fabulous talent and awesome creations by both these ladies!
On my agenda this year is to fit in time for new activities and things that I say I must do that but never get around to doing!
It's was so good to actually attend a craft workshop for a change and learn a new skill, very refreshing!
Friends of mine had attended these classes and thoroughly recommended them and yesterday did not disappoint.
The class was called Wee Woolly Wonkies and we could choose a character to make in the 2 hour 30 minute class.
I chose to create a Hare.
Now I though I was going to be rubbish to be honest and was seriously worried about pricking my fingers!
My doubts diminished quite quickly and I was pleased and quite surprised with how I took to the technique with Judy's expert tuition and written instruction.
I started off and progressed quite quickly but then the perfectionist in me took over a bit so I didn't quite finish in class by my own choice.
I found the features quite tricky but once I got home I soon tinkered with my character and got him completed and was very happy with the result.
At the moment I'm in the middle of teaching myself some basic weaving techniques, another task that was on my to do list! Lol
I do have a plan with here this is all heading but that is for another day.
So without further ado let me introduce you to Harvey Hare, I'm going to show my age here and refer to the 1950's film staring James Stewart with Harvey the rabbit, but I've chosen to name my Hare Harvey, he has a character all of his own and I really am a little in love with my first needle felted creations.
Enjoy your weekend, crafty hugs xKx

Some lovely class makes

Time for a coffee and a breather in between work projects to update with some recent class projects and makes.
Classes have been very varied and included decorating calico pencil cases/make up bags and gift bags using a variety of techniques, mixed media, stitching and stamping.
Another card making class used a resist embossing technique which I will be blogging shortly.
What a fantastic selection of makes, aren't they all fabulous, well done everyone!
We now have a designated craft area at our local community library and meeting place with a lovely tearoom where classes are held.
Saturday classes are starting in February.
For details about any of our local events or classes please don't hesitate to get in touch
craftyk@hotmail.co.uk

Networking and the benefits of a craft experience

It's full steam ahead for 2018 with specific goals and targets planned.
One thing I am passionate about is promoting the benefits of a crafting experience, the sense of achievement and satisfaction that comes from creating a piece of artwork, whether you are an experienced crafter or a complete novice.
This year will see quite a few changes for me, like many I use various social platforms to share and talk about crafting.
One of these, Facebook, has made significant changes to the way our newsfeed is viewed.
Coincidently the focus going forward for me has been on branding and a new website where everything will be in one place. A complete makeover for my little business!
This has been a personal goal that I set myself going forward and it's very exciting to know that I've reached the target where this is currently being worked on.
It's taken time to get to the stage where this was right for me and also to know exactly what I wanted and what felt right and resonated with me.
I have dabbled myself in building websites previously but these things take time to get right and it isn't something I know enough about or have the skill to achieve what I'm looking for, so there comes a point where it's far better to delegate the task to a professional.

Opportunities have presented themselves that allow me to share my love of craft.
Last night I attended another local networking event where I chatted to many people from local businesses and charities about crafting and the benefits of a crafting experience.
The event was attended by the local Mayoress and it was lovely to speak to her about crafting too.
For whatever reason someone chooses to craft it should be an enjoyable experience, providing relaxing, calming and therapeutic emotions.
I don't very often talk about how I got into crafting as a career but, it came about from a period in my life that involved bullying in the workplace and unprofessional misconduct.
I was doing a job that I loved but that became impossible to continue with because of the unprofessional working environment that I found myself in.
I'd always crafted from a young child and with the total support of my family and friends I turned it into my career.
This is one of the reasons that I'm so passionate about promoting a positive and therapeutic experience when it comes to craft classes, workshops and demonstrations.
Turning my hobby into a career has been thoroughly positive achievement for me and it would not have happened had the unprofesionalism that preceded it not taken place.
Don't get me wrong it's not always easy and there can be many obstacles and hurdles along the way but if you're passionate about what you do and you love it, it shines through and gets you through.
There are many things I want to focus on this year so planning, preparation and focus are key.
These things I know, can be especially challenging at this time of year, it can be quite a low time for so many.
So I began by setting little goals, making notes and lists and gradually things are coming together nicely, it's still only January so I'm very pleased with progress so far.
Ticking jobs off the list and keeping focussed but allowing time for relaxation and a few treats too, its all about balance.
So onto some crafting and the first class of the year is on Sunday, it will be nice to catch up with the lovely ladies and spend a few hours chatting and creating over tea and cake.
Here's some samples of what we will be making.
Thanks so much for reading today, crafty hugs xKx

Making the most of an extra hour

Today I've been pottering about and getting some bits ready for a craft class on Tuesday.
I thought the day was whizzing by and then realised I hadn't changed my little clock in the kitchen.
So the realisation of an extra hour to my day was just perfect!.
In readiness for the darker nights and relaxing evenings I recently purchased
Lavender sleep balm from the local lavender farm and hop shop, along with a lavender wheat bag for neck and shoulder aches and pains.
They are just perfect for cosy winter evenings and the balm seems to be aiding a good nights sleep and what's not to like about relaxing warmth on your neck and shoulders with the soothing aroma of lavender.
This coming week I have a couple of classes to finish preparing for, one on Tuesday and one on Sunday and then it will be demo time again.
Last week I attended a local village craft market with craft supplies, gifts, techniques and inspiration, more details to follow on the next dates and info on the sidebar of my blog.
Here's a picture round up of recent activity, have a lovely relaxing evening, the light is already starting to go, love and crafty hugs xKx

and relax...

