The Return Of My Jewellery Making Mojo?

I've really been struggling to find my mojo for beading (it's been missing for almost nine months!) but I decided to sit down in this afternoon's sunshine and make something. Anything. 

And, well, these may be the simplest earrings I've ever made, but I *made* them. Yay. It's snowing outside, but I'm cozy inside with a warm feeling of accomplishment! 

Butterfly Necklace {Rinea Foiled Paper}

So, today, I have a tutorial to show you how to use some of those beautiful Rinea Foiled Papers to do something a little different - let's make some jewellery!

Head on over to Rinea for this tutorial on how to 'Make A Butterfly Necklace With Rinea Foiled Paper' and be sure to come back next month, when I'll be sharing more ideas on how to use these lovely foils to make some jewellery!

Holiday Hanging Ornaments {Rinea Foiled Paper}

Hello! Hello! It's Clair here today, and I'm excited to show off the 'Holiday Hanging Ornaments' that I've been busy making with my Rinea Foiled Paper. I am so excited to see my twinkly lights reflected in the surface of these beautiful coloured foils!

I've chosen to work with a selection of colours that will work well with my existing decorations, but there are so many colours to choose from that I am sure there's something suitable for everyone. Visit Rinea to see the tutorial for these Holiday Hanging Ornaments.

Introduction To Beadwork: Ministry of Craft, Manchester

In 2016, I started teaching at the Ministry of Craft in Manchester. It's such a fun studio, full of some covetable items made by the tutors - including some of the cutest handmade undies! Oh, and there was biscuits! 

The best aspect of teaching though, was that several of the attendees were really very nervous about their ability to actual make something - especially when they saw the size of the Miyuki Seed Beads that we were using - but all they needed was some encouragement. Everyone left with a completed earring (or two) and the skills and confidence to finish their work by themselves. And happy customers make me happy! 

There's a few spots left for the next Introduction To Beadwork Class on Saturday 8th April and this includes everything that you need - tutorial, beading needle, thread, seed beads, findings and, most importantly, some bling in the form of Swarovski pearls or crystals. 

You'll learn how to bead 'weave' - using a specialist needle and thread to stitch lots of teeny, tiny seed beads to each other to form a new shape! You'll learn about the beads used in beadwork (including the sparkly ones) and, by the end of the class, will have conquered some of the basic beadwork stitches to create your own pendant and matching earrings. (Please note there will not be time to complete all of the items during the workshop but you will go away with the skills and materials to finish at home.)

Let me know if you decide to book, so that I can increase the biscuit order! x

The Ever Expanding Blog Hop

Hello! Hello! I'm thrilled to have been asked by blogging buddy Lisa of Recklinghausen Musings to take part in an ever expanding blog-hop - where everyone who takes part answers a few questions about their creative pursuits and processes, then asks some of their favourite bloggers to do the same. So, shall we begin?

What Am I Working On?

At the moment, I'm beading, beading, beading! While I'm thrilled to be participating in a beading competition of epic proportions - The Battle of the Beadsmith, 2014 - the deadline is looming! I have until the 8th June to finish and photograph my beadwork entry - better get a move on, eh?

I would absolutely love to share what I've been working on, but I'm not allowed! In the meantime, you can find out more about Battle Of The Beadsmith 2014, and see some of the amazing beadwork from 2013, by joining the Battle Of The Beadsmith Facebook Group.

And after I'm finished? I'm looking forward to taking a little break from beading to work on my Southern Adventure Album. I'll be working with May's Counterfeit Kit (untouched while I've been busy beading!) and, hopefully, with a new kit inspired by the Counterfeit Kit Inspiration for June.

How Does My Work Differ From Others Of Its Genre?

I'm still relatively new to the world of beadwork and designing, so my style is still developing, but I lke to think that what 'sets me apart' is my attention to detail. I'm still 'obstinately pursuing' perfection, so I will constantly look for ways to tweak a design, take better photographs or write clearer beading tutorials and - thanks to some lovely customer feedback - I know that this dedication is appreciated!

Why Do I Create What I Do?

As an artist I am hugely inspired by both Art Deco and Art Nouveau and my work often appears to be created by someone with a split personality – displaying either a love of linear design, colour and geometric shapes or a love of nature, with fluidic shapes, textures and surprising details.

