Stamping Techniques - Hopping Around The World

Hello and welcome to another blog hop around the World!  This month we are sharing our favourite stamping techniques.

If you are joining me from Mai in France or, starting here with me in the UK - welcome!  Why not grab a cuppa and hop along with us - we have lots of fabulous techniques and ideas for you this month? 

I love creating my own backgrounds for my projects and, this week for my Coffee & Cards sessions we have been creating watercolour backgrounds with the Aqua Painters.

However, there is another way to create watercolour backgrounds that I love to use too.

You will need:
Stamp Block - size E
Watercolour Paper
Stampin' Write Markers in your choice of colours
Stampin' Spritzer
Clean paper towels and water

Step 1 - scribble!
I used the brush tip to add colour to the block.  I promise I did add some Pool Party ink to the block but it is such a pale colour!

Step 2 - spritz
Just plain water, four sprays is enough!

Step 3 - 'stamp'
Turn the block over and press down firmly onto the water colour paper.  You can see the colours start to blend and smoosh around.

Top Tip #1
Lift the block slightly a couple of times to encourage the colours to move and smoosh around!

Step 3 - dab!

Top Tip #2
Use a clean paper towel to mop up any excess puddles.

Step 4 - leave to dry

Top Tip #4
If the paper curls, place under a clean stamping block to flatten.

I love this technique - different results every single time!  Of course, you can use more than the two colours I did and you can add splatters on top if you like too.  SO many ideas, so little time!

Now all I needed to do was to use the background.

I have just received the cutest stamp set as part of Sale-A-Bration - Little Ladybug and the coordinating dies.

So some stamping, die cutting and colouring with the Stampin' Blends and I had my finished project!

This soft and subtle background was just perfect for the bold and bright colouring of these cute little ladybirds.

I'll share details of how I made the card in another post next week along with details of how you can get the Little Ladybug stamp set for free!

Now it's time to hop over to Maureen Rauchfuss in the USA who is sharing a paper piecing technique this month.

Thanks for hopping along with us, if you get lost a list of participants can be found below.

Happy crafting!

Susan xx

Hop Participants

1.    Claudiasecke (D) - Half-Cut Technique

2.    Rebecca-Jo Unwin (Australia) - not this time

3.    Rachel Macleod (UK): Water Stamping

4.    Jennifer Downey (USA) - not this time

5.    Mo Rootes (UK) - Masking and paper piecing

6.    Sandra Herzog (AT) - Rock’n’Roll Technique

7.    Margriet Siekman (NL) - not this time

8.    Melanie Igelbrink (D)

9.    Maï Chapelain (France)

10. Tanja Klingler-Selinger (AUSTRIA) - not this time

11. Susan Simpson (UK) - Water Colour Backgrounds   You are here!

12. Maureen Rauchfuss (USA) - Paper Piecing

13. Sheila Turner (Canada) - not this time

14. Pamela Poli (FR) - not this time

Thank you so much for looking at my Blog today, if you don't have a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and you live in the UK, I would love to be yours!  

If you need to order any supplies, simply use my “shop with me” button or click on the catalogue links on the right. Alternatively, contact me and I would be happy to place an order for you.

If you would like copies of either of the current catalogues let me know and I will pop them in the post for you.  If you prefer, you can view online versions by clicking the links to the right of this post.  The Spring/Summer and Sale-A-Bration catalogues are now available - please message me if you would like copies.

Would you like to receive a FREE gift from me? 

All orders placed directly with me or online receive a handmade card from me as a thank you but did you know that all orders over £20 (excluding postage) will receive a gift from me too?  If you use the current Hostess Code I will pop something in with your order or post directly to you.  (Please remember to allow me to access your contact details otherwise I won't be able to contact you).

If your order is over £150 please don't use the code as you will receive your own Stampin' Rewards.  You will still receive a card and a gift from me.

If you are local to me and can collect, I’m happy for you to piggyback one of my orders to save on postage.

If you have any questions, I’m happy to help.  You can email me susan_merrey@yahoo.co.uk or telephone 07905 403 823.

Thank you for shopping with me and supporting my business! 

Craftyduckydoodah! Pick & Mix Craft Day

Here are all the details for my Pick & Mix Craft Day that's taking place on Saturday 15th February by the riverside at the beautiful All Saints' Church, Hartford (Huntingdon).

Join me for a full day of crafting where you can pick which projects you want to make.  Make a single project or as many as you can fit in, lots to choose from - the choice is yours!

£15 entry fee payable in advance and includes lunch, tea/coffee all day and cake in the afternoon.  You will also receive a little something extra from me too! 

There will also be a raffle and a game of prize BINGO during the lunch break.

Doors open at 10am with lunch available from 12.  Our day will end at 4pm.  For directions to the Church, please click HERE.

