WOYWW #142 -

This is my space this morning. No crafting going on but plenty of smiles and happy memories. I got to go to the Stitches show you see and the brochures you see are from there. Also you can see a little note with a list of alcohol inks that Tim Holtz said yesterday on QVC were his favourites. I know he may just have been saying that, but then again, he did put that kit together so why not be his favourites. I wrote them down because the combination turned out beautifully.
I'm late in posting today so guess I shall be around the 100 mark. Our lovely Julia has certainly grown a success with this woyww lark eh? It's such good fun too. Thanks Julia.

AND A CRAFTING WE WILL GO trala la

Any one who has any involvement with the craft industry and shows will know the madness that surrounds the build up to the UK Stitches show at the NEC, which by the way, is only next week!!
Without wanting to sound patronising (how I hate that word) which I am not being, I have the enviable pleasure of knowing and being a friend of one of our top designers, Lindsay Mason. Not only that, but I am in the same position with her sister, Heather Fenn-Edwards, who is an amazing bead artist and who makes incredible jewellery and associated pieces.
Yesterday we all got together to help Lindsay make samples for the Personal Impressions booth at the show. What a wonderful day. I so wish I could share the pieces that the girls made, but secrecy has to abound for a few more days yet. I have been blown over by how paints, stamps, card and glue have come together. You will love the new designs, trust me.
We made a bit of a mess -

Can you spot the fluffy slippers? I wonder who owns those?

Haha, now I know.
I have to admit to being really tired last night and would like to say it was because I had been so creative throughout the day, but in actual fact, I only managed to make a couple of tiny embellishments, 1 card (with a lot of help) and ruin another. The real reason was because I had been so excited to see the girls (Sister Act - my pet name for them) that I hadn't slept much on Sunday night. I have an open invitation to go back to 'help' again which I will.
However, you will get a sneak peek at some of Lindsay's designs if you pop over to the QVC site and look up the programme which is on at 5pm today. I have seen the samples Lindsay made with these stamps and believe me when I tell you, they are fabulous.

SUCH A LOVELY DREAM

I had such a lovely dream last night.

I wondered off down to Newport Pagnell where I met hundreds of fellow crafters. Not knowing why I was there, I asked one of them who told me to look at a list. Lo and behold, my name was on it!!!!

'Tis true!  Yippppeeeeee   I've got a place on Tim's workshop next February. I've booked the Thursday 10.30am one so will see you there.

Oh! what wonderful joy and I've just been informed he is going to Harrogate during this trip too. Wonder if I can make that demo aswell!! Also, he will be on QVC I bet. This is all just too much for me in one go. I'm off for another lie down. What a way to start a day.

Then there's this Saturday which is going to be unbelievably marvelous..........................

HOW DO I TELL YOU THIS

Well, we arrived at Weston Park for the model flying show, yesterday and were completely set up in time for Lindsay's 2pm show on QVC. I tried ringing in but was told the lines were busy, so I texted x2 only to be told that the competition had ended?? Never mind, I'm sure she had a wonderful day and I'll catch up with her when I get home.

Now then, the title of this post. You know how my DH fell down the steps of the motorhome on our last trip, breaking his hand and ribs, well - I fell down them yesterday!!!!!!!

My foot just slipped from under me and down I went. Fortunately, I only skinned and bruised my leg but I was a bit frightened. It seems we must start drinking more because we would fall more easily if we were a bit tiddly.

Thank you for all the comments on my WOYWW post. As you can tell, my 'dongle' is working perfectly here and I have 4 bars on 3G which is brilliant. As for my ink pad storage, it's actually a really useful box insert that I bought from Tesco, not part of an 18 box storage system. It works perfectly too. Just off to do a bit of crafting following a trip into Telford earlier. It's boiling hot so need to cool down a bit.

See ya. xx

WOYWW #54

I am having to post this Tuesday night because, as you can see, we are off on our travels again and I won't have time in the morning. Besides which, my workdesk will be empty!
Doubt I shall have much time to craft on this trip apart from this week when we will be at yet another model flying show. I have 2 ATCs to make for Heather's swap - I've already done one - and she kindly let me know the subject for July so I knew what to pack. Shan't spill the beans though.
Speaking of Heather, her lovely sister Lindsay is on QVC from midnight with her own TSV. I will be watching and looking out for more tips and techniques.
As you can see, I have already been bad this week and bought some goodies from QVC. Martha Stewart punches, circle cutter, glitters. Just needed them all!!!



You may also notice 4 ATCs which I received today from my pal Sonia. I will show them to you properly when I get back because they are really good and are such fun. Thanks Sonia.

Thank you to everyone who has asked after 'pot arm'. The cast came off yesterday, but if you read my earlier post you will see that not all went to plan. He now has a very bad knee - cartilage trouble - and had to go the doctors this afternoon for some painkillers, anti inflammatory pills and some more in case he gets a reaction to those. When we get back from this trip, he has to go to hospital for keyhole surgery.
His new name therefore is now 'peg leg'.

I shall be on my slow mobile web dongle for the next 4 weeks and hope to keep up to date with all you lovely crafters that way. Thanks for looking once more.