Briar Rose Bracelet Tutorial - Obstinate Pursuit

How Does Your Creative Process Work?

The architectural nature of dimensional beadwork appeals to me. I love watching structures and shapes develop with the addition of each new bead. The possibilities are almost endless and I am often reminded a little of my childhood favourite, Lego, when I would sit for hours working out how to create new shapes and structures with the same basic materials.

Dainty Drop Earrings - Turquoise, Bronze & White Pearl Beaded Earrings

I love the evolution that happens when I allow myself to work with the materials that I have to hand and, although I often have an idea in mind - a badly scribbled sketch or some notes - I don't really mind when 'mistake's happen. It's all fun! Until I want to write a tutorial and can't remember how I've made something! :)

Now, it's my turn to send you all onwards into the ever expanding blog hop, by tagging three of my favourite bloggers. But. Um. Well. Unfortunately, 'life' happened to one of them and it was a little too late to ask someone to step in at the last minute.

The first is the lovely Leah Curtis of Beady Eyed Bunny. Leah is a self-taught artist, who uses a combination of wire, gemstones, polymer clay and metal to create amazing art beads and some beautifully tactile jewellery.

Leah and I first 'met' when I participated in one of Leah's History Hop Challenges, which are a lot of fun and almost too inspiring. We now 'see each other regularly' through our various social media accounts!

The second, is the wonderfully charming Kirsty Frisby of K's Crafty Corner. Kirsty is a 'scrapbooking-soulmate' who produces some incredibly touching (and often amusing) scrapbook pages chronicaling her family life.

I have absolutely no idea how I first came across Kirsty online, but I am happy to have met her in real life at a blogger's retreat a little while back where we became firm friends over a shared interest in cake and hot glue guns. I pretended that it didn't hurt much when I hot glued my finger together and Kirsty pretended that she didn't find it funny. The cake was much less harmful!

Creative Corners - Amumiinaturals

Welcome to Creative Corners! Each Sunday, I'm interviewing one of my favourite crafters, makers or entrepreneurs and will be asking them to share their 'creative corners', along with a little bit about how their creative process has affected the design and organisation (or complete lack of organisation) within their space, as well as learning a little bit more about them and their creative endeavours.

I'm so happy to be introducing Annalisa from ammuminaturals who makes the most beautiful skin and home care products with ingredients from her own organic garden in the heart of the Italian countryside.

How did you get started?

I have always loved being at home and I have always loved crafts. I am passionate about anything crafty. I embroider, sew, bake, make jewelry and I really enjoy making soap. I had stress-related psoriasis and therefore I decided to start making my own skin and home products. At the time, I had two small kids and I was keen to make 100% natural products that all the family could use, since I was extremely conscious about all the chemicals and potentially dangerous ingredients contained in commercially produced skin products.

What do you think is important about handmade?

A handmade product is made with care and craftmanship. It is something made by an individual who is passionate about that object. Anything handmade creates a connection between individuals who often don't know each other and probably never will. To me, handmade is important as it means having an idea in my head and being able to create it. People who buy handmade care. They know they are not simply purchasing a product - they are buying a story, a work of art. Some of the people who buy handmade are making a stand against mass production, which at this time and age is definitely refreshing. Some others appreciate the authenticity and originality of handmade goods. As far as the products I make are concerned, buying handmade means caring about your body and soul.

A beautiful example of Annalisa's handmade packaging!

What are your work space essentials?

My work space has an incredible high number of spatulas! And a laptop. I also use my sewing machine to package some incredibly cute soap favours which seem to be a hit throughout the world. Useless as it might seem, I also keep a radio in my study - I am not a fan of television and I don't particularly enjoy working in silence, so I have often have the radio on.

What is inspiring you right now?

The Umbrian countryside and its beauties, plants and natural products. I am originally from Italy and I moved to the Italian countryside with my family four years ago after 10 years spent in the hustle and bustle of busy London. Whilst I still miss living in the the city the UK in general, I have learnt to appreciate this small part of the world. Orvieto is a lovely village and the Italian countryside is just beautiful. I have natural plants and ingredients practically at my doorstep - we grow lavender, camomile, calendula, roses, herbs and much more in our own garden, without the use of pesticides or other nasties. I am so proud to be able to make such great soap and body products with all of this.

