Last Post of 2010!

I hope that everyone had a lovely Christmas and enjoyed some rest and relaxation too.  It has been a very busy year for me and it appears that 2011 is going to be more of the same right out of the gate.  Since our Miss Jo Channon is recovering from a very nasty chest infection that required a trip to the hospital, I am going to be taking on a few of her shows until she is back on her feet.  I've got a show scheduled for January 3rd at 2pm on Ideal World and another show scheduled for Jan. 4th at 9am on Create and Craft.  So much for my rest! LOL
The response to the POTW show was very good, but needless to say, they had an incredible amount of stock for it too! The show on the 4th will be featuring the exclusive Spellbinders dies again, as well as the Native American Stamp set that I've used in the sample here.  We did sell out of it, but we will have more for the show on the 4th as well as the other stamp sets, (both sentiments sheets and the nature set).  I have had a few days to come up with some more samples and a few more fun ideas for the dies.  I hope you will be able to tune in.  All for now, Sue x

POTW World Exclusive!

Merry Christmas all!  This might possibly my last post before Christmas as I am getting ready for my last few shows of the year.  But what fun shows they are!  Are you ready for this?  Along with Jo Channon, I am doing the POTW beginning on Christmas Eve.  These shows are quite special as they are involving a World Exclusive Spellbinder event on Ideal World/ Create and Craft.  There are eight brand new Spellbinder nestibilities on the show that are exclusive to Ideal World.  If you like them and want to get them, Create and Craft is the only place you can purchase them.  So weather permitting, Jo and I will be doing a live two hour show together on Christmas Eve at 11am to kick off the POTW.  I have already taped two shows for Christmas Day, and then I will be back live on Boxing Day for my last two shows.  The sample that I've posted above shows one of the new dies so you can have a sneaky peek before the show.
  On another note, I had a call yesterday from a customer in Liverpool named Dina Laurens or Lawerence, I am not certain.  She left a message and asked that I call her back but she left me an incomplete phone number.  The Particraft line is often forwarded to my mobile and when it is, I do not get a log of incoming call numbers, only the number it is forwarded from.  If you read my blog Dina, or if anyone knows her, can you please ask her to ring me back so I can answer her question.
   Happy Christmas to everyone (and Happy Hannukah or Kwanzaa too)  and I hope you and your loved ones have a wonderful holiday season together.  Please be safe.  All for now, Sue x

Grand Nesties Sample

Here's one of the cards that I demoed on the Tuesday evening 11pm Grand Calibur show.  I'm sure if you were one of the six or seven people out there still up at that hour, you saw the demo, but for those of you that didn't, here is a closer look at it.   No fancy technique to it, I just liked the way it came out.  There is such a vintagey feel to it.  It is difficult to get an idea about the size of these new Grand dies from the picture though.  Where's a ruler when you need one?!  
  With the Grand Calibur launch behind me, I am back to working on the POTW show which kicks off on Christmas Eve.  Currently, it is slated to be a two hour show from 11am to 1pm with myself and Jo Channon (notice how I said currently?!)  I will keep you updated on any changes that may occur.  I have already pre-recorded two shows for Christmas Day which will be shown at 8am and 11am (they may be repeated later in the day but it is not certain yet).  I have two more live shows on Boxing Day at 11am and 2pm and I think that will wrap up the shows for the year for me.  I am anxious to get to work on some new ideas that I have and hopefully be able to show those to you in the new year.  Stay safe.  All for now, Sue x

POTD Tuesday Night Launch!

Hi Everyone,
I've had two full days back to work on some samples for the POTD show launch tomorrow night at 9pm and then again at 11pm.  Please tell me that someone is going to be staying up late to watch as it will be way past my bedtime!  I will apologise in advance if I yawn through the second show since it starts almost an hour past the time I am usually in la la land!  I've got to say that, even though the past weekend was crazy busy putting the samples and demos together (and fighting my residual jet lag), I am loving these grand dies and had such a blast playing with them!  I have often had ideas for cards that just didn't work right with the smaller nesties.  I love the fact that this industry is so clever and creative with their innovative products.  It is almost as if one day I think to myself wouldn't it be nice to have a something or other, and there it is!  Practically overnight!  Anyways, the card above is one of the demos that I have planned which shows a fun technique you can do with your nesties.  I hope that you will tune in to see.  I really love the yellow and grey of this card.  I am going to try to do this on the first show if they let me.  I have no idea on the price for the Grand Calibur machine, but I do know that it comes with a set of the Grand Nesties dies and the coordinating smaller sized set of nesties too so you will be well on your way.

Sneaky Peaky For Christmas POTW Show!

As promised, a sneak peak at one of the samples for the upcoming POTW which starts on Christmas Eve.  Although my picture isn't the best and I do apologise for my dreadful photography skills (or rather, lack thereof!), I hope you will be able to tell that it is using a delightful dreamcatcher stamp.  This sample also shows one of the new Spellbinder dies that will be on the POTW show.  I am rather crazy about it as I think it really suits the Native American images that are part of the show.  One of our new embossing folders has been used on the background too.  We were supposed to have had them on the show, but we haven't been able to keep them in stock long enough as they have proved to be very popular. 