LAST MAY WOYWW

Can you believe that May has nearly gone now? I can't. Where did the other 4 months go? There's even Christmas crafting on QVC today!!!!! I wonder how many WOYWWs there have been.

Whilst we were away, I found a storage solution for my ink pads. What do you think?


I had a stash of Brilliance and Stazon in a drawer, and could never get to them. My distress inks were piled high, and again, I had difficulty getting the one I wanted. However, I would still like to win one of Tim's storage tins that he is giving away this week. That would make life so much easier when I take craft away with me.


Also thought I would show you my latest 'star' photo. This time it's Lindsay Mason, who is a very popular and talented designer of stamps for Personal Impressions aswell as being an official Ranger tutor. I just love Lindsay's demos and workshops and honestly learn something new every single time I see her. This photo sits proudly next to the King of Craft himself, Mr Holtz and the tag he made for me at Lindsay's request.

Enjoy your hopping around other work desks and areas. I'm hopping off myself now.

THE HAPPIEST CRAFTY WEEK

It's right, this just has to be the happiest crafty week I have ever had.

All the wonderful goodies from Tim Holtz and Ranger, a workshop with Suze Weinberg, the most amazing QVC craft day ever and my Compendium of Curiosities arrived today whilst I was at Lindsay Mason's demo in Chorley. What more could a girl ask for?????

WELL HOW ABOUT THIS

Lindsay got Tim to make this just for me. I am so honoured and excited.

Not only that, but Claudine Helmuth sent me the mini canvass and

Rachel Greig sent the flower post card.

You can see my grin all over the country, it's that big.

MY MELT POT SAMPLES

I've just been on Facebook to see what Suze Weinberg has been up to at the other workshops she was doing before the NEC show, and found out that she was only in Burnley. I wish I had looked earlier because she was working with beeswax, which is what I wanted to learn how to use in the melt pot. She did tell us however, that really you should use a removable project pan for this technique. Anyone know where I can buy one??

I hope the photo I've taken comes out clearly, - not uploaded it yet - 'cos all my piccies have been rubbish lately. Anyway, here goes:

The first thing we tackled was the small frame. We cut a picture to fit and simply poured clear UTEE into the inside of the frame. Once dry, this can be removed to use again and the embellishment can be used on any project, including a jewellery piece.

The large oval face was fun to make. For this you need a greased cookie cutter which you simply place over an image and again pour clear UTEE into the cutter. Once dry, remove the cutter and trim around the picture. I love this sample.

The shiny mis-shaped piece on the right is actually made from a CD! Heat a CD with a heat gun, stamp an image onto part of it using Archival ink or similar, then cut out a shape. Add a few drop of To Dye For to melted clear UTEE and using metal tweezers, carefully submerge the piece in the liquid. Lift horizontally and allow the excess to drip off before placing on a craft sheet to cool and set. This is gorgeous.

We then added some black UTEE to our pot. The picture of the men is trapped between 2 pieces of memory glass. We then put each side into the front edge of the liquid, dragged it forward, lifted it for a second or 2 before continuing all round. This made a fake frame. It actually looks really good too.

The larger of the frames was fun but had I taken more notice before I began (sometimes hard to watch everything at once in a workshop) I would have known to use a rubber stamp with a lot of deep detail to it. Choose one with detail, place a frame over the part you wish to capture and pour the UTEE into the frame. Allow to cool and set for few seconds before removing from the stamp. You could ink the stamp first to give a different look. We then brushed Perfect Pearls over the image and added stickles and beadazzles.

The fun bit came when we each chose from Suze's bag of trinkets, an image with which to make a mould. I first picked out a cat's head - wonder why I was drawn to that? - but then I saw a white face and immediately thought of masks with feathers and semi-precious stones etc, so I picked that. We then blended together the 2 parts of the mould and pour substances and once ready squeezed it round our trinket. This substance is similar to the stuff dentists use to make impressions. It's ready to remove if a nail print does not make an indent. Then we simply poured UTEE into the mould and waited for it to set before removing the mould which can be used over and over again. I absolutely love the face that came out and will be chuffed to use this mould again.

We then added some colours to our pot and once melted simply poured the lot onto our craft sheet and quickly placed cookie cutters into it. It dried really fast and some lovely pieces appeared. Suze gave us all a brooch fastening so that we could super glue it to the back of our favourite piece and hence we made jewellery too.

All in all a really good time was had by all, plus we got an extra hour's class. Can't wait for QVC craft day next Tuesday, when Suze, along with many others, will be demonstrating her techniques again.

MELT POT WORKSHOP

I so want to show you the things I made at Suze Weinberg's workshop yesterday, but my camera is playing up again and only taking blurred piccies. The light is no good now so I will have to wait 'til tomorrow.
The workshop was really good and I learnt such a lot from the lovely Suze. She has a busy week planned leading up to the long awaited QVC craft day next Tuesday, when she will be on air together with her colleagues from the US, but also, our very own Lindsay Mason.
I for one just can't wait for the day to come.