Craft class using Stix2 adhesives, foils and glitters along with various stamps including Woodware bubbles along with 

Sizzix thinlits Seasons Greetings dies.

Farningham Village Friday Market 

A little visitor posed for the camera! :-) 

Decoupage technique showing how to transform a simple wooden spoon into a pretty gift 

Then and Now...

So today I am going to rewind 13 years when Crafting at Ally Pally was first held at its present venue and I first started going with Paul.
Paul has always embraced my hobby which eventually turned into my career, little did we know that would happen at the time.
The show at Ally Pally has completely changed since then too and I rarely get chance to visit these days due to work commitments.
That feels very strange the thing that spurred me on even more in crafting not being so accessible with work in the industry taking me elsewhere.
Anyhow at the early shows I attended it use to be jammed packed full of such variety.
I watched a demo using Art Impressions watercolour, wood mounted stamps and was completely wowed by the technique and results.
I've always had a passion for watercolour but never really tried to master it.
My dad although he never took up any craft as a hobby was just fantastic at understanding the techniques involved and explaining the basics and skills involved, so I always remember the things he taught me.
I purchased a few of the stamps and really loved using them with the techniques I'd been shown.
Recently I've been moving craft stuff around, I know we all have so much but when it's your job too, oh my word it just expands before your eyes. Stock, class materials, personal stash, the list goes on!...
I rarely dispense of any of my stamps because I feel they always come back into fashion!
I bought them for a reason and that usually ends up being the reason I go to use them again in the future.
I didn't buy too many of the Art Impression stamps but I discovered them recently all in fantastic condition, packed away in a box labelled as such and it was like Christmas when I opened them and the memories of the early days of using them and crafting at Ally Pally came flooding back.
I've been running classes at The Meeting Place for over 2 years now.
TMP serves as a Community Interest Company set up to provide a friendly, relaxed meeting place for residents and visitors of the local area in the form of a coffee shop within the library.
During that time I've met lovely new crafters who have become really good friends and we thoroughly enjoy these crafting session together, they provide a much needed few hours away from daily "life" we chat, drink coffee and indulge in wonderful cakes baked by Toby, a young local resident who's a highly talented baker.
I know these ladies pretty well now and on "discovering" the
Art Impression stamps again I knew they would make a great subject for these crafty sessions so I've been rediscovering them for myself.
It's so relaxing to do and I really love using them, I've added some different techniques and with my own take on these I have finished a couple of samples.
Have you got any of these stamps buried away or maybe it's a technique you like using...
Looking forward to these classes very much.
Love and crafty Hugs xKx

Tea treat gift cards

A quick blog catch up, lots going on here behind the scenes but today I head off with my daughter to Wembley to see Adele in concert.
Yes it's finally here and we are so excited, rain or not!
We had a lovely time yesterday at The Meeting Place tea room and library making tea treat cards.
Variations filled with envelopes for teabags and or the addition of a bookmark.
Such lovely gifts were made for those who love a cuppa and a relaxing treat, just perfect and really pretty work created.
I'm sure many of you will be inspired to create your own versions,  they've been very well received.
Looking forward to the next classes before we have a bit of a summer break during holidays, demo work and planning for events coming up.
Love and crafty hugs xKx

(stamps used, mainly from Crafty Individuals)


A glimpse of some of the wonderful makes...

A quick catch up

Hope you're enjoying the wonderful weather we are having at the moment, it looks all set to be a fantastic weekend too.
A quick round up of a few recent makes, firstly a peek at a craft class where it gave the ladies a chance to experiment and have a play with distress oxides.
Then we decorated some bags and made some cards, we did get messy but hey, it was great fun and delicious cake as always and a great catch up too.
Here's a glimpse of what was going on

Next there's another sample I did at one of my last Docrafts demo's, it uses the new mini Peacock feather and Folk bird dies along with the new Floral Alphabet dies and script die sets.
I really love these mini dies, they are so useful and versatile and now in the next kit we have the storage folder and sleeves that's absolutely ideal for keeping them all safe.

My next lot of kit has arrived and is awaiting my attention when I return from a weekend away this weekend. I will be working on this for my July demo's...

I've been busy prepping and packing for One Big Show AT Ricoh arena this weekend.

Last year I met some wonderful people who have become amazing friends and together we made excellent networking contacts so there's lots of exciting things happening. 

We got the opportunity to visit Frankfurt with them earlier this year too which has led to great opportunities.

So I have the fantastic opportunity to showcase my work this weekend at the event and I'm all packed and ready to go as we are also helping set up tomorrow before the show starts on Sun and Mon.

Can't wait to see everyone and have a great weekend.

Well I must dash and get myself ready.

Hope you have a lovely weekend 

Love and crafty hugs xKx