NEW CLASS TIMETABLE!!!!

As promised it's HERE!!! My NEW craft class timetable! I am really looking forward to having a great time with you at these events - there is something to suit everyone! Just click on the image above to go to Google Docs. Don't forget my Newsletter Subscribers receive PRIORITY booking so make sure you are signed up to receive it!

Happy Crafting!
Becky

ps: Torn between several sessions? Why not ask for vouchers this Christmas and go to both?! Find out more HERE.

Gorgeous Gifts...

This Christmas family and friends may want to celebrate by getting you a special gift.
But what to get?!

Socks? Novelty jumper? Inflatable dartboard?

Or something you ACTUALLY want? You can set up a gift list and take the guesswork out of the whole thing - it ensures you receive gifts you love, makes it easy for others to shop and ensures there are no duplications!

With a great range of high quality products, you can register for my gift list absolutely free, with the flexibility to manage your list plus free gift wrapping*. You, your family and friends can shop in person, on-line or by phone.

If you'd like a longer time to choose, or you're after a larger item, why not ask for gift vouchers instead? I offer vouchers for classes as well as products so there is something to suit everybody! I'll keep a record of everyone who chooses to give them, so you won't miss anyone off your thank you list.

Why opt for the Crafting Becky gift list? 

It's free - right through from registration to collection You'll find a huge range of gifts for all budgets, and you can add vouchers to your list too It's easy for your family and friends to buy a present on-line or by phone We keep track of your gifts to help you write your thank you notes You know you're getting great value - on exclusive items that are not available in the shops!  Digital Downloads are also available for the Digital Crafter! FREE gift wrapping service*

What do I do next?

• Email me at craftingbecky@gmail.com to let me know you are taking part.
• Then comes the fun bit! Look through the catalogues and make a list of all the items you want, making a note if you want clear / wood mounted stamps. If you prefer to look at the available products on-line then visit my shop HERE.
• Send me the list, sit back, and relax!
• When friends or family ask you what you want for Christmas, simply pass them my email, telephone or website details and I will do the rest!

Happy Shopping!

* 1 Free Wrapped Gift per £25 spend. Additional gift wrapping available at charge. 

NEW Swing Cards made EASY!

These dies are amazing! Love Love Love! I am awaiting my delivery in the post with extreme excitement and anticipation - samples will follow I assure you!

In the meantime check out the video below to find out more:

Stampin᾿Up! Supplies

Label Card Thinlits Die

Circle card Thinlits Die

Big Shot Die-Cut Machine

Introducing 'My Digital Studio'

Hello! As you are all aware I haven't been very well lately, but as I need to keep my mind active I've been having a good play with My Digital Studio (MDS). I hope you like the results?

I thought I would start by using one of the pre-designed templates that are included with the MDS and I love it! The templates are great for introducing you to all the features without feeling overwhelmed.

I plan on learning lots more about MDS through the extensive on-line tutorials via YouTube and www.mydigitalstudio.net

Here is a Short video giving you an overview of My Digital Studio:

*Please note that the professional print services are not yet available in the UK

Finally would you like to try My Digital Studio FREE for 30 days?

If so just click the link below to take you to my shop. Simple add the FREE trial to your basket and check out - there are NO postage or handling charges applied to Digital ONLY orders.

Stampin᾿Up! Supplies

Mds Free Trial - Digital Download

Mds Download - Digital Download

Hello Again!

I decided to take a bit of a break over the summer (hence my blog being so quiet) and to finish it off with a lovely 2 week holiday in Taba, Egypt. The scenery was stunning, food tasty, weather perfect and snorkelling straight off the beach was AMAZING!!! For the first time ever Matthew and I will definitely be visiting the same hotel again in the future! Check out the view from our balcony below:

Unfortunately on our very last day as we were about to get on our transfer coach for the airport I was taken very unwell, blood pressure dropping so low I was losing consciousness! A missed flight and several IV drips later I was deemed fit enough to fly home and am now under strict orders from the doctor to rest up for a few weeks. I am on the mend but not there yet, so with this in mind please be patient with me in the coming weeks as I slowly get back into the swing of things!

Tips and Tricks Tuesday - Not just cards...

How many of you make cards or scrapbook pages and leave it at that? I know I did for a long time and almost got stuck in a bit of a rut. So, I thought I would give you a list of 5 alternative ideas to get you thinking and exploring outside the box! Who knows, it might even save you some money?!

1) Gift Tags!

Make your own stylish gift tags to give a nice gift some real Wow factor! They are so easy to make - for a wine bottle tag cut a strip of card approximately 8" x 3". Punch a large circle out of one end and score so that when the tag is placed over the bottle neck it hangs down nicely. Decorate!

2) Wrapping paper!