I am currently working on the POTD show for Tuesday evening the 14th, which features the new Spellbinder die cutting machine called the Grand Calibur.  I have been having a blast with it!  Let me tell you, if you are sitting on the fence about it, sit no longer as it is amazingly easy to use and you can cut so much at one go that it is really a huge time saver too.  I've got to get back to work on the samples for the show and you know what they say, no rest for the weary! LOL  All for now, Sue x

Back in the UK

Hi everyone, I just got back today from my holiday in Florida seeing my daughter and my parents!  I am definitely feeling a bit guilty about it seeing how the weather was here while I was away!  Just so you don't think I was on the beach soaking up the sunshine, Florida was having terrible weather too.  While it didn't rain at all while I was there (which is quite unusual!), the temperatures were well below freezing at night and most days only got up to the low 40's F.  And I thought we were having global WARMING! What is with the wacky weather lately!
  I haven't had a chance to download my photos yet as I was just told that I am doing the Grand Calibur POTD launch on Tuesday evening at 9pm and then again at 11pm!  I am very excited as I have never done one, but also quite jet lagged so I am hoping I can put together some decent samples in the few days that I have to prepare.  Please go easy on me!   Jo Channon will start Wednesday mornings shows so be sure to look for her to see some fun demos.
Don't forget to tune in Saturday morning to see Sam Poole's show at 11am on Create and Craft.  She always has such cute ideas!  All for now, Sue x

My computer is letting me have a little play online so I thought I'd put up a quick post.  I haven't been able to download any new card sample pics so I'll have to settle on this one.  It was one of the samples from my Vintage Christmas show a while back, but I never got around to posting it on the blog.  Quite a simple card, using mostly border punches and piercing, but the centre was made using six of the nestibility dies that are usually used for text stamping.  I crisscrossed them behind the deer in the middle to create a similar border.  I finished the card with a few pearl embellishments and a ribbon.  All for now, Sue x

Vintage Christmas Pics

It's that time of year again and I am heading off to spend Thanksgiving (a quaint little American holiday) with my folks in Florida.  This time, however, my daughter will be meeting me there.  I am so excited!  I thought that I would put up a quick post before I left since I am not sure if I will be able to blog once I get there.  My laptop has a mind of its own so it's very up in the air.  The card above is one of the projects we did in my workshop last weekend.  It uses the Eco Green line of paints.  

   Speaking of Eco -Green products, did you see Jo Channon today using them on Create and Craft?  She was fab and the samples were simply amazing.  Such a talented lady! 
The card below was another of the workshop projects.  This one used alcohol inks on dominoes.  Dominoes make such great jewelry pieces like necklaces, earrings and belts, but they are quite fun on a card too.  The background was sponged with distress inks to match the dominoes.  Well hopefully I will be able to put up a few posts while I am away, but if not, I promise you some exciting sneak peeks at the upcoming POTW show that I am preparing for when I return.  All for now, Sue x

New Candy!

Here is a pic of the latest blog candy offering.  If you can get past the glare from the gold leaf, you  will see that there are five rubber stamp sets to keep you busy.  There is some Tim Holtz grungeboard, a maskand a distress embossing powder, a few Cosmic Shimmer products including a Mica set, a mister, film and fibre sets, a watercolour set and an embossing powder.  There is a Spellbinders impressibility as well as a dimensional book to decorate. And finally there is a distress ink, an Adirondack pigment pad, some beads and  a Cosmic Shimmer glue and a large pot of Mica powder.

To the right are two new Particraft demonstrators who came for training on Friday.  Meet Karen (left) and Isla (right).  We spent the day going through different products and showing techniques and ideas and how they can be used.  The girls are displaying their messy fingers to prove that they jumped in and tried everything!  They are raring to go so if you live in either the Rotherham or the Clitheroe area in the North, they would be happy to demonstrate at a party in your home.  Just give us an email at sales@particraft.co.uk for more info.  All for now, Sue x

Finally!

Whoopee!!!  It is finally time to draw the blog candy winners!  Thank you for putting me out of my misery so quickly!  I have been looking at this candy sitting in my office for awhile now.  I've practically been tripping over it.  Perfect timing as I am having a cleaning day around here so it can finally go to a nice home.

Just to keep you in suspense a tiny bit longer, I am going to draw the THIRD prize, then SECOND, then the FIRST grand prize winner (so you will have to scroll down to see if you have won!)

The THIRD prize winner is ...........................................................................................
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Lorraine (avatar of a dog)

The SECOND prize winner is.........................................................................................
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..... Lynne From Spain

And now, the FIRST GRAND PRIZE WINNER IS......................
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Lelly Jelly !!!!!!!

All three of you need to email me with verification of your postal address before I can send out your prizes to you please.  We will start a new blog candy contest and draw the next set of winners when we reach 1300 followers.  If you are a follower, then you will remain entered in the next contest.  Remember, you get extra entries when you leave comments after each new post.  All for now, Sue x

Workshop Pics!

Saturday and Sunday were just spent teaching my Vintage Christmas Postcard workshop. The classes were full up for both days and I really enjoyed teaching new techniques and ideas to everyone both days.  We did four projects during the day and this card is one that we did using the shaving cream technique.  It was a bit messy but I think everyone really enjoyed it. I will try to post the other projects soon (I need to take a few more pictures first).