When do you feel most creative?

Usually, ideas for new products come to me in the evening or in the middle of the night. (Yes - I dream about soap!). I keep a notebook and a pen on the coffee table so that I can jot or make notes as soon as an idea comes to mind. If I don't do it, it's often gone for good! However, I find that early morning is definitely the time at which I am most productive in terms of soapmaking.

Don't you love how Annalisa has staged her photographs?

What are your top tips for improving your work space?

I don't think there's a rule for this, as we are all different. I am happiest when I am surrounder by tidiness and order, so I have painfully come to terms with the fact that I need to keep that tidiness going if I want to be creative and productive. I use a lot of transparent containers and drawer units so that I can see everything easily, but at the same time I can put things away on shelves and in drawers fairly quickly.

If you've enjoyed reading about Annalisa and her Creative Corners, you can find out more by following Amumiinaturals on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest!

Offer! Offer! Offer! 

Annalisa is very kindly offering readers a 10% discount on all purchases from ammuminaturals - just use the coupon code 10OFF2014 when you checkout!

Creative Corners - Introduction

I'm introducing a new series today - and I couldn't be more thrilled. The idea for this series has been taking shape for an awfully long time, but I haven't had the opportunity or (more honestly) the motivation to 'make it happen'. All I needed was a little bit of focus - my One Little Word for 2014 - and now, happily, I can introduce 'Creative Corners'. 

Each Sunday, I'll be interviewing one of my favourite crafters, makers or entrepreneurs and will be asking them to share their 'creative corners', along with a little bit about how their creative process has affected the design and organisation (or complete lack of organisation) within their space, as well as learning a little bit more about them and their creative endeavours. 

What I hope will happen along the way is that you'll see 'creative corners' that inspire you to let go of the idea that your work space must be perfect, before you can create something beautiful in it! 

My Own Creative Corner 

I'm lucky enough to have my own little 'creative corner' - the smallest bedroom in my home. I set the room aside for crafting as soon as I moved in, but the room itself has been in a constant state of evolution.

Over time, I have come to realise that I work best - and can focus more easily - if I am in a calm, clean and clutter-free setting. This means that I have had to find 'a place' for everything! The materials and tools that I use most often are all stored on, or around, my corner desk. I adore the little 'cubbies' underneath the desk - and store my sewing machine, my packaging materials and some beading materials that I use often (but not quite often enough for them to sit on top of my desk.) 

While I'm beading, my desk is usually clear and clutter-free (but when I'm paper-crafting and it looks like all hell has broken loose) and I will have a small selection of materials to hand. The wicker baskets on the left-hand side of the desk contain my stash of pearls and fire-polished beads. The plastic boxes in the corner contain my selection of glass, ceramics, natural stones and gemstones. The little dish on top contains my small (teeny) selection of Swarovski crystal, stones and pearls.

On the right, my Beadsmith 'Bead Tower' stores all of my seed beads  (I still only have a small selection!) This is usually on the floor, just to the right-hand side of the desk, but it's handy enough to pull up and look through when I need a new size, shape or colour to work with.

My Creative Corner Essentials

There are a few things that I have come to value in my creative corner and excellent lighting is at the top of the list. The room is usually quite light and bright, but during the long evenings (and the endless winters) I use a Daylight Lamp for colour selection - and to extend my working hours. I would also be completely lost with my bead scoop and my Thread Zapper. Completely and utterly lost!

The most exciting addition to my creative corner has been my ASUS Transformer. When I'm busy creating, it sits on one side of the desk in it's 'tablet form' so that I can have instant access to all of my favourite music on Spotify. When I'm busy working on the not-so-fun stuff, like invoicing, I use it in it's keyboard setting, like a little laptop. It has totally transformed the way that I work within my creative corner - no more cables for a start!

For me, making my space work has meant putting function first and beauty second. There is nothing wrong with having a craft room (or an alcove, or a bookshelf) that looks pretty, but if it doesn't work functionally, you won't be inspired to actually use it!

