Stamping workshop photos

Well here are some of the results of our "Stamping with a twist" workshop last week. Below are the masking tape technique cards. (Click here for step by step instructions). I love the way different colour combinations have been explored with these designs.

With the stamping through a paper mask technique (step by step coming soon!) lots of different floral designs were experimented with on the Easter Eggs, and other finishing touches such as embossing and glossy accents were added. Kay P also used the reverse masking technique with her heart design.

Michelle and I had a very difficult job indeed with judging the Envelope Memory Book Challenge. The entries were all very different, personal and very impressive! In the end we chose two worthy winners.

Rachael B for her two entries (one for each of her sons as she couldn't do one without the other!)...gorgeous mementoes of days out with her boys with good use of bright colours, photos, tickets, embellishments etc.

And Carol S for her "Garden Memories" book. She made good use of the pockets too with photos, quotes, memoirs etc documenting her feelings, thoughts and memories of her grandparents' garden. Even a photo of herself aged 2 or 3 - we could tell it was you when you pointed it out Carol!

Well done to both of you - one free workshop entry for each of you. And well done to everyone else who took part. 

Our next challenge is due in May. If you didn't pick up a stamped image and would like one to make a "Humorous Caption Card" then please let me know before the next workshop so we can stamp some out ready. You don't have to use those images, but the card must be humorous. Can be as cheeky as you like!

You will notice there are now links to Pinterest in two places on our blog. (below the Challenge posting and below the Crafty Inspiration listing) If you follow either of these links you will see a pin board with some examples of humorous quotes. Feel free to use any of these that you feel are appropriate or just use them for inspiration for your own.

Check it out and let us know what you think!

Stamping techniques with a twist...

This month's workshop is dedicated to slightly more advanced stamping techniques, but don't worry if you feel you haven't mastered the basics, as most of the demos will help to reinforce the basic skills, whilst at the same time extending your expertise and allowing you to think about stamping in a different way.

I will be demonstrating stamping through paper stencils, using regular stamps, distress inks and the See D's Morsels sets that we haven't used for a while.

Kay is also on hand to demo collage stamping (see also first photo in this blog entry), using masking tape to mask sections of your card while you stamp. She will show you how to create backgrounds and embellishments using this technique.

And for those of you who want to become more expert in stamping and heat embossing, Michelle will be showing you tips and tricks with this technique.

February Flower Fairies

Well Valentine's Day has come and gone - I'm sure all your cards were appreciated by their recipients. Hopefully I won't ruin anyone's secret admirer status by publishing photos of the cards below!!

Michelle's demo card

Musical Mandy!

Claire W's Heart fold card

Linda B's Ruby Wedding Anniversary card

February's workshop theme is "Flowers and Fairies" - two popular theme categories so we decided to combine them to welcome in the Spring (we hope!) Michelle's demo will be stamping silhouette images and building up a scene on to colourful backgrounds. I am also doing stamping, but with paintable images, and I will be demonstrating how to mask your stamped images to add depth and build up a picture. We will be painting with Cosmic Shimmer powders and if there is time we can have a go at spritzing too.

A few more memberships will be up for renewal this month, so don't forget your extra pennies to cover that.

Our new venue went down well with everyone - lots more space to get around. Jan has arranged for someone to put away the tables at the end of the evening, but if you can all remember to put away your chairs before you leave, then that is a great help. It also makes things easier if we can collect the cups back in a little earlier than we did at APMH, so the dishwasher has time to finish its cycle before we leave the hall.

Finally I'm sure most of you noticed the big lamp post in the middle of the car park, surrounded by planters? - well Michelle didn't! (should have gone to Specsavers!!) Just in case you hadn't noticed it, please take care when reversing. Michelle's bumper is now held on (very artfully!) with duct tape - fortunately the planters cushioned the blow a little and she didn't dent her back door, so it could have been a lot worse. Don't tell her I told you!!

Looking forward to seeing you next week.