Here is a pic we took on Saturday while everyone was working on the card above.  Unfortunately, we only got about half the room in the shot.  You can see all the blue cans of shave foam on the table.  One of the attendees asked me if anyone said anything to me when I purchased all the cans of shave cream.  I had to be honest with them and tell them that I was concerned about the reaction I might get buying a dozen cans of it.  So I chickened out and just bought a couple at a time when I was doing my grocery shopping!  I'm a big chicken, I know!  

Not to change the subject, but we are ever so close to another blog candy draw.  I am just itching to give this candy away.  Can we make it happen soon and put me out of my misery?  Please!

All for now, Sue x

Another Button Floral Pic

Here is another of the samples from the Button Floral stamp set. I really like this one as it is quite a different colour palette than what you might expect to see with florals.  It seems fitting for the autumn that has descending upon us here recently in the UK.  I had embossed the houndstooth background paper with one of our embossing folders but it only really shows up when you see the card in real life.  Oh well, I tried! 
I will have to keep posting the last of the Button Floral samples as I work away on the next batch of samples that is for the POTW show which begins on Christmas Eve.  The premiere will be a two hour show that I will be sharing with Jo Channon.  If we can hopefully pull you away from all your family activities that day to watch for a bit, we will have a bunch of great new techniques to show you.  I will be back on Christmas Day (that show will be pre-recorded) and then I will be live again on Boxing Day.  I promise you some sneak peeks of what I've been working on when it is closer to the time of the show.  In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this one.  All for now, Sue x

Faux Batik Technique

I just love this technique!  I think the lines from the faux batik add so much interest to the overall texture of the card.  I thought you might like a close up of one of the cards that I demoed on the Button Floral Stamp shows.  In case you missed it, I will give you a quick rundown of the technique.  You begin by stamping your image all over the background using a clear perfect medium pad.  It helps if you use an image that has a bit of solid area to it also.  Then you will use clear embossing powder over the entire background and heat until melted.  Next step is to fold your card so that there are creases going in all different directions across it.  I think that "mountain" type folds work best with this technique, although it is not essential.  Once you have all your folds in place, spritz your card to moisten it with water.  This will allow the ink the get into the areas right next to the folds.  Using a brayer and a Big 'N Juicy pad (I used the Waterfall Colour), ink your brayer then roll it onto your card in short bursts.  You do not want it to take on the same striped pattern of colour that is in the pad so you need to stop and start from different angles.  This will mix the colour up and blend it a bit.  Allow to dry thoroughly before attaching it to any mat and layering pieces.  Let me know what you think!  All for now, Sue x

It's Break Time For Awhile!

Well that is it for me for awhile.  I hope you enjoyed the show and the new embossing folders.  They are a blast to work with!  I don't have another show scheduled until Christmas Day and that is a pre-recorded show that I will be doing around the middle of December.  I will be on live on Boxing Day, however, as part of the POTW shows that I will be doing with Jo Channon.  I've just begin working on those samples today, but I am supposed to keep them under wraps for awhile.  That means I will have to periodically post the rest of the samples from the Button Floral shows until I can give you a peek at the ones that I am doing now.  Sorry about that, but rules are rules you know.  I will say, though, that I made two samples today and I am crazy about how they both came out!  So... just to let you know, it's killing me not being to post them!  I'll just say two words about them...new technique, very cool (okay four words!)  All for now, Sue x

The Show Must Go On!

I thought that I would let everyone know that Saturdays show is going on as scheduled.  I am on at noon with Leonie, I am told.  I am very excited about this show as I am premiering some new products for Creative Expressions.  We have added a wonderful new line of embossing folders to our range and I will be showcasing two of the new designs tomorrow.  I'm still working with the button floral stamps designed by Sam Poole, but I think these two new folders look especially lovely with them.  One is the new lattice folder as seen on the sample above.  By the way, did I tell you that they are nice and large and will do an entire background in one go!  No more of this fiddling around with the smaller sized folders.  I have planned most of the demos around some fun new techniques to do with them too!  Just to answer a quick question from one of the followers, if you do not live in England (or don't get the cable channel that it is on) you can watch Create and Craft on your computer.  It can be found at http://www.createandcraft.tv.com/ but you have to remember that the show at noon is live so you will have to figure out what time that would be in the time zone that you live.  If you check the tv schedule on their website, more often than not, they repeat the shows in the evening so they would be easier to watch timewise.  If you are in the States, it is 5 to 8 hours behind England time depending on which coast you are on.  (Does that help Mimi?)    I will try to post more of the samples after the show too as I have a bunch of them!  All for now, Sue x

Button Florals

Button Floral Sample Card

I had a few minutes to spare so I thought I'd put up a pic of one of the samples  from the show on Monday.  It didn't seem to me that many of the samples got a chance to be seen.  This is a really quick easy card using several nestie shapes layered up with black faux nesties behind them and all decorated with my favourite white inksential pen dotting the edges.  I did a boo-boo when I was making this card as I meant to use the thanks a bunch phrase as the stem for the flower so it would mirror the sentiment stamped on the oval nestie, but I grabbed the wrong stem so it's a best wishes to you stem!  Oh well, I had already colored the flower and glued on the button so it stayed.  (Just pretend that you didn't notice,okay!?)  See what happens when I stamp with out my glasses on!  Right now, I am still scheduled for another show on Saturday at noon.  I will keep you updated on any last minute changes to that schedule so check back.  All for now, Sue x

Change Of Plans!!!