AUTUMN CRAFTROOM CLEAROUT CONTINUES

Thank you for the interest in my clearout goodies. After craft day on QVC last week, I can see this clearout lasting forever!! oops did the post man just bring a parcel again?

The room achieved from the items already sold has made way for a bit more space which is so much appreciated. Just to tempt you a bit more, here are another couple of photos of items to go.

BITS FROM LAST YEAR

I've been determined to use all the bits and, lovingly created!, toppers I have aquired, to make the rest of my Xmas cards. Hasn't really happened but I've made 2, one of which I photographed. Also, I've made an ATC this afternoon. However, my camera, (my lovely but annoying camera 'cos sometimes it takes a smashing photo, and sometimes not) has not taken a good photo so that will have to wait and I'll take a photo with my hubby's Sony instead.

BUT!!!! that bloomin' parrot. I just can't get this squarkingly gorgeous coloured bird ATC out of my mind. What are you talking (squarking) about girl (or, to put it correctly, OAP). It's that absolutely amazing, unbelievable, totally imaginative masterpiece that Heather displayed (only to taunt me!!!!) on her blog the other day. You know when something just 'hits the spot', this was it for me. I've blown it up (wish I could!! only kidding), laminated it and stuck it to the inside of one of my cupboard doors in my workroom. Can you guess how in awe of this thing I am?

On a more expensive note, I've just received the TSV from Tuesday's craft day on QVC. They all had a laugh about making backgrounds from shaving foam and spray paints/inks. Just viewed that bit and watch this space 'cos I have to try that. The results are gorgeous.

And - what are those two books then? Who wrote those? Are they any good?

They are brilliant. Click on the picture and all will be revealed. You may have trouble trying to source them though, they are like moon dust! (PS. hands off, they're mine) - at last.

AN EARLY VISIT TO SANTA

Thought it time to let Santa know what I would like for Xmas. He seemed a bit pre-occupied however, so I let him continue reading his OK magazine. Note the black cat on his bed. It was real unlike the white one!

I've had another 'play' with my blog layout today and managed to lose the green around Toby. I've also added more photos to my Flickr if you are interested.

I watched all but 45mins of craft day on QVC on Tuesday. My eyes are so square now but hey! I had a ball. It was the best full day they have produced so far. Those Martha Stewart products were amazing and took me back to my childhood. I bought the loop punches. Can't wait for those to arrive. Several other items will be winging their way to my house also. Such a bad girl!!!!

DIDN'T LINDSAY DO WELL

I thought Lindsay did an excellent job last night on QVC. As always though, not enough time and I wanted to watch her all night, then I'm just greedy. Those fairy and owl cards were amazing. I was 'drooling' over them. So Lindsay, WELL DONE. When is the next show?

Now for a little 'spooky' tale.

I sent Lindsay a card to boost her spirits a bit and hope she had fun on her first tv appearance. She so kindly thanked me on her blog for it and said she would take it to QVC with her for a bit of luck. Its the orangey one on the shelf behind her. I heard today from a lady I met at the Tim Holtz demo at Dawn's studio a year last February. We have only ever met once and have formed a friendship over the web since. Guess who had sent Lindsay the gorgeous cat card also on the shelf????????????

Neither of us knew that the other had sent cards. How amazing was that?
Hope the photos are acceptable. It's not easy taking them from the tele, but I just had to relate this tale.

ON THE TELE!!

I've made it - famous at last!!

Did you see the 4pm QVC show today - We are Memory Keepers? and did you listen to the caller who was praising the Big Bite and Crop-A-Dile?

IT WAS ME.

Where the courage to ring in came from I don't know because I was shaking like a leaf afterwards. We really did use the Big Bite to punch holes through the wooden backing, felt and wadding in order to fasten our son in law's medals and badges to the display case my hubby made for him. It worked a treat and the finished article is gorgeous and has been well received.

Julien was his usual lovely self and Andrew was most generous in saying that Mick should be thanked for the service he has given to his country. I was very emotional at that lovely gesture and have passed those words on.

Wow!

WHILST WATCHING QVC

Whilst watching Dawn on QVC this afternoon, I managed to make another Toby scrapbook page.

These photos were taken in our first motorhome, a Compass Drifter, which we had purchased following a drive out one weekend!!

A nice van but boy! did we have trouble with it. Having said that, we kept it over 4 years before buying our first 6-wheeler, an Autotrail Arapaho. I loved that one and only let it go for some lovely gizmos we saw in the first Kontiki Z. That one was awful and we only kept it 10 months before trading it in - at a massive loss - for our current van, a Hymer 694, another 6-wheeler. All have been bought from new but I would never buy new again. The VAT man has had quite enough from us over the years.

Anyway, whichever motorhome we have had, Toby always found the most comfortable place he could, which was usually either over the cab in the first 3 vans, or in the pull-down bed in the current one. Infact, the Arapaho and Kontiki had cupboards over the cab and we had to leave the doors open so he could cuddle up in the bedding, which we stored there. Only when he couldn't jump up did we have to make a bed up for him elsewhere. He was always comfy and loved every minute of camping.

We went away with friends for the weekend last January and as we have Toby back home with us, he came with us again. We will always take him as long as we still have a van..........