Heat Embossing

Wow! look at this, two posts in less than two weeks!  Have I got my blogging mojo back????

I don't know about you, but whenever I have lots to do there is always something else I'd like to try. Recently inspiration has been popping up at odd times! Yesterday, my inspiration led me to my recently made Travelers Notebook.  I say made, it's actually a bit of a work in progress and I am adapting it as I go along.  I will share my notebook with you soon once I have a little more in it. Until then I would love to show you an insert I made.

I created an insert to wrap around one of my books. I wanted extra pockets.  I decided to use a lovely pad of paper from First Editions called 'Isabelle'  ( an old pad now unfortunately) 

The patterns are so beautiful and full of pinks, greens and browns.  This particular paper had lots of white so I thought I would use heat embossing to decorate it.  You can see the difference here between the areas that I have decorated and those I have left.

This experiment led me to have another go and produce a video tutorial for you all.  So I do hope you enjoy it. 

I have also created a video on my Facebook page on how to use the same techniques to enhance your lettering!  To watch it click here.

I am expecting supplies this week and I will have a couple of kits available to buy so you can try this at home.  I can also sell the items individually.

Total kit price is £25 (£30rrp so a fab saving!)  postage is £3

I'm linking up with Handmade Monday so do pop by and link up too if you have a blog or to come and find some wonderful blogs to read.

Jenny xx

A little Dylusional fun!

Recently I treated myself to a few Dylusions paints.  Oh my, the colours were so beautiful and after watching numerous videos on You Tube and the new Hochanda channel I was all set to paint, paint, paint.... well nearly!  In fact it took me a few days to pluck up the courage to try them.  I love colours and my favourite place in any department store or shop has always been the stationary department.  You can keep your shoes, I can walk straight past the bags, turn my nose up at the perfumes and head straight to my favourite place! And why? Because I love the colours and variety.

Well Dylusions paints hit me the same way, the colour range was wonderful and the things people could do with them were amazing! How on earth could I top these creations! 

Well I plucked up the courage to open the pots.  I learnt some great tips, these are ...

• -Give the pot a good shake and then tap it a few times on the table.  remove the lid and work from there rather than dipping brushes or sponges into the pot itself. (great if you accidentally contaminate it.)
• - have a mist it handy full of water.  When you have finished with your pot, give a quick spray on the paint and close it up.  Sometimes it is worth doing this before you use it (just give it a shake again after)
• When starting out go for colours that fit well together, ones that sit on the same side of the colour wheel.  I instinctively wanted to use green and purple but don't!! try greens and blues or yellows and greens etc and start by working with three colours
• When you finish what you are doing then dab your sponge or brush on a clean sheet of paper or journal page until the paint is all gone.  The more you get off the sponge the more use you will get from it without the need to wash it! Also you can create some great paper to use for backing sheets later on!
• A little goes a loooooong way!

So I thought I would share with you my first video.  I am using my Crafty What Nots colour application tool kit to create a journal page.  Hope you enjoy!

My Wholesaler is now stocking the whole range of paints, that's 18 beautiful colours!  I am selling them on my website with a great discount so if you fancy some do pop by and visit.  I will be releasing more videos on how to get the most from the paints and also using some amazing other products with them such as gesso and mica!

The colours really can depend on vibrancy depending on the surface you are using.  I used them to paint my door guard so they really are versatile!

Well I hope you all have a lovely week!  I will be revealing the contents of this months Crafty What Nots boxes and have a few lovely reviews to share with you.

I will be popping by Handmade Monday to share my blog so do pop by and see who is around!

Jen xx

How to Rollagraph

This week I have been having a play with some items I may start to stock in my online shop.  If you are a Stampin' Up fan then you will be used to 'Stampin around wheels' (a product I loved when I was a demonstrator, many moons ago!) Well I discovered that I can now stock the same thing! yeah!!!

If you havn;t seen a stamping wheel before then today is your lucky day!  Basically you have a handle, inside you can push an ink pad and then a wheel of images.  It's a fantastic way to get quick backgrounds, the beauty of it is that is self inks as it goes around which generally means an even colour (I forgot to reink in the following video so my demo goes a little splotchy!)  You don't even have to be able to roll in a straight line as you can also get a raised ruler to guide you.  I find I usually can get pretty straight on small surfaces do to the width of the roller.