Everyone is welcome to join us including children, you don't need to be an expert crafter; projects are suitable for beginners with a little guidance.

Odering Bonus
Place an order on the day and you will receive a credit for 10% of the order value to use during February.

Magazines
Well what can I say - I have hundreds of them and the time has come to part with some.  I will bring an assortment of papercraft magazines with me - many still have the cover gift attached too - a bargain at  £1 each or 5 for £3!!

What to bring with you
You will need a basic tool kit of scissors, poky tool and bone folder.  You will also need to bring your preferred adhesives.  I will have a small supply of adhesives available for sale on the day just in case you forget or run out!

You will have the use of my inks, tools and stamps.  I will bring a selection of sentiment stamps with me for you to choose from too.

Bring A Friend
Bring a friend with you who has not crafted with me before and you will both receive a little gift from me from my lucky dip box.  Just let me know when you book.

Poppy Wreath £7.50
I love this project!  Available with a choice of a dark or light wicker wreath.  Can be hung or if you place the flowers differently, used to surround a pillar candle (not included).

Seriously The Best (Project Kit) £30
Create cards for you to use or gift the cards in the designer box that is included in the kit.

Makes 16 cards - 4 each of 4 designs.

Three Cheers For You (All Inclusive Kit) £25
Create beautiful all occasion cards in minutes with this all inclusive kit that is perfect for new crafters or anyone who needs cards in a hurry!

Kit makes 12 cards, 3 each of 4 designs using the included stamp set.  

Vase of Poppies £7.50
Make a posy of poppies, includes a glass Karaffe (15cm) and wheat stalks. 

I popped some tissue in my vase so you could see it better in the photograph.  I think I will add some glass nuggets to mine too but I need to find them first!!

For The Love of Felt (Project Kit) £30
Fun felt flowers add texture and dimension to these stunning cards (I like them a lot)!  Kit makes 12 cards; 3 each of 4 designs and includes a coordinating box to store them in or use as a gift box.

The project kit is suitable for those with some crafting experience but is still achievable by a beginner with a little assistance from yours truly!

A Frame Full of Daisies £14  (includes a full pack of Clear Faceted Jewels and Shadow Box Frame)
Create 9 stunning daisies and mount in a Shadow Box frame, this would make a lovely gift if you can bear to part with it of course!

Choice of Black or White frame and, if you would like to make your flowers in different colours, to suit your home decor perhaps,  please let me know as soon as possible.  Not entirely happy with this photo - it looks much nicer in person!

Jewellery Dabble
I'm just waiting for confirmation but wanted to give you a heads up.  There will be an opportunity to make a simple pair of earrings and a bangle too for a small fee with my lovely crafty friend Janet.  I will let you know further details when Janet returns from her holiday!

Important Stuff
Reserve your place for £15 as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.   Kits must be paid for in advance too so that I can order them in plenty of time to make sure they arrive for you. Deadline for kit orders is the 2nd February.

If you wish to make a project in a different colour please let me know no later than the 7th February, after this I date I will do my best to accommodate your preferences but can't promise as I will be busy prepping for the event.

Please note I have a limited supply of wreaths, frames and vases so please let me know as soon as possible which projects you want to complete and colour choice where applicable.

Any spare kits will be available on the day if you decide you want to add to your projects!

If you have any dietary requirements please let me know at the time of booking.

I will be ordering supplies for this event at the beginning of February so please ensure you contact me before then with your preferences.

I'm looking forward to spending a full day crafting with lots of lovely crafty people in the beautiful hall at the back of the Church.  If you fancy, and weather permitting, you may even choose to take the time for a stroll by the river to feed the ducks!

Hope all this makes sense, if you have any questions just let me know - always happy to help.

Hope you can join me.

Susan xx

Thank you so much for looking at my Blog today, if you don't have a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and you live in the UK, I would love to be yours!  

If you need to order any supplies, simply use my “shop with me” button or click on the catalogue links on the right. Alternatively, contact me and I would be happy to place an order for you.

If you would like copies of either of the current catalogues let me know and I will pop them in the post for you.  If you prefer, you can view online versions by clicking the links to the right of this post.  The Spring/Summer and Sale-A-Bration catalogues are now available - please message me if you would like copies.

Would you like to receive a FREE gift from me? 

All orders placed directly with me or online receive a handmade card from me as a thank you but did you know that all orders over £20 (excluding postage) will receive a gift from me too?  If you use the current Hostess Code I will pop something in with your order or post directly to you.  (Please remember to allow me to access your contact details otherwise I won't be able to contact you).

If your order is over £150 please don't use the code as you will receive your own Stampin' Rewards.  You will still receive a card and a gift from me.

If you are local to me and can collect, I’m happy for you to piggyback one of my orders to save on postage.

If you have any questions, I’m happy to help.  You can email me susan_merrey@yahoo.co.uk or telephone 07905 403 823.