Next week, I'll be interviewing the lovely Gail from Rocks For Frocks. I hope you'll join me for a little peek at her Creative Corners. 

I Chose Creating

Sadly, I've been away from home since last week attending a family funeral, so I haven't had much chance to pop online and let everyone that voted for creating, rather than cleaning that I did manage to squeeze in a little bit more crafting before I tidied away my Blue Moon Beads stash. So, how about a quick peek at what I made?

I chose to stick with bronze components (well, they were already covering every available crafting surface.) This pendant is made very simply using Large Rope Rings - which came in a pack with several sizes - and some smaller Bronze Jumprings from the Blue Sky 2013 Collection. Set inside each circle are some faceted acrylic beads from the PB&J Bead Mix, hung simply with Bronze Headpins and a Bronze Jumpring.

Another little rummage through the bronze stash uncovered this beautiful, bud-like chain from the Urban Warrior Collection. Each of the little 'buds' is already attached to the chain with teeny, tiny jumprings - so the time consuming, fiddly bit is done for you. All I needed to do was cut my chain into a few different lengths, attach them all to a Bronze Jumpring and add chain! It took no more than ten minutes - and most of that was the rummaging!

So, what's everyone else been up to this week? Have you perhaps been finishing up your Counterfeit Kit? Or maybe you've been starting on Telling Tales? Do let me know.....

Autumnal Greens & Golds

It's been a little while since I've managed to join in with the monthly challenge over at Operation Tackle That Beadstash, but this month's beautiful combination of autumnal greens and golds made me determined to make something; anything. So I had a little rummage through my stash. I came up with lots and lots of greens and almost no gold.

What I did find though was a few bobby pins, some gold wire and a little package of mixed green beads leftover from other projects. I then spent a happy half hour weaving and winding. I love making a little something out of (almost) nothing.

Counterfeit Card Kit {Counterfeit Kit Challenge}

I love the process of putting together my kits for the Counterfeit Kit Challenge each month so given the opportunity to put together a Card Kit, based on this month's Inspiration Kit, I became a little bit excited! Another kit to put together? Where do I sign? 

I wanted a card kit that would work well with my main kit because I knew that I'd eventually want to start mixing things together, especially when it comes to all the little leftovers. With that in mind, I started with some 6x6 papers from Studio Calico's Heydey and Dear Lizzy's Neopolitan, which will co-ordinate perfectly with the selection I put into my main kit. Some amazingly awesome patterned papers from Lawn Fawn's Dewey Decimal Collection and Ils' Summer Dreamer, along with some plain cardstock in complementary colours added more options, but not so many that I'll feel overwhelmed!

I used this 3 x3 Envy Template to emulate the cute, little envelopes in the Inspiration Kit. Then used the rest of the sheets to make some card bases to fit - I do like my mini-cards! 

As I still had a lot of embellishments, including ribbon and buttons in my main kit, so I went with an ecelectic mix of little stickers, rosettes, resin flowers and leaves that were just 'hanging around' on my desk and then threw in a couple of plain washi tapes for good measure. 

No card kit is complete without some multi-purpose stamps, so I've included two sets from Lawn Fawn's recent release - Happy Everything which literally covers all eventualities - seriously, no card-maker should be without this little gem of a stamp set -  and A Birdie Told Me, which makes a lovely change from using banners and labels.

So, although it might be nearly the end of the month, I still have some counterfeiting to share with you before the next inspiration kit is revealed on the 5th October. Stick with me.

Challenges And Experiments! {Counterfeit Kit Challenge}

September is always a little bit of a crazy month - working in a university means that as soon as autumn arrives, we're welcoming new students; catching up with old friends and working, working, working. This is really the first day this month that I've had chance to catch my breath and I've enjoyed working on a few things in my little craft room. Unfortunately, that doesn't include tidying! It's such a mess! 

Thankfully, the weather has been a little brighter today, so I've managed to take some better photographs of the layouts I've made for the Counterfeit Kit Challenge, and here's my take on Master Forger Challenge #1. The aim was to use something from our stash - either a tool or embellishment - that we love but haven't used for a while. Inspired by the Organise This theme for the month, I dug out a couple of punches that haven't seen the light of day for some time!