So here is my little demo video, it shows you how to load the handle, roll and clean it and then there is a demo for making a simple card at the end.

Now the big question is should I stock them?  It is so hard to know what the trend is with craft supplies, especially as there are so many to choose from.  What sort of items would you like to see stocked?

I will be popping by Handmade Monday.

Jenny xx

Trying to be a good parent ... the crafty way! #1

Having three children has been a shock to my system! I am constantly sleep deprived and exhausted and trying to remain enthusiastic and supportive is difficult with three very different girls!  Not that I am moaning, just setting the scene for my emotional state over the last year or so.  In short it has been difficult but I seem to be making a few breakthroughs and parenting is becoming more enjoyable!!

Now I won't go into all the joys of parenthood the constant demands for food, nappies, food, playing oh and did I mention food? There are many people who blog many times over how hard or easy parenting is, how they have reached a breakthrough and now have a model child or how they have decided it is alright to hate being a parent etc etc etc.  My blog was never designed for that, first and formost it is crafty related!  (you can all a sigh in relief now!)

So in true crafty form I thought I would share with you a few things I have done with or for my kiddies which has in one way or another enriched our lives and made parenting a little more fun!

First up I wanted to share my 'Look what we have done' wall (I still need to work on the name!)

I realised that dinner times could sometimes go a bit quiet as conversation died down a bit so I started to hang a few pictures on the wall to put the children's work in.  This also meant that I didn't have random paintings scattered round the house!

The wall behind the dining table was a little .... boring!

So i started to add a few frames.  These ones were cheap black framed ones from the Range, nothing fancy at all.

 

After I had put up all the frames I wanted I then masking taped around the edge and set about with the chalkboard paint to make the frame.  I started with a solid frame but then added a wavy outer edge.  Lastly I used a permanent marker and started to doodle round the edge of the frame.  From a distance it looks fab but when you look closely you can read all sorts of encouraging words and phrases.

Now at dinner time we have lots to chat about especially as there is always something new popping up on the wall!  I love the fact the girl have a place to show off their achievements.  Currently the wall contains notes of praise and certificates, photos, fun art and even the babies first hand print art!  So lots to see.

Oh and it looks a bit grand and funky! Much more exciting that that boring old wall!

Next time I will show you some calming down resources we made!

until next time.

Jen xx

I will of course be popping by to Handmade Monday and sharing my little post.

QR code tutorial

I don't know about you but I spot QR codes popping up all over the place, poster, menus and on business cards to name a few.  I have been including these in my monthly boxes as well to give my lovely subscribers exclusive content.  I thought I would share how I create mine so you can get creating yourself if you wish.

QR codes are accessed through an app on a mobile device (a little like a barcode) once the phone recognises it is opens up the web page associated with that code. you can create QR codes for lots of different things such as social media accounts, you tube videos and websites.  I usually use mine to link directly to a web page but recently I have been making a lot of you tube videos so I am going to create a QR using the URL from the video.

Here you can see a video tutorial I created recently on You Tube.  I have highlighted the URL (the web address you can see at the top of the window) Now copy it to your clipboard (not a real clipboard!!! it just saves it until you save something else.)

Now you need to open up a QR code generator window.  There are lots out there so it's worth seeing which you like.  Just google QR code generator.  I personally like www.qrstuff.com but that's only because I like playing with the colours!

This site really does do it step by step which is handy! so first off choose what type of data you are creating a code for.  In my case it is a YouTube video but if you are linking to a website page select the first option.  Even though I am linking to a video I will still select the first option (it seems to react the same which ever version you use but you do have the option to have YouTube written on the QR Code if you download an extra feature. (I haven't done this))

So the next step is to enter the URL you copied from your page into the box under the number 2.  If you are quick you will notice the QR code on display to the right look a bit different!

The next step is my fav bit! colour!!! Why not have a play!

Finally choose your output type.  I always select option 1 as I can then put it where I want.

