Nearly December

Good evening all and thanks for popping in.

Another late blog post but it has been a busy day with workshops in Hazel Grove.

I spent yesterday finishing off my samples for Barbara's tv shows this weekend and got them in the post this morning. I have to say the new designs are just fantastic,,,believe me you will definitely Need them ..

Today we had a play with stencils and made designs by mixing and matching stencils...something that I love to do...

It is a great way to make cards that have to go in the post, Jo's Poinsettia Stencil works really well with many of the wreath stencils...and these cards are so quick to make,,.no masking needed.

We also made little gift bags

And all the sweets did go inside the bags!!!! honest....

We had homemade mince pies this morning thanks to Julie, I do seem to eat my way through workshops at the moment.... oh it is such a hard job!!! lol..

I came home unpacked my bags and I have just finished packing them again ready for our day workshop at Grosvenor House papers in Kendal tomorrow..

So just time for a hot chocolate and then off to bed....take care all

Much love and hugs

Jo. xxx

 

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Thanks Josie and Chris

Good evening everyone, and thanks for popping in today. I do hope that your week has started well.

I have had a wonderful day , I stayed overnight with a lovely friend and was woken up with a male scratching to get into my room!!!! Don't worry Mum, he is a cat....and a cutie .....

After breakfast we headed off to a Parchment , Groovi workshop .

Run by these two wonderful and very talented ladies, Josie and Chris,

There were lots of friends there, and I met some new crafters too. It was great to put a face to a name and meet Glynis .

We were all on our best behaviour, we'll sort off!!!,

Thanks Lynne for sharing your pencils.

 

Look at these card designs

 

Now this was the one that I was aiming for..

You know, I have been trying to teach myself snipping, but it isn't easy at home on your own...so hence the class today..

Josie was so patient with me, as I had got myself in a state about it, and had convinced myself that I couldn't do it....

As you know I love Groovi, the plates, the designs and making samples...but I have a real block with the grid work and the snipping...

Sometimes a negative comment by someone can get stuck in our heads...do you ever find that....?

Thank goodness for Josie and Chris...

Now I know I need lots more practice,,,but I am on my way...

My first bit of grid work and snipping.

I am hoping to have a little bit of time off over Christmas to get some practice in...

Hey..look ...

I have even got some homework...lol...

It may just take me until next Christmas to achieve this...

I had the most wonderful time and I can honestly say that anyone who wants to learn in a friendly and pleasant environment, just book one ( or two ) of these workshops...

I can't wait to go back and join in again..., look at these stunning samples made by Josie and Chris.

 

Thanks ladies....from the bottom of my heart....

Take care all...

Much love and hugs

Jo. xxx

 

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Christmas in Cumbria.

Good evening all, I am just home after a fabulous day in Lindale. It was our Clarity Cumbria Christmas party....and oh what a day it was...

We had our annual Health and safety checks...( Elf and saftety!!! Get it.....lol..)

And I was given some new slippers. Thanks Rachel and girls...they are fab...

 

We did some mixed media play...and went a bit shabby chic....

Look at these

 

Here is a closer look

 

 

 

 

 

I am so proud of this wonderful group of crafters...

We also had a signed Clarity Calendar.....and a raffle...

And the winner was...

Debbie... enjoy ..

We had a yummy buffet lunch, Christmas cake , and crackers , and yes I won one of those fish...that curl up on your hand...

It was just such fun

And day just flew...

Before we knew it , it was time for home,,,

And I have to say there was a wonderful sun set tonight..

Thanks everyone...and a special thank you to my big Sis,,,I couldn't have done it without you...Love you Sheila..

I am off now to put my feet up ,I have a craft fair tomorrow and then I am driving to a friends for the night...as we are going to a Parchment class on Monday....poor Josie....it is going to be a noisy naughty table,,,

Have a lovely evening all

Love and hugs

Jo. xxx

 

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More of my favourites...

Good afternoon, and thanks once again for popping in..

It has been a busy couple of days ...and my goodness we have had some rain...the fields are under water , which Eric loves and we went for a swim this morning, rather than a walk.

Mind you I had a shock when we got home and I had a phone call from a Manchester Gallery who want to exhibit and sell my work.....wish me luck...I have a meeting later this week.....

I hope you managed to catch our Paul on Sunday with his three Hochanda shows. Today I thought I would show you how one of my samples was made..

With this one , I just wanted to show case the fabulous stamps,,,as you know I love these Jayne Nestorenko designs.

I started by cutting my stencil card to size and then stamping using Archival ink.

I then used Artistry ink pads on my blending mat with some water and water coloured the designs...

I started with the Agapanthus

After all it is my favourite...( I know...I shouldn't have favourites!!!)

Next a colour change

And onto the Dahlia

Followed by the Rose

And the Fuchsia

Oh look at those lovely colours

 

Some matting and layering, and then a butterfly....

Plus a few little additional gems, liquid glass etc...

And there we have it...a four in one card...

Before I go I just want to tell you about my lovely friend Becky...we spent years running a local cub pack...and what a brilliant time we had...well she has always wanted to write a book...well a trilogy to be honest...

I was so proud of her on Sunday when her book was published and I got my signed copy..

So if you are looking for a book to read ...look no further...

I love it Becky...and you too...

Just shows you....we can all reach for the stars and grab our goals...

So go on....have faith and follow your heart...

With all my love..

Jo. xxxx

 

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Saturday florals...

Good evening all and thanks for looking in.

I have just got home after our regular workshops at CJ Cardcrafts in Edgeley. Stockport. As always it was a fabulous day and oh we did laugh....and Berenice I am posting this tonight...just for you....lol..

We used the fabulous floral stamps designed by Jayne Nestorenko, now you all know just how much I love these.

We started by stamping on black card with VersaMark ink and used detail gold embossing powder.

 

Then using Inka gold , straight from the pot with a little water added. We painted some of the flowers .

Next we added some dark blue for shade

Followed by some silver for highlights.

Then some matting and layering , a couple of butterflies and a few gems .

I do love the shine on this card, and the ladies cards were fabulous....and some great colours...

Our second design was stamped on white card, just to show a different look. This time we used Black Archival ink and clear embossing powder.

Some ink around the edges and some liquid glass to look like water droplets ..

I am so proud of the cards that the ladies made...and it was a special day for Tracie,,,,as it was her last class before her wedding,,,,we all wish her all the best and an amazing day.

This afternoon it was our Groovi class, another great group of ladies....we did miss Vicki though,,,I do hope you feel better soon..

We had a play with coloured parchment....

And did some mixing and matching with plates....I do love to do this...

Thanks for your company ladies,,,and I am looking forward to our next get together as it will be our Christmas party...yah...

Before I go tonight I must just remind you that our Paul is on Hochanda tomorrow with these fabulous Jayne Nestorenko stamps and Groovi plates too...

I am really looking forward to his shows...

Enjoy your evening all, I am going out for a meal with Karl....it is far too long since out last evening out together ....and tomorrow I am having a day off.,.yah...the first one in three weeks...

Take care all, and see you soon

Love and hugs..

Jo. xxx

 

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