I've been wanting to experiment a little with some different sizes and shapes of layouts and I'm so pleased with the result - even if it does have a photograph of me on it!

Master Forger Challenge #2 was a little more....challenging. Basing a layout on an inspiring character from one of my favourite books or television shows didn't come easily. I was getting a little panicky, when I spotted John Le Carre's, The Constant Gardener on my bookshelf. I've hidden some journalling away about my own favourite 'Constant Gardener' - my dad - but the gardening theme is easy to spot! 

I decided that a little more experimentation was in order and although I'm not as pleased with the overall balance of the layout - I'm just not feeling the 12x12 at the moment - I am pleased with my layering. Leaving each layer 'looser' than normal and adding some distressing has really given my layout some extra dimension. I've used some stamps from Lawn Fawn's Check This Out and Flutterby to add some embellishment - they were just perfect for this layout!

There's more to share, but you'll have to wait a little bit longer. In the meantime tell me, have you been experimenting with your scrapbooking recently?

You Can Go Your Own Way {September's Counterfeit Kit}

It's my favourite day of the month - the day of the Counterfeit Kit Challenge Inspiration Kit Reveal - and this time around I'm the Guest Designer. I'm just a little bit excited! This month, we're counterfeiting The August 2012 Kit from Birds Of A Feather and choosing three extra elements from CHA Summer 2012.

The first thing that you'll probably notice about my Counterfeit Kit is that it looks nothing like the inspiration kit - and that's a little unusual for me. Normally, I will follow the inspiration kit fairly closely, taking my inspiration from the colours, patterns and embellishments to make up a kit which, if not exactly the same, at least resembles the original. I tried to do that this time around and just ended up with a kit that I knew I would never, ever use. I loved each of the individual pieces, but as a kit, they just weren't inspiring me.

So, I knew that I needed a different approach second time around. I looked at each of the elements from the inspiration kit and chose the one that I loved the most - Studio Calico's 'Cubical'. From there, in the same way that I normally approach the full inspiration kit, I worked with the colours and patterns contained with that one piece of patterned paper to build a counterfeit kit that I absolutely adore.

And that's one of the best parts of creating your own kits, if it doesn't inspire you, you haven't lost anything. You can put all of your papers and pretty embellishments away and start again if you want to! 

I've included a lot of embellishments in my kit - or a least a lot for me - taking my cues from the inspiration kit, but giving them a personal twist. I've included baker's twine, but changed the colours to work with my patterned papers and card-stock; the cute wire hangers have been substituted with some heart shaped paper-clips that have been in my stash for too long; and the Maya Road Pennants have been replaced with some Elle's Studio Pennant Labels and dinky, little banner that I handmade using stamps from Lawn Fawn's Bannerific and my trusty sewing machine. I've also added in four different alphas, buttons, beads, a little bit of bling and some pretty journalling cards from a selection of free downloads at Write. Click. Scrapbook.

To call my kit complete, I just need to decided on three things that had caught my eye from the latest CHA. Easier said than done, right? I finally narrowed down my wish list to the Plano Cling Stamp by Hero Arts/Studio Calico, which I've substituted with another Hero Arts Doily Stamp that was in my collection; the Heyday Thoughts Stamps from Studio Calico (specifically the uber-cool chevron style arrow) which I've substituted with the amazing Arrows Stencil from Sodalicious; and the cute, little Die-cut & Canvas Flowers from Basic Grey's Serenade Collection which I've handmade using several sizes of paper punches and a little bit of bling.

I'll be sharing a tutorial for the flowers (the simplest tutorial of all time!) along with a tutorial on creating your own pennant banner over the next week. I'll make sure that the tutorials appear in the September Mr. Linky, so that you know when to pop back. 

Now, I don't know about you, but I am dying to find out how the Master Forgers have got along creating their own versions of the inspiration kit (and, of course, I'm looking forward to seeing all of your versions very soon!) Your next stop is the lovely Crystal over at Creations Of My Heart, but you can always return to the Counterfeit Kit Challenge, if you get lost along the way. Go be inspired!

It's Autumn. Believe.