So last things last you can now download your code!  I select the download button under the QR Code itself.

You should now get a download bar at the base of the screen (this will be different if you are using a mobile device )

Can you spot it in the bottom left corner?  Once it has downloaded click on the bar and it will open up your code.  If you want to find it later it will be hiding in your downloads folder until you file it elsewhere.

Here is my final code

So are you all with me so far?? Easy hey! This is the point where you can have a half time break! grab some tea and cake... you deserve it!

Ready?

Ok, so you have created your code but please... what on earth do I do with this speckled box thing now???

Now in order for you to test this and for your customers to use it you need a mobile device which can 1 have apps and 2 has a camera! So smart phones, tablets etc.  There are apps available on all platforms and you don't need anything exciting, simpler the better!

Here is the QR Code reader that I use

If you don't have one just pop into the app store, they should be free so don't panic.  Search QR Code Reader. This is on the android but I also have one on an iPad.

Once open you just get a screen like this.

Now move it to the QR code so that it is visible in the shaded area in the middle (my reader is v sensitive and even when it was showing on part of the screen it picked it up!) When taking the next shot I had to hold it this far away, any closer and the reader picked up the code!

Next step click ok

Now you can watch your video on your device!! yeah!

Well I hope that simple enough!  I feel like I've had a crafty workout! time to put up the feet and watch my video! 

Have fun creating QR code and if you would like to share any with me then why not send me some on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and I will share a few next time!

Jenny xx

I'm linkin over to handmade Monday xx 

Arrow tutorial

This week I thought I would share a video on how to make these really cute little arrows!  A perfect use to use up those little paper scraps.

Just click on the video below.

What do you think? Do you like the videos?? I have a whole list of ones to create! 

What have you been up to this week?

I will be popping by to the lovely Lucy Blossom crafts for Handmade Monday, do pop by and celebrate her 1st Handmade Monday birthday!

The heart secret note tutorial

Just popping by with this new little tutorial for you.  I love things which are a bit different and this little card was no exception!

 I love the way the hearts close the card.  Why not have a practise ready for valentines day!

I'm going to link up with Handmade Monday 

Jen xx

New year and with it new goals

Welcome to the ever anticipated 2016!!! did you think we would get here? I admit before Christmas I was willing for more time but now it is here and the weather seems a lot more palatable it is perfect for making plans.

I have been having a think.... as you do... my thinks have led me to a few new exciting ideas (some of which I'm not quite ready to share yet)  here are a little list of some goals I hope to achieve in this coming year.

1-  Create mini video tutorials, preferably at least one a week. - Well I have managed one already ... yippeee!.. but will this momentum last I wonder?
Here is my first mini video DIY, There is lots I've decided to change already so hopefully this will help me plan for the next.

These tutorials will be of tutorials I have either already blogged or ones that are over 6 months old that have been included in the monthly boxes.

2 - Create some mini kits.  These kits will be between £5 and £20.  Some of you may have seen the 3D flowers kit I already do for £20 but I want to create smaller ones as well.  I have a dozen or so ideas already and they will range from quilling to beadwork as well as a few papercraft ones too. Perfect to try something in particular rather than taking pot luck with the monthly mystery boxes.

3 - Launch a new monthly box designed for preschoolers.  This one is still a bit hush hush but I am soooooo excited about it and it will make use of all those years working with young children.  What I can tell you is that they will be themed but not contain things like the adult ones, they will be totally different.  I will bring you news on these soon!

4 - I really need to get my head around social media! Do you find it a total headache?? which ones to use?  I have most of them but only really focus on facebook, This is mainly because I don't know how to best use the other formats. Twitter makes my head ache at the speed, Pinterest I love but what on earth can I use it for with a business and Etsy.... well how on earth can I get seen in an ocean of wonderfulness, I feel like floating pea!  I do use Instagram occasionally, I like to post behind the scenes things on there from time to time which is fun but I really don't understand how to use it for business.   So basically step 4 ... find out what on earth I need to do to help my business!

5 - Try to be more organised!