Just when I thought it was safe to "ink" in the show times in my diary...  they have changed!  I am still doing one show on Monday the 25th at noon on Create and Craft, but the 3pm show on Ideal World  has been rescheduled.  There is a tentative date set for it on Saturday the 30th at noon on C & C.  Monday's show will still be featuring the Button Floral Stamp sets, with which the two samples shown have been made.  I think that these two are my favourites from all the samples, unfortunately my photo skills (or rather, lack thereof) don't capture the lovely colours in the papers I've used.  I really like how these sets seem to easily adapt to any season or occasion.  So if you weren't a "pink" person (from my previous post), then maybe the soft pastel tones from the card above or the earth tones from the one below will appeal to you.  What do you think?

                                         

I almost forgot, I have finished the ribbon wreath tutorial that I promised eons ago and it has been put up on the Creative Expressions website for anyone that is interested.  You can click on this link http://creativeexpressionsdesigns.wordpress.com/sue-wilsons-ribbon-workshop/

All for now, Sue x

Shades Of Pink

As promised, here is a sneak peek at one of the samples for my upcoming show on Create and Craft on Monday.  This is one of my favourite ones because even if you are not a pink person, it just seems so happy, it makes you want to smile I think.  This sample is also incredibly easy as  the flowers are simply stamped on to three different shades of pink card, embossed with white powder, cut out (I said easy, not fast) and layered up with buttons glued to the centres.  Add a lovely sentiment and a big bow (I do love my ribbon) and you have yourself a card.  The stamp sets that I am using on Mondays show are called the Button Florals designed by Sam Poole.  These stamp sets are a real delight to play with too.  I will try to get a few more samples up on the blog between now and Monday.  What do you think of this one?  All for now, Sue x

The Last of the Vintage Samples

I thought that I would post a few last pics from the Vintage Christmas samples before I wrap them up and start showing some sneak peeks from the next stamp set that I am working on at the moment.   I can't say enough about how nice this set is to stamp and play with.  Sam Poole has done an outstanding job with these and there are just so many things that you can do with them.  They lend themselves to a myriad of stamping techniques with great results.  If you are one who really doesn't go in for strictly traditional styled Christmas cards, then this set is for you.  The fun vintage feel and colours of the samples has made  these a true delight.

The green and brown "Joy" card is from the Vintage Christmas Sleighride stamp set, another fun set in the Vintage Christmas series.  This card was done using Crushed Olive and Forest Moss Distress inks on the swirly background and Coffee archival ink on the music background.  The ribbon is a light olive IRL although it came out quite a bit darker in the picture. (I guess becoming a photographer is out of the question, huh?!)  The centre of the "Joy" is an ornament and it makes a great 3D element for the card too. 

The mauve postcard is all about the layering of elements including the scalloped frame from the set and some new nesties.  The lacey scallops are a brand new nestie design that are quickly becoming one of my favs and a very useful die as well.  There is no end to the fun stuff you can do with it. 

As it stands right now, there haven't been any changes to my next show date.  Dare I say you can ink it in now for Monday Oct 25th.  The first show is at noon and the second one is at 3pm.  They are both using the same stamp sets, but have different products on both of them.  The first one has a premiere of a new product that I am very excited about!  I can hardly wait, I have some really fun techniques to share with you.  I will keep you posted if there any last minute changes.

As for the current blog candy contest, we are over half way to our goal, but I'm itching to give it away, so come on let's get there soooon!  You can increase your chances of winning too if you leave comments on the blog after each post.  All for now, Sue x

More Christmas Pics

I'm back from my weekend demo weekend in Preston and I had a lovely time and met lots of great crafters there too.  Cardcraft Plus is a wonderful shop filled with lots of goodies and it is so large and spacious!  I ended up demoing on Saturday as well as Thursday as Sam Poole took ill so I filled in for her.  I got to see the lovely Lake District while I was up that way.  The weather was about as perfect as you could ask for too.  I really do love seeing waterfalls and the Lake District did not disappoint there.  All in all, a fabulous weekend!  I haven't had a lot of time to make new samples lately so I'm afraid these are part of the Vintage Christmas stamp set from my last Christmas show.  I am loving these birds (same ones from the previous post).  I just think they are such fun to play with.  This is what I call a quickie card.  It is simply stamped in Jet Black Archival ink on cream card and then sponged with Distress inks over the top.  I used Forest Moss, Crushed Olive, Fired Brick, Faded Jeans and Walnut Stain.  After I laid the colour down, I sanded the card to distress it, roughed up the edges and then flicked walnut stain distress ink that I had watered down on to the card.  Matted and layered it and added some metal corners to complete it.  It's not particularly Christmassy, but I think that is what appeals to me most about it! 

I love the romantic, vintage feel to the blue card below.  Also a very simple card to make with only a tiny bit of stamping in faded jeans distress ink (just need to layer with nesties, punches and swirls) to complete the card. 