Thank you for shopping with me and supporting my business! 

Poppy Moments - stepped up

Here are the details for our final project this week using the stunning Poppy Moments Dies.

For a change we are making a desk calendar for our second project.  Desk calendars are a lot of fun to make, they are fairly quick and easy and there are so many decorating possibilities.  

Card Base 29 x 10.5 cm scored at 14.5 cm A4 thick whisper white card.

We used a piece of the Golden Honey Speciality Designer Series Paper (free during Sale-A-Bration with a qualifying order) that was cut 5mm smaller than the card base (10 x 14 cm).

The calendar tab has been adhered onto a piece of Poppy Parade card with Tombow.

I then cut out one of the stunning large poppies and an assortment of buds, leaves and stems and arranged them.

The large poppy has been adhered with dimensionals and the leaves and stems have been curled and shaped for a little dimension then adhered with Tombow.

Two different shaped flower centres have been die cut from black card.  The first layer has been adhered with Tombow and the top layer with a mini dimensional.

Now for the technical bit.  My calendar has a top score so to make it more robust I added an extra piece of card to the inside.

I used a piece of thick ww card 10.5 x 10 cm.  On the 10cm edge score at 2.5 cm, 5 cm and 7.5 cm.  Crease all score lines to form a 'W' shape.

I then used lots of Tombow and adhered inside adhering one side at a time so as not to get in a sticky mess!

Here is the completed desk calendar.

The ladies at the local Care Home I visit love making these calendars each year.

This is the one we made last week using up some retired DSP from my stash and my favourite daisy stamp and punch.

Thanks to everyone who joined me this week, I hope you enjoy using your calendars.  Mine is sitting on my windowsill where I will no doubt forget to change the month for most of 2020!!  Next week we will be using a stamp set called The Power of Hope.

I'm off up to Leeds on Saturday for a much need hair cut - I'll be able to see what I am doing then!

Have a crafty weekend.

Susan xx

Thank you so much for looking at my Blog today, if you don't have a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and you live in the UK, I would love to be yours!  

If you need to order any supplies, simply use my “shop with me” button or click on the catalogue links on the right. Alternatively, contact me and I would be happy to place an order for you.

If you would like copies of either of the current catalogues let me know and I will pop them in the post for you.  If you prefer, you can view online versions by clicking the links to the right of this post.  The Spring/Summer and Sale-A-Bration catalogues are now available - please message me if you would like copies.

Would you like to receive a FREE gift from me? 

All orders placed directly with me or online receive a handmade card from me as a thank you but did you know that all orders over £20 (excluding postage) will receive a gift from me too?  If you use the current Hostess Code I will pop something in with your order or post directly to you.  (Please remember to allow me to access your contact details otherwise I won't be able to contact you).

If your order is over £150 please don't use the code as you will receive your own Stampin' Rewards.  You will still receive a card and a gift from me.

If you are local to me and can collect, I’m happy for you to piggyback one of my orders to save on postage.

If you have any questions, I’m happy to help.  You can email me susan_merrey@yahoo.co.uk or telephone 07905 403 823.

Thank you for shopping with me and supporting my business! 

Painted Poppies - quick & simple

Here are the details for our first project this week using a gorgeous stamp set called Painted Poppies.

There is something about the poppy that appeals to me- a splash of vibrant colour in a field of corn perhaps or a line in one of my favourite poems. 

'Through the dancing poppies stole A breeze, most softly lulling to my soul'. John Keats

I knew I needed this stamp set in my collection as soon as I saw it and, I knew what I was going to do with it too - exactly was it says on the stamp case, paint the poppies!!

Our first project this week is just what it says it is; quick and simple.  Well, it should have been but I struggled with this one - a lot!

A bout of indecisiveness befell me and I resorted to a post on facebook - so pleased that my crafty friends provided the solution!

Create This Project
I used the ww note cards for this project.  

Cut a Stitched Rectangle from Basic Black card and adhere to the note card with Tombow.

Cut the next size Stitched Rectangle from watercolour card.

Using an Aqua Painter, wet the bottom section of the watercolour panel with clean water.  Using Old Olive ink squeezed into the lid, smoosh across the bottom.

After cleaning the Aqua Painter, add more water across the top section of the panel.  Use Pool Party ink to create the sky.

Once the panel is dry, stamp the image with Stazon ink.

Top Tip
Press the stamp firmly and hold down for a little longer than normal to allow the ink to transfer to the textures watercolour card.

Using the Aqua Painter and Poppy Parade ink, dab colour into the centre of each flower.  Then, using Real Red ink add in a darker splodge to the centre of each flower.

Once dry the panel has been adhered with dimensionals.  I added a few of the Peaceful Poppies Sequins as a finishing touch.  These lovely little sequins are a mix of round and flower shaped (so cute), the pot contains 750 of them in five colours so they will last for ages.