Wrapping paper is pricey these days, so why not make your own? When you receive a delivery from Stampin' Up! it comes with loads of brown paper (to protect the products in the parcel). I spread the brown paper out on my floor, and liberally spray the area with 'smooch' shimmer spray, and TaDa! Super pretty shimmery wrapping paper for next to nothing :). Alternatively why not stamp a design over the paper?

3) Christmas Decorations!

Ok I know, I have mentioned the dreaded C word in July... But as seasoned crafters we know how time can sneak up on us until we are frantically rushing at the last minute. Well the new Christmas catalogue comes out on the 29th August (Squeak! So excited!), and I am not allowed to show you before then... But why not take some inspiration from last year's hot cover design above?

4) Party Packs!

With the summer upon us, it is time to get out the bunting and fire up the BBQ for party season, but have you thought about how you can craft to make your event even more special? From wedding favours and packaging, to bunting, and cute cake labels (how about 'contains nuts' for allergy sufferers for example), your crafting talents can make an event magical!

5) Get Customising!

Customising clothing is an idea that goes way back, when consumers had less and needed to be more thrifty - well that trend is having a massive resurgence and there are literally 1000's of ideas out there. All credit for this particular fantastic idea goes straight to Melody H, a concept artist from Stampin' Up! over the pond... How amazing is that lamp! Using a cheap Ikea lamp, some embossing powder and the lovely 'Regarding Dahlias' stamp set she has created a one-of-a-kind work of art!

What could you stamp at home to give it a new lease of life?

Well I hope you feel a little inspired, and don't forget to check back in a fortnight for the next Tips and Tricks Tuesday.

Happy Crafting, B.

IT'S HERE! The 2013 - 2014 Stampin' Up! Catalogue!

Today is the day! I have been so excited, but it's finally HERE! Allow me to introduce you to the BRAND NEW fabulous Stampin' Up! catalogue:

I am so thrilled to be able to bring you a LOT of new top quality stamps and accessories - that all coordinate of course!

In addition, Stampin' Up! have launched a great special offer to celebrate the catalogue launch:

Don't forget to look in the NEW catalogue to see the stamp sets!

I will leave you to browse, but check back soon to see some creations using the new products, and my top picks in the new range!

Happy Crafting!

Stampin᾿Up! Supplies

Sassy Salutations	Sweet Essentials	Petite Pairs	Sassy Salutations Clear-Mount Stamp Set
Sweet Essentials Clear-Mount Stamp Set	Petite Pairs - Clear-Mount Stamp

The Best of 25 Years!

This year Stampin' Up! turns 25 years old! To celebrate we have launched FIVE limited edition collections of some of the favourite stamp images from the last quarter century! This month sees the turn of the Best of Flowers - and the set is available until 31st March 2014. They are fabulous images, and even better, each set contains one never-before-seen image!

Here is my creation using the gorgeous never before seen daisy image, which matches the 1-1/4" scallop circle punch exactly - we love product coordination!

Here is the whole set:

It is available in clear mount and is priced at £13.95 - each month will have a different theme set released - any guesses to what it will be?

There are also TWO sneak peeks on this card of brand NEW products from the catalogue which is release on the 2nd July 2013! Not long to wait now...

The gorgeous Artisan Label Punch, and a stamp from the set 'Really Good Greetings'
Do you like them? I do!

That's all from me, except to say that the usual Tips and Tricks Tuesday post on the 2nd July will be replaced with a post about the NEW catalogue - I can't wait!

Happy Crafting,
Becky

Tips and Tricks Tuesday - Perfect Positioning

I am a perfectionist. There is no doubt about it, I like to have things just right, and never more so than when I am stamping! The Stamp-a-ma-jig is the perfect tool to keep you from ever ruining a whole project with a crooked image or sentiment again! 

I know many of you out there have these fabulous gadgets, but keep forgetting the best way to use them, so here is a reminder for you, and some top tips to streamline your stamping process too... 

1. Align the imaging sheet into corner of tool. Ink up stamp, then align stamp block with the corner of tool. Stamp onto the imaging sheet.
2. Position the stamped imaging sheet over the card stock where you want the image to appear.
3. Keeping imaging sheet in place, fit the corner of the tool to the imaging sheet. Keeping the tool still, now remove the imaging sheet. Ink up stamp then align stamp block with the corner of the tool. Stamp onto your project!

I hope that all helps you as a quick reminder! 

Here is a wedding card I made for a friend that uses the Stamp-a-ma-jig to position the various layers on the cake:

Now one of the annoying things I find is when I am positioning a number of stamps - I keep having to clean off the imaging sheet... BUT you can make your own permanent imaging sheets by using Stampin' Up! window sheet and some StazOn ink!

I use these sheets for sets I use often, and just keep the sheets in the case with the stamps. Please remember this only works for WOOD mounted stamps!