I am about to start working on samples for my next show.  We were trying to get a two hour slot for it but the best we can do is two shows the same day, one on C & C and one on Ideal World.  They are currently scheduled for Oct.25th at noon on C & C and 3pm the same day on Ideal World.  I will show you some sneak peeks closer to the air date, but I do have some fun stuff planned (I can hardly wait!) I'll let you know if anything changes with those dates so just pencil (not pen) them in for now!  All for now, Sue x

Demo Day on Thursday

I am officially in Christmas mode at the moment so I thought that I would share a few more pics of my cards from the Vintage Christmas Postcard stamp set.  I am heading up north to demo at CardCraft Plus in Preston at their big event this weekend.  I will be there all day on Thursday demoing with this set as well as the
Vintage Wine, Whimsical Florals and the Button Floral stamp sets.  If you are in the area, please stop by.  I guarantee I'll have you making a ribbon wreath like the one in the previous post before you leave!

I will also be showing some sneak peeks at the samples for my next show on Create and Craft.  It will probably be the last one I do before the end of the year too as I have several workshop committments that will be keeping me busy during October and November. 
  As for the blog candy, we are still edging towards that 1200 mark but I really want to give this candy away soon!!  Remember to leave a comment on the blog for an extra entry too.  All for now, Sue x

Christmas Ribbon Wreath Card

One week recovered from the experience of Ally Pally, but I came home with a nasty chest cold that is still hanging in there.  Sorry about taking so long to post, but it has been a combination of the cold and a computer that is acting up again.  It is not letting me load pics the way I usually do.  I have had to play around with it to get it to work, but finally, as I promised the lovely crafters at Ally Pally, here is the ribbon wreath card I was demoing all weekend long.  I am still working on a step by step tutorial for it that I will post a link for as soon as it is finished.  This card shows the faux pearls that were made using Cosmic Shimmer dries white glue.  You need only to make small dots with the dries white glue on a non stick craft mat or other slick surface, let them dry thoroughly (preferably overnight), then dust them with Cosmic Shimmer pearlescent mica powder and spritz with water to set. (Cosmic Shimmer has a binder in it that is activated by the water, whereas other products may not).  Your faux pearls are then ready to add to all your craft projects! 

This card is also one of the cards that we will be making in an upcoming all day workshop that I am holding at the Creative Expressions warehouse in Kettering on Nov.13th and Nov.14th.  There will be multiple projects all with different techniques that we will be doing and they are all based on the Vintage Christmas Postcard Stamp set.  The set of stamps will be given to each person to take home with them as part of the cost of the workshop. If you would like more information about the workshop or to book your space, please email me at sue@particraft.co.uk

POTW Over....On To Ally Pally!

I thought I would post a few pics of some of the card samples from the POTW shows.  They never really have time to show all the samples in detail so I hope this will help a bit.  I know my cheeky little chap's crown is way too big for him, but I couldn't resist!  It just made me laugh.

With my first POTW behind me now (YEAH!!) I want to say a great big thanks for all your lovely comments and support.  You don't know how much that means to me so thank you ever so much. Turns out that all the bundles sold out except for the mixed media, which I truly enjoyed working with, but I can see that they are a bit more specialised probably towards the altered arts.  I am now packing up the Particraft booth and the Rubbernecker booth to take to the Ally Pally show in London this weekend.  If you are planning on attending the show,  please stop by and say hello as I will be demoing at my Rubbernecker booth (right inside the door to your right as you enter).  I would love to put names and faces of my blog followers together so please pop by and say hi!  Over at the Particraft booth, there will be several of my demonstrators showing how to do various techniques and using lots of great Particraft products.  Don't forget to stop by there also and check out all the show specials at both booths too.  All for now, Sue x

Loving The Snowflake!

Who says that snowflakes don't go with red?!  I just love this combo, very striking, I think.  This new Spellbinder snowflake die is one of my absolute favourites.  I glittered the top snowflake but it just doesn't show up in the pic (you can see a spot of it that I forgot to dust off the card by the bow, though!) Those are my faux pearls in the corner that I made using the dries white Cosmic Shimmer glue and then dusting them with pearlescent mica.  After the glue has dried thoroughly, I give them a tiny spritz of water to set the mica after dusting them and they are ready to go.  Saves so much money if you don't have to purchase the real craft pearls too (More left over for other fun embellishments).  I have one last  Spellbinders POTW show to do in the morning (Monday the 20th) at 8am.  These nestibilities have been very popular and rightly so as they are amazingly versatile.  Please tune in if you get the chance.  All for now, Sue x

How 'bout A Few Quickie Cards?

Just had a few minutes to spare so I thought I would post a few more of the cards for the Spellbinders POTW show on Friday .  I picked these two cards because both are wonderfully simple and quick and easy as well, but I think both cards have a lovely appeal.  The large ornament was made using the largest die in that set and gold metal, which is on the show too.  I cut out the ornament (that may be the American word for the English "bauble", not certain, though), then ran it through an embossing folder to put the musical design on to it.  I won't be able to demo that one because we don't have embossing folders on the show, but hopefully you will be able to see the varied potential of these lovely ornament/bauble dies.  I am planning to demo the other card as I feel it is one of those cards that gives you stunning results with very little effort or time.  Just to give you a quick reminder the POTW show starts off on Friday at noon, then Saturday at 9am and Sunday at 8am and 2pm with Jo Channon and my last live show is Monday at 8am.  There are four brand new never seen nestibility bundles and one other bundle that was very popular from the last Spellbinder's show from which to pick.  I really hope you like what you see!  All for now, Sue x