6 - Loose weight.  I guess that is a bit like so many people who have managed to get past the Christmas indulgence and reaching a new year with a few extra pounds.  I managed a stone before Christmas and I actually lost over Christmas too (I don't really care for much of the Christmas food to be honest) but it is a slow old process so fingers crossed for the new year,

Well I think that's my list, it may change soon though!

Do you have any new year plans? what do you hope to achieve this year?

I will leave you with images from the 'Crafty Night Before Christmas' box (I can't show you January's yet as there are a few being delivered outside the UK and these always take a few extra days and don't want to spoil their surprises!)

And the handmade gift was this lovely mini album

Hope you all have a wonderful 2016!

Jen xx

I hope you will pop by and visit Lucy Blossom crafts

and visit a few other blogs too

Felt heart Christmas decoration tutorial

Felt Hearts

I thought I would share some creations I recently made for Decembers Crafty What Nots box.

This months theme was Silent night and was full of icy blues and silvers. As I couldn't fit and more tutorial in the box I thought I would share my method for making these little heart decorations.

These really are so simple. Sorry no step by step photos at the moment.

Step 1 - cut out two hearts out of felt

Step 2 - embellish your hearts how ever you please.  I embroidered a snowflake on one and attached buttons to another, you could sew an initial or just leave blank if you wish.

Step 3 - place your hearts together and sew around the edges, I used a blanket stitch. leave an inch gap and fill with stuffing.  I actually used felt offcuts from my samples, why no add some thing fragranced?

Step 4 - sew up the gap and thread a loop to the top and hey presto!!!

Why not make lots and create a garland? Or add a pocket to the back of each and turn them into advent calendars??

The free personal gift this month was a hand embroidered felt hand warmer.  I will blog a tutorial on how to make that soon!

Well I had better go and finish creating the Christmas eve boxes!!

Jenny xx

Crafty What Kit

I have been creating Crafty What Nots for over a year now!! I am so thrilled that they are still going strong!! I thought I would share a few crafty facts with you and give you a peek inside my first Crafty What Kit!

Crafty What...facts

So far I have released 14 Crafty What Nots boxes

Designed and written over 30 tutorials

Designed and made multiples of 14 different types of handmade gifts, one for each month.

Spent a fortune! (he he!)

Met some lovely people

Released One-off boxes, the 'Whatever' box, the Night before Christmas box and the Kit boxes

Started to offer Crafty What Nots boxes to non UK residents

Started offering Direct Debit!

It's been a busy year!

I still have bundles of ideas for new boxes, but with Christmas round the corner I must remember to slow down so I have enough time to complete my orders.

Here is my first (and currently only) Crafty What Kit, 3d flowers.

This kit is full of tutorials and materials to create 100 flowers! Here is a video look inside!

What do you reckon?? I thought I would offer other colour combos at some point as well as top up packs.  Here are a few close ups of things I created with my flowers.

These kit boxes are only £20!! 

I loved layering several together and as all the flowers are double sided there are so many options!

Well I am off to visit a few blogs at Handmade Monday and Creative Mondays so why not pop round to see what people have been up to!

Have a lovely creative week folks

Jen xx

DIY 3d letters tutorial

Last months Crafty What Nots box was titled Autumn Glory and was full of autumnal wonders as well as a hand decorated wooden initial.

I thought I would share with you lovely people how I made it.

You will need ~ Wooden or card initial, two sheets of coordinating papers, white glue, liquid pearls, scissors and a pencil

Step 1 - Layer your two pages together and lay them face down.  Draw a couple of lines on your paper, you could do a swirl or intricate pattern if you wish.  I went quite simple.

Step 2 - cut along your lines through both sheets of paper at the same time... Be careful that the bottom sheet doesn't slip, if you think it will then why not staple or tape your pages together.

Step 3 - now swap pages over so they alternate.

Step 4 - put liberal amounts of glue on the surface you wish to cover.

Step 5 - Start to place your paper pieces over the letter.

Step 6 - once you have covered the front of your letter turn it upside down and weight it down so that it dries flat.  Once dry cut all access paper away and use a nail file to smarten up the edges.

Step 7 - Use liquid pearls to embellish the joins.