Here's how to make them:

1. Cut your window sheets to a size that is proportional to the stamps. I like to use pieces that are roughly 4" x 3" but it is entirely up to you.
2. Use the steps outlined above, but replace the imaging sheet with your piece of window sheet. Make sure to stamp using StazOn ink or the images will rub off!
3. Don't forget that you can add a stamp to each corner of the window sheet - 4 stamps a sheet!
4. I like to place a dot on the corner of the wood block, that fits into the corner of the imaging tool - this helps me to remember which way round the stamp needs to go!

Well that's all from me, Happy Crafting!

Stampin᾿Up! Supplies

Stamp-A-Ma-Jig	Wedding Words Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel	Make A Cake	Punch Pack
Basic Rhinestones Jewel Accents	Card Stock A4 Soft Sky	Whisper White A4 Card Stock	Crumb Cake A4 Card Stock
Soft Sky Classic Stampin' Pad

Tips and Tricks Tuesday - Super Scraps

We all have them. Admit it. Those tiny little scraps of paper that are just too nice to throw away, or a size that you are 'sure' you can use for Something...

Well something has arrived!

Let me introduce you to the patchwork scrap card:

They are dead easy to make:

1. Grab a selection of offcuts and scraps of paper in a variety of patterns and colours. Don't worry if they don't all quite match perfectly, or even slightly - it's part of the charm!
2. Choose a design - keep it simple, and in 'block' shapes. Try searching online for ideas and inspiration - I searched 'patchwork bird house' but other great ones are 'patchwork cupcake / owl / teacup'.
3. Starting from the biggest shape, hand cut out a scrap of about the right size. Hand cutting gives a wonderful not-quite-perfect feel which is exactly what you are looking for in this type of project.
4. Draw faux stitching around the edge of each piece of paper - a black or brown fine nib is perfect. If you are feeling very adventurous you could even try sewing around the shapes for real - just be careful they don't tear too much.
5. Mount the shapes onto your card to compose the final design. Add any finishing details such as ribbon or buttons and Voilà! 

A little close up of some of the detailing for you.

I have roughed up the edges of my card to add to the rustic feel, and there is a great little tool in the spring/summer catalogue that is perfect for the job:

Each of the notches contains a fine blade, but as they are recessed, it is safer to have around the house, and much easier to use! Let me know if you need one, or search for distressing tool at my new online shop!

Check it out at www.craftingbecky.stampinup.net it's full of all sorts of goodies, but please bear in mind it is still a work in progress... ...Let me know your thoughts!

Happy Crafting, Becky.

Stampin᾿Up! Supplies

Bird Punch	Stampin' Distress Tool	1-1/4 Inch Circle Punch	Polka Dot Parade Designer Series Paper
Brights A4 Card Stock	Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker	Calypso Coral Baker's Twine	Naturals White A4 Card Stock

Retiring List 2013

Well it's here! The retiring list for 2013 has arrived and once it's gone, IT'S GONE  FOREVER!!!

I will be placing regular orders, the first being TODAY (Friday 31st May). Some things HAVE ALREADY SOLD OUT so please let me know what your order is as soon as possible to ensure you get what you need!

Below are the links to view the retiring items:

• Retiring Stamps (Available 31 May–1 July 2013, or while supplies last)
  • PDF
  • Sortable Excel file
• Retiring Accessories (Available 31 May–1 July 2013, or while supplies last)
  • PDF
  • Sortable Excel file

Many items have been discounted, some by up to 50%

Have a browse, and I look forward to processing your order.

Happy Crafting, Becky

Tips and Tricks Tuesday - Custom Colour Glitter Paper!

Hello and welcome to the latest instalment of my tips and tricks series! Today I want to share with you one of my favourite ways to add some sparkle to a creation: the addition of glimmer paper.

Glimmer paper is a form of glitter coated card, available in 12" x 12" sheets in either Silver, Red or Champagne. I LOVE the silver one and here is why - 

You can colour it to match any project you are working on!

Here it is in its normal silver colouring:

Check out that sparkle!!

And here is the silver glimmer paper side by side with some coloured with Rich Razzleberry ink:

It is a really simple technique - I promise!

1. Take a small piece of glimmer paper, slightly larger than the finished piece you need (I usually add on about 1/4"). 
2. Colour all over the glimmer paper using the BRUSH TIP of a Stampin' Write marker pen in your choice of colour. I find that the darker and richer colours are most effective.
3. Wait for the ink to dry. This could take a little while, so go make a cuppa! Alternatively you can gently dry the ink using a heat tool.
4. Punch your butterfly or other shape from your perfectly coordinated glimmer paper!

I hope you like this technique as much as I do?

Happy Crafting, Becky x