Pick of the Week Show on Friday

I am excited to report that I am doing my first Pick of the Week shows on Create and Craft Friday the 17th.  Although the first show is only an hour long Friday at noon, I am hoping that you will be able to get a real good feel for just how lovely these new Spellbinder's nestibilities and dies are to use.  I have given you a few sneak peeks in this post of several of the dies that will be available, but there are many more to see on Friday.  This brand new lot will not fail to please, but they may be difficult to decide upon which is your favourite.  Before I began making samples, I had a few favourites just from seeing the pics of them.  After having a play with all of them, I am very hard pressed to decide which one I like the best.  It's kind of like having a lot of children, you just can't pick from among them!  I will also be on again Saturday morning at 9am and again on Monday morning at 8am (no sleeping in for me!)   There will be two shows on Sunday that will be done by Jo Channon at 8am and 2pm (I believe, but do check the schedule to make certain).  Jo has a wonderful style and is sure to bring completely different elements and ideas to the table so be sure to catch her two shows.                 I will try to get a few more samples on my blog before the POTW airs, so check back.  All for now, Sue x

New Candy!

Here is the new blog candy we are offering this time. All you need to do to enter is sign up as a follower and email your details to me at sales@particraft.co.uk.  If you leave a comment after each new blog posting, you will receive another entry into the contest.  It's that easy!   As you can see there are lots and lots of fun goodies for the winner.  Hope you like what you see!

After the last post, there was a request from Lynne from Spain.  She has asked that I post the instructions for the confetti flinger card that I demoed on air Tuesday morning.  Ordinarily. I would do this with pictures so you could follow along easily, however I am heading out for a trade show in Scotland and I am busily organising and packing so I haven't had the opportunity to do any, but here are the written instructions. 

To make a confetti flinger card, you need to start with a piece of cardstock that is relatively sturdy cut to 2'' x 6'' in size.  You will need to make a score line down the length of each side at 1/2''.  This will leave you an area of 1'' in the centre of your strip.  Next turn this piece on the short side and beginning at one end, score at 3/4'', then the next score line will be 1 1/2'' from the previous line and then do that two more times and that will leave you with a 3/4'' section at the end. Next you will need to use your scissors and cut a "V" from the edge of the card in to the 1/2" score line.  You will need to do this at every score that runs across the short side of the card on both sides.  This will allow you to fold the tabs in easily and will ease the bulkiness of the piece.  Next, fold and glue all the tabs you have just created so that you will end up with one long piece that is 6'' long but only 1'' wide.  Next you will need to cut a small "v" notch in the edge of the first and third scoreline folds on both sides.  It doesn't matter which end you start with here, just that you skip a section.  Your rubber band will then be fitted into these notches, beginning with the short tab area, then crisscross it and fit it into the other set of notches at the third score line.  You will need to use the thickest card as a base in which to secure your mechanism so that it can be held down and armed with confetti.  The size of the outside card can be anything of your choice so long as it is wide enough to accomodate your mechanism when it is pushed forward to arm it (So 3" is the absolute smallest size the card can be from folded edge to the front).  Using dries clear Cosmic Shimmer glue, put a liberal amount on both of the 3/4'' tabs only and attach it to the inside of your card.  Check to make sure it can be folded backwards and the flap of your card will still fold completely down.  Hold this in place until it is firmly attached.  Next, cut a small piece of tissue paper in a square (2'' in size or slightly less), fold the corners to the centre to create a small envelope to hold your confetti and using sticky tape, attach it to the top of your flinger mechanism.  Load it with confetti, push the mechanism backwards and fold the card shut and it is now armed for any unsuspecting recipient! 

All for now, Sue x

Pick A Winner Time Again!

We have reached that incredible number of 1100 followers, I can hardly believe it!  It is time to draw the winners names.  As always, we will begin with the third place winner's name, then second place and then finally the first place grand prize winner.  I just want to say that everyone has been fabulous, leaving so many warm and thoughtful comments on the blog.  It really does brighten my day to read what everyone has to say.  Please, please. please keep 'um coming!

Without further delay, the winner of the third prize, an A5 stamp set is.........................
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Miislucky

The winner of the second prize, an A4 stamp set is...................................................................
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Deanna Cosgrove

And finally, the winner of the Grand First prize blog candy is.....................................................
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Zoechaos !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A great big congratulations to all three.  Please send me an email and verify your shipping address so that I may post off your prizes to you.  Thanks ever so much for all your support.  All for now, Sue x

Vintage Christmas Show on Monday

Just a quick note to remind everyone about the Vintage Christmas show on tomorrow Monday the 6th at 11 am.  The card to the left is one of my samples made with this lovely set of stamps designed by Sam Poole.  They are incredibly versatile and easy to work with to achieve stunning vintage styled cards.  I am hoping you tune in to see the fun demos  and new techniques that I have planned.  There is also a very useful and money saving top tip I have to share with you .

Tuesday  Sept. 7th at 9am I am on air again with the Santa and Elves stamp sets that I showed you a quick sneak peek of in the previous post.  Two shows in two days, that's a first!  I'm really excited about both of these shows, even though they are completely different types of stamps.  I think there should be something for everyone to enjoy between the two.  Hopefully you will be able to tune in and see what's up my sleeve!

Almost to the next milestone on the blog candy contest.  Thanks for all your support and wonderful comments.  You so make it all worthwhile!  All for now, Sue x

From One End Of The Spectrum To The Other...