Here is the completed card.  The photo below shows a soft and gentle background. 

However, you could add more colour to the background for a different look.

Difficult (for me) to decide which I prefer!  However most of the ladies who joined me on Monday went for the more intense version!

I am holding one further Coffee & Cards session this week on Thursday afternoon - you can find the details HERE.  Don't forget to let me know you are coming so I can prepare a kit for you!  

It's up to you which version of this project you choose to make, subtle or more intense.  You will also be able to change the background if you wish to.

Hope you can join me for a crafty coffee soon!

Susan xx

Thank you so much for looking at my Blog today, if you don't have a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and you live in the UK, I would love to be yours!  

If you need to order any supplies, simply use my “shop with me” button or click on the catalogue links on the right. Alternatively, contact me and I would be happy to place an order for you.

If you would like copies of either of the current catalogues let me know and I will pop them in the post for you.  If you prefer, you can view online versions by clicking the links to the right of this post.  The Spring/Summer and Sale-A-Bration catalogues are now available - please message me if you would like copies.

Would you like to receive a FREE gift from me? 

All orders placed directly with me or online receive a handmade card from me as a thank you but did you know that all orders over £20 (excluding postage) will receive a gift from me too?  If you use the current Hostess Code I will pop something in with your order or post directly to you.  (Please remember to allow me to access your contact details otherwise I won't be able to contact you).

If your order is over £150 please don't use the code as you will receive your own Stampin' Rewards.  You will still receive a card and a gift from me.

If you are local to me and can collect, I’m happy for you to piggyback one of my orders to save on postage.

If you have any questions, I’m happy to help.  You can email me susan_merrey@yahoo.co.uk or telephone 07905 403 823.

Thank you for shopping with me and supporting my business! 

Peaceful Poppies for Coffee & Cards

Hello, this week we will be using items from the Peaceful Poppies Suite for our projects.  

The Peaceful Poppies Suite is so popular and I'm not surprised at all!  Look at these beautiful line-art images that you can fill in with your choice of colouring techniques.

Our second project this week uses the Poppy Moments Dies.  I spent an enjoyable afternoon creating a pile of stunning flowers and leaves using these clever layering dies.

I made some flowers in different colours too.

This week we will be making a desk calendar and a simple watercolour card.  You will have to decide whether you prefer a soft water colour wash on your card or something a little more vibrant!

We will be stamping, doing lots of die cutting and water colouring with the Aqua Painters.

Here are the projects we will be making.

If you would like to join me, you can find me at the following locations next week.  * additional session on Monday evening by popular demand*

Monday Daytime - single project or both  
Venue:   Peate Close, Godmanchester
Time:     1pm  - 3pm
Cost:      £4.50 for a single project or £6 for both
              includes all materials, tuition and light refreshments.

*Monday Evening - single project or both
Venue:   Peate Close, Godmanchester
Time:     6:30 - 8:30 pm
Cost:      £4.50 for a single project or £6 for both
              includes all materials, tuition and light refreshments.

Thursday - both projects **

Venue:   Bests Cafe, 7 Kings Hedges, St Ives (PE27 3XS)

Time:     2:00 - 4:00 pm
Cost:      £6.00 - includes all materials and tuition to make 2 projects.

** Place an order on Thursday for £25 or more and craft for free!

I will be posting more details of these projects and the products I used to create them later this week. 

If you would like to join me for a crafty coffee this week, please send me a message to let me know so I can prepare a kit for you!  Places on Monday are limited!

Hope you can join me for a crafty coffee soon!

Susan xx

Thank you so much for looking at my Blog today, if you don't have a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and you live in the UK, I would love to be yours!  

If you need to order any supplies, simply use my “shop with me” button or click on the catalogue links on the right. Alternatively, contact me and I would be happy to place an order for you.

If you would like copies of either of the current catalogues let me know and I will pop them in the post for you.  If you prefer, you can view online versions by clicking the links to the right of this post.  The Spring/Summer and Sale-A-Bration catalogues are now available - please message me if you would like copies.

Would you like to receive a FREE gift from me? 

All orders placed directly with me or online receive a handmade card from me as a thank you but did you know that all orders over £20 (excluding postage) will receive a gift from me too?  If you use the current Hostess Code I will pop something in with your order or post directly to you.  (Please remember to allow me to access your contact details otherwise I won't be able to contact you).

If your order is over £150 please don't use the code as you will receive your own Stampin' Rewards.  You will still receive a card and a gift from me.

If you are local to me and can collect, I’m happy for you to piggyback one of my orders to save on postage.

If you have any questions, I’m happy to help.  You can email me susan_merrey@yahoo.co.uk or telephone 07905 403 823.

Thank you for shopping with me and supporting my business!