Over the weekend, I delved into one of my boxes of scraps (the large one full of long, thin strips of patterned paper) to make a sweet and simple card. The combination of colours that I chose reminded me instantly of autumn - although I could, of course, have been thinking about it subconsciously when I chose the colours. Who knows?

To decorate my card, I've used some of the teeny, tiny leaves and flowers from Lawn Fawn's Flutterby set; finishing off with a cute sentiment (which is part of the main sentiment from the same set.) Quite simple really. 

I'm thinking that I might just sit down and make a whole batch of cards, all with little strips, stitching and some stamping. It could be the perfect way to whittle down my box of scraps, while wasting away a happy, little autumn afternoon.

Learning Something New - Mini Album

I'm eagerly anticipating the start of Shimelle's Learn Something New Every Day at the weekend.I've taken part in this annual class many times and there is something wonderfully about revisiting an old favourite. One lesson that I have learnt the hard way though, is that if I don't prepare for the class, I never finish my album!

Using August's Counterfeit Kit has made it fairly easy to get started. I cut down a lot of cardstock and patterned papers to 3 x 5 inches, 'chomped' all of the corners and punched a hole in one end of each piece. To start making the base album feel a little bit more 'lived in', I've decorated the front using a little spritz of Mister Huey's Calico Shine; added a patterned paper effect with the camera stamp from Lawn Fawn's Say Cheese Too; and added a title with some Sassafras Alphas.

Inside the album, I've started to add some additional pattern with the chevron stamp from Papersmooches Geographic - it stamps wonderfully and, because it's a clear stamp, it's so easy to build up the pattern to create a fuller effect - and some extra embellishment with some of the smaller stamps from Papersmooches Teen Routine.

It's shaping up to be a fun album, full of colour and pattern - which is one reason why I love mini-albums, they really give you a chance to experiment with new ideas, products and techniques. Looks like I've started learning already!

Is anyone else planning on taking part this year? Have you done your preparation? Please let me know so that I can come and take a look. You see the best thing about starting class, is all the new friends!

Mini Lovin', Card Makin' {August's Counterfeit Kit}

It might seem a little late, but my Counterfeit Kit is finally ready for it's reveal. I've had hugely hectic month - and my little craft room looks like the four riders of the apocalypse stopped by for a spot of fun - so trying to find the time (and, um, find the supplies under all the mess) has made putting my kit together a little more difficult this month.

As Stitching On Paper (my very first paper-crafting class!) will wind down next weekend, I'm looking forward to starting Shimelle's annual class - Learn Something New Everyday - at the beginning of September. Having taken the class for the past two or three years now, I know that the best way for my to finish the class - with a complete album - is to prepare everything in advance. So, I've designed this month's Counterfeit Kit with that in mind.

I've once again pulled out my (now dwindling) box of scraps and have chosen papers from American Crafts, Echo Park, We Are Memory Keepers, Crate Paper and Bazill which echoed the colours and patterns from the inspiration kit - Summer Lovin'. I've then cut these papers down to 3x5 inches, chomped the corners and punched a hole in the end - creating the base for a mini album.

I've saved all of the scraps from cutting the pages for my mini-album and, as I'm hoping to have a card making session with a good friend very soon, I've added in some extra cardstock and that beautiful, chevron fabric paper from American Crafts. *swoon*

In order to choose my extras I made a small list of the embellishments in the inspiration kit and then set to with my stamp sets from Make The Day Special. I've used stamps from Say Cheese Too, Admit One,  Learning Year By Year and Blossom Stackers to create stars, circles, cameras and tickets. Then added a healthy dose of alphas, sequins, ric rac, sentiments, ribbon and twine. 

All based on the inspiration kit, but with my own little twists! You know how it is, right?

Stitching On Paper - Inspired By Cross Stitch

After spending most of the evening fiddling around with manuals, plug sockets and wiring, I have internet again. Hurrah! How did anyone cope before Google, Twitter and Facebook? Maybe I have a little bit of a problem?

And, moving on! Who's ready for some more Stitching On Paper? In today's installment, Stitching On Paper - Inspired By Cross Stitch, I'm joined by Guest Designer Sian Fair, as we take a look a contemporary twist on a traditional craft. 