How's this for changing gears?  I have just been finishing up my samples for my show on Tuesday at 9am with the Santa and elves (all cutesy and fun !) and then had to get into my serious arty mode.  Whew! What a change all in one day!  A whole lot of fun but completely different and it definitely took some focus on my part.  The sample with the crowns is part of the new offering from Spellbinders.  There are three new dies used on that card, can you spot them?  The new line is very innovative and fresh while still keeping with the nestibility look that we all love.  The new dies work wonderfully with the existing ones too, so don't worry that you may not use your older dies once you lay your hands on these.  Quite the opposite in fact.  I'm working with the new dies for several shows I'm doing in the middle of September. The two hour show that I was supposed to be doing, however, has been changed (surprised, huh?) to three one hour shows.  I will give you the details when they have been officially confirmed, soon, I hope. 

   As for the blog candy contest, we are getting close again.  Leaving comments will get you extra entries so let me know what you think of these new Spellbinder dies if you like. 

Date Change....Again!

I have to start this post with the announcement of yet another date change that I've been given.  The Vintage Christmas show that was previously scheduled to air on Sept. 2nd has now been moved to Monday Sept.6th at 11am.  I am so sorry about all this, but Create and Craft has the final say as far as scheduling goes.  I am just at their mercy.  The good news is that it gives me a bit more time to make samples for the show.  I have just finished this one and was rather fond of it so I thought that I would share.  This is also a little sneak peek at one of the newest nestie designs that I've been given to test out. This one is called Labels Fifteen and if you like these, they will be available in just a few weeks time.  I think it lends itself very nicely to this vintage look, don't you?  I love the fact that it's square, but a bit fancier than just a plain square, so much more interesting I think.  Surprisingly, a very quick card too.  It was stamped and distressed with walnut stain distress ink and just a little hightlight of fired brick on the bird, no labourious colouring, added a few of my favourite paper roses (I hope you aren't getting sick of seeing them, they are just so fun to make!), a nice satin ribbon (I know, I do love my ribbon too!) a couple of black glints and voila, a vintage Christmas card.  As far as the show goes, I hope you will tune in as I have discovered a really cool idea that I am looking forward to showing everyone (money saving too!) How's that for a teaser!
 All for now, Sue x

I've Got Show Dates Finally!

I can finally let you know about some upcoming shows on Create and Craft as we have finally been given firm dates for them.  The first show date is on Sept. 2nd at 6pm (I think this is on Ideal World, but I'm not positive yet).  That show will feature Sam Poole's new Vintage Christmas Postcard and Vintage Christmas Sleigh Ride Stamp Sets.  The card to the left is from the first set.  I just love the old world vintage feel to these designs.  They are so simple to stamp with too!  The next show date is on Sept. 7th at 9am.  This show will feature Sam's new Santa and Elves.  These are very fun and cute.  I am only going to tell you that I have a very fun surprise planned for this show (tee hee hee!)  So even if cutesy isn't your thing, you are going to want to have a peek at this one.  It is sure to have you in stitches, I promise! 
September is going to be an unusually busy month for me as there are a few more shows planned for the month, including a two hour show sometime in the middle of the month.  I don't have the exact date and time nailed down for that one yet though.  I will keep you posted.
The blog candy contest is about half way there already.  Remember, if you leave a comment on the blog after each post, you get extra entries for the prize draw!  All for now, Sue x

I Fixed It!

You are .all probably thinking that it's about time!  I'm referring to the removal of that annoying little message that has plagued my blog for the past several weeks.  Yeah! I finally made it go away (and hopefully for good this time).  I assure you that I wasn't just ignoring it all this time.  I was trying daily to make it go away.  I finally figured out what the problem was this morning and was able to remedy the situation once and for all!  For the time being, I am trying out a new blog background.  I found several that I liked, but I can't seem to change the colour of the font on the blog so they looked slightly odd if they didn't match.  So I decided on this one in the meantime.  What do you think?

I was also hoping to be able to give you a date for my next show, but there still hasn't been any comfirmation on it.  I just know that I will be using Sam Poole's two new Vintage Christmas stamp sets.  I do have some new demo ideas planned so I am very excited about it.  Here's just a little peek at one of the sample cards I've made.  Nothing fancy, but I really liked the way it came out.  This is from the Vintage Postcard set.  If you like what you see, the stamps are available on the Particraft website if you don't want to wait around for the show.  All for now, Sue x

Workshops and Dabble Day

Just a quick post to let you know that I am doing a workshop Sunday the 8th at Jay's Crafts in Milton Keynes. The following weekend on Sunday the 15th  I am doing a Dabble Day at Loobi Crafts in Leighton Buzzard.  There are still a few places left for both if you are interested.  Both days will be great fun with completely different projects so you could even do both if you are up for a few days of techniques, ideas and crafting fun!  To further entice you, I am baking (my other love behind crafting and my lovely daughter and family, of course!) my special homemade goodies for both!  For more info on either days, contact the stores directly.  Jay's Crafts at 01908 565578  and Loobi Craft at 01525 838535

On another note, I had mentioned on air that my next C & C show was on Aug. 28th, but that has been postponed for the time being.  Hopefully I will have a firm  date on my next show very soon.  In the meantime, I will give you a sneak peek at one of the sample cards for the show.  The show is based on Sam Poole's lovely new Vintage Christmas Postcard Stamp sets.  Here is a really simple, easy card using one of the images, but I wanted to show it for another reason too.  We have been sent a sampling of the latest additions to the Spellbinders Nestibility range.  This card showcases one of my favs from the new line.  It is a scallop oval but with cut out areas.  I just love it!  They are due to arrive sometime late August/ealy September.  Keep watching the Particraft website for their arrival.  What do you think?  All for now, Sue x

More Candy For You!