Ta-da! You can give the whole thing a good spray of varnish if you wish.

You could always paint the edges if you wish.

Well I'm off to say hi at Handmade Monday, why not pop by too!

xxx

Christmas... already?

How are you all this week?  Do you feel those Christmassy feelings of warmth and goodwill sweeping over you yet? The burning desire to get the tinsel out and the mulled wine cooking? No?? Well who can blame you, Christmas is fast approaching but with some lovely sunny days I must admit I am being consumed by Autumn loveliness! The stunning autumn colours and the falling leaves.  All that aside however as a crafter we have to think about Christmas far too early.  I know many who have been making since way before the school holidays!  I thought I would share my latest Christmas venture with you all.

I was introduced to Christmas Eve boxes a few months back. It seems something that originated in America and goes hand in hand with the 'Elf on the Shelf'.  Don't worry if you are new to Elf on the Shelf too.  The general idea in a nutshell, is you have a small toy elf who arrives on the 1st December.  He watches your children everyday and reports back to Santa every night to tell him if they have been good or not! When the elf returns in the morning he gets up to a little mischief.  He may spill cereal all over the counter or tie your shoe laces together etc. (this is where parents have fun and get creative!)  Then on Christmas Eve the elf leaves to go and help Santa sort out the toys and load the sleigh.  When the elf goes he leaves behind a Christmas Eve box, a box full of treasures.  Usually these treasures seem to consist of a Christmas film, book, slippers, new pyjamas and a few yummies to enjoy while watching your film.  Well my pondering took me to... what if the Christmas box contained lots of crafting goodies!!! How about instead of being full of food and dvd's etc that it contained tutorials and craft supplies to create some Christmas crafting memories.  So I give you the Crafty Night Before Christmas box!

Each box contains at least three tutorials, all the crafty supplies you need to complete them and lots extra and a small handmade gift from me to you!  I have designed 4 different boxes based on ages.  There is the under 5's, 5+, teenager and adult.  I am also more than happy to personalised.

Well I'm off to carry on planning my boxes. If you want to found out more or take a peek at my brand new kit box v visit www.craftywhatnots.com

I'm stopping off to visit all those lovely blogs at Handmade Monday so why not pop over and see what others have been up to.

 Xxx

Quick Crafty Card tutorial

Good morning to you all!  How have you been surviving the school holidays? I have certainly found three children quite the handful, especially as my middle one is still trying to adapt to having a baby sister taking up so much of my time!!

I thought I would share a little summery tutorial with you today.  Have a go at making this cute and super easy card!

Step 1 - You can use any shape card, I have chosen a square one here.  First thing you need to do is place a strip of double sided tape approximately 1.5" in from the right side (making sure that your card opens up to the right side).

Step 2 - start to stick your flower embellishments along the strip.  You need to ensure that the side of the flowers go close to the edge but not go over it (mine here is a little close!), the top ones can go over the edge top and bottom.  

Step 3 - Make sure all the tape is covered (you can always add a little more tape and layer your flowers if you wish)

Step 4 - cut around the edge of your flowers, leaving a little border of white around the edge.

Why not add some ribbon or sentiment to finish off your card!!

In the wonderful world of Crafty What Nots I have just launched the 'Crafty Night Before Christmas box'  A Christmas eve box with a twist.  Just like the normal monthly boxes this one-off box is full of crafty goodies, tutorials and a special handmade gift.

Each box is sent out on the 1st December and is available in 4 age ranges - under 5, 5+, teenager and adult!!

So if you fancy starting a new tradition or after an unusual Christmas present for a loved one (or yourself!!)  Do pop buy and find out more!  I am also happy to ship internationally so if you would like a box but not in the UK don't fret (the postage is increased however as you can imagine!)

I am so excited about these boxes and been planning like made!!!

In other news I have been picking up the old pencil again and been making family portraits for some lovely people.  Here is the first one I did.  I am currently running an offer on these. 25% off the first five paid orders I have (there are only two slots left!!)

Well I am going to link up with Handmade Monday (something I haven't been able to do in ages!)

Have a lovely week folks xx