I've been so amazed and gratified to see people starting to create their own Stitching On Paper projects this week, based on some of the earlier lessons in the class. It really makes all of my hard work seem worthwhile, so thank you so much!

Check out the Stitching On Paper - Introduction to see some of the projects that have been linked up so far, or link your up your own project using stitching to have the chance of winning a pretty little package of paper-crafting supplies.

Stitching On Paper - Inspired By Embroidery

In today's installment of Stitching On Paper, I'm joined by Guest Designer Lisa Hausman, as we expand our stitching credentials and get Inspired By Embroidery. There are inspirational projects, tons of tips and a collection of lovely links to help you learn. 

I'd recommend getting yourself a cuppa - and maybe a packet of biscuits - before settling down to read through today's download. You'll head off to look through all of the links and I guarantee that it could be hours before you resurface! Enjoy! x

Stitching On Paper - Inspired By Stamping

Morning! Ready for some more Stitching On Paper? We've learnt the basics of hand and machine stitching, but now we're going to start looking at how our stitching can be inspired by some more familiar crafts like stamping, embroidery and cross stitch. 

In today's part of the class, Stitching On Paper - Inspired By Stamping, I'm joined by Guest Designers Julie Kirk and Mel H. We've all interpreted our use of stamping and stitching a little differently, so there's plenty of inspiration. 

Remember that if you've been inspired by the class, I'd love to see what you've created. You could win a little something! Have a lovely weekend! x

PS Last week's Guest Designer, Jennifer Grace, has a little stitching template available on her blog. It's the cute cloud from last week's layout. Go get it!

Stitching On Paper - Inspired To Stitch By Hand

Well, it's a little later than I expected but I'm having a little bit of a manic weekend - and am busy juggling house guests, far too many loads of laundry and ... um, a craft class. When I over-commit myself I really like to do it properly. Let's move on swiftly, shall we?

This morning’s Stitching On Paper - Introduction looked at all of the tools and supplies that you’ll need to start hand stitching. Hopefully, by now, you’ll have rummaged through your craft stash and will have everything that you need to hand.

If stitching on paper is something new to you, you might still be feeling a little apprehensive – so how about a little bit of inspiration to whet the appetite? In the next part of our class - Inspired To Stitch By Hand - you'll find projects from Guest Designers Jennifer Grace and Lara Watson. There's also a tutorial and template for creating your own hand stitched card. 

If you’re inspired by any of the techniques and tutorials featured in Stitching On Paper, please feel free to post your projects on your own blog, in your own online communities, anywhere!

You can post a link to your projects using the Mr. Linky in the Stitching On Paper – Introduction so that I, and all of the other class participants, can ‘ooh and ahh’ over your project.

And – just in case the recognition of your fellow classmates isn’t enough of an incentive to share – at the end of the class, I’ll be picking one participant at random to receive the rather splendid prize pictured above. The prize includes patterned papers from Crate Paper, Prima, American Crafts and We Are Memory Keepers,; American Crafts 'Fellow' Thickers; Elle's Studio Pink Pennants; Embroidery Threads; Organza Ribbon; Doilies; K & Co. Diecuts; A Clear Mini Frame; Floral Embellishment - and the latest edition of Scrap 365. 


Also included (but not pictured) is this super cute, Papersmooches Stamp Set - Summer Grooves - kindly sponsored by my lovely Design Team Co-ordinator, Emily from Make The Day Special.

So, what are you waiting for, get stitching!

Stitching On Paper Class - Introduction

Welcome to the first day of class! I have been absolutely overwhelmed by the response already. Thank you so to all of my followers - new and old - for all of the comments and well wishes that you've left me this week! It's so very much appreciated!

All of the class materials will be available via the Stitching On Paper Collection over on Scribd. You should be able to view all of the class materials without an account, though you may need to create a (free) account to print or download. I hope this suits everyone - there just seemed to be too much material for each part of the class to pack into one or two blog posts!

The first part of the class, Stitching On Paper - Introduction is a simple hunting and gathering exercise, to help you ease into the weekend - and the idea of learning - gently. I'll be back later on today with the first tutorial, some inspirational projects and the details of that prize I mentioned! Enjoy x