Here's a pic of the newest blog candy prize up for grabs.  As you can see, there is quite a bit of loot here for your crafting adventures.  There are four A5 size stamp sets, crystal lacquer, a Tim Holtz grungeboard set and one of his masks, a medallion starter kit, Fancy Pants ribbon pack, Cosmic Shimmer watercolour set, an Adirondack ink pad, a Tim Holtz Philosophy tag set, an applicator tool, Cosmic Shimmer Mica Pigment set, stamp cleaner, Distress ink, three different Cosmic Shimmer embossing powders and a Cosmic Shimmer glue.  How's that for crafting fun?!  Like the previous candy contests, register to become a follower and send me your name and address so we have it on file if your name is drawn.   Link it to your blog if you have one.   If you want to earn extra entries, just leave a comment after each new post so that I can see you have been by the blog.  The drawing will take place when we reach 1100 followers, so tell your friends!  Don't forget to have a look at the Particraft website.  We have added loads of new stamp plates and products and the shipping is always free within the UK!   All for now, Sue x

As Promised

I had almost forgotten that I said I would give the measurements for the stair step card on my blog.  I had an email asking for them from one of the followers so here they are.  You need to start with a piece of cardstock that is 5 1/2'' x 10 1/2'' in size.  I have used a decorative striped heavy paper for my card, but you can use anything you like as long as it has some weight to it.  You need to score the card at 1 1/4'',  2 1/2'', 
4 1/4'',  6'' and 8 1/4'' and then fold on the score lines in a concertina manner.  You will have three mountain folds and two valley folds for your card.  After that, it is just up to you and your creativity to fill up the three front sides of the mountain folds.  The glittery twinkles on my spotlights did not photograph very well, but  I hope this inspires you to give it a go anyways!  All for now, Sue x

Girl's Night In!

As promised, a closer look at the tissue holder for a fun night in watching movies with the girls.  I have a confession to make, don't tell a soul!  I just love a good 'ole fashioned soppy "chick flick" more than anything.  What a fun way to invite your friends over to watch one with you.  This is a really easy project to do too.  I simply started with a piece of decorative cardstock that was approximately 4 1/2" x 11" in size.  If you do not want the back piece to be as high as mine, then cut the length down on your cardstock.  Then you are going to score it at 3/4",   3",   3 3/4"  and   6" so that the score lines will be running between the shorest side of the cardstock.  In other words, all score lines will only be 4 1/2" long at the intervals given above.  I hope that makes sense.  Cut an oval opening in the centre of the larger scored section at approx. 2 1/4" .  I layered a blue nestibility frame over that opening, that is optional.  Apply double-sided tape to the 3/4" flap and fold all your score lines so that it forms a cover for your tissue packet.  Slide your tissue packet in from the side (Note you might have to cut an opening in the packet before hand as most of these now open on the end of the packages)  The back panel should be sticking up and ready for you to decorate as you like. The movie and showtime stamps provide the perfect way to decorate this cute project. The entire project takes very little time to complete but looks like it took you hours!  Your friends will be so impressed!  Hope you enjoy it!  All for now, Sue x

The Time Has Come!!!

We are here, finally at 1000 followers.  I want to thank everyone for following the blog and supporting it all this time.  I won't waste anymore time because I know that everyone wants to see the winners.  Like always, we are going to do the third place winner, then the second place winner and then the grand prize winner.  Without anymore delay, the winner of the THIRD prize is ........................................
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Ms. Jen

The winner of the SECOND prize is..........................................................
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Sarpreet

And finally, the winner of the grand FIRST prize is.................................................
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HEATHER X

Thanks to everyone for playing along.  If your name has been drawn, please email me at sales@particraft.co.uk to verify your shipping addresses.   All for now, Sue x

SO-O-O-O Close!

Just a quick post to give everyone a (hopefully) last chance to leave a few more comments before the end of this blog candy.  It is getting very close now so if you want to put another entry into the contest, just leave a comment on the blog.  I thought I would just show another card from the Create and Craft show I am doing on Tuesday morning at 9am using the new movie and showtime stamp sets.  I had a bit of fun with this card.  I don't do shaped cards very often, but I thought what fun it would be to do a giant popcorn container complete with 3D pieces of faux popcorn on it. You should see them in real life, they look almost good enough to eat!  I have some fun demos lined up for the show, including one I'm calling faux granite that I came up with.

There have been a few comments left from followers that are outside the UK that have expressed interest in seeing the show.  Just to let everyone know, you can watch the show on your computer at http://www.createandcraft.tv/ but it is live so you will have to know what the time difference is and simply make the necessary adjustments for your area to view the program.  They do repeat most shows later in the day also.  You can go to their website and check on their tv schedule listing and find it at a more convenient time later in the day also.  All for now, Sue x