Nearly everytime that I start a new project I take photos as I go along with a view to developing 'How to Guides'. I have photos saved on my computer for projects going back to 2009 . . .

I have finally 'extracted a digit' and written my first one and set up a new page on my website to house it - you may have spotted it already next to the Blog tab.

The reason for doing this is twofold. As a seasoned crafter I like looking at demonstration items in magazines because even if I am not too keen on the finished product, I always get ideas on techinque, product placement or colour use that I can try in my own work.  The second reason is that making such lovely art and craft items is not as difficult as you may think - and I would love for more people to get inspired and have a go (just don't blame me if your crafting stash takes over your home!)

The first guide takes you step-by-step through the stages to create the lovely Vintage Beauty card shown below. Have a look and let me know what you think - or even better, get your paper, scissors and glue out have a go and share the results with me!

I will be demonstrating cards like this at the Make and Take at Emerald Framing and Gallery on Saturday 3 March so if you would like to have a go and use my crafting stash and equipment I would love to see you there! (there is a link on my Blog entry for 14 February where you can get more info re location and timings and the like).

Last Friday was the first 'Craft Evening' of 2012 round at Steph's. We have a simple tried and tested formula that involves covering the kitchen table (and work surfaces) with more crafting stash than you think would be possible - and consuming our body weight in chocolate (well those of us with no self control do!)

Steph had been watching some demos from a new stamp company called IndigoBlu who produce 'quintessentially English rubber stamps' and gave us a demonstration on how to use a new product 'FlitterGlu'. You basically stamp an image using the glue and then you can rub gilding flakes over the image and voila - something spectacular appears!  It gave me lots of ideas about how I could incorporate this technique into my mixed media work so no guesses where I'm navigating over to once I have finsihed this post.

If you want to take a look yourself visit: http://www.indigoblu.com/

Tamsin showed us how to make rosette brooch out of pretty pink ribbon (as shown on her website) and Karen demonstrated her new super dooper die cutting machine. Steph then brought out her Christmas present - a Cricut machine (electronic die cutting machine) and we had fun watching how it works - a very clever bit of crafting kit.

I spent the evening mocking up some more cards ready for the Make and Take next Saturday so great fun was had by all. 

After a bit of a 'blog famine' I find myself making two posts in one evening - it's a bit like buses, you don't have any news for ages and then you get two good bits to share at once.

On the 3 March 2012 Emerald Framing and Gallery are hosting another popular 'make and take' day where you can pop in and have a go at making something and then take your masterpiece home. A small charge is made to cover materials.

I've been invited to take part this time and will be there with a range of 'collage' inspired Mother's day cards for people to have a go at making (adults and children). This is something else that I haven't done before but am really looking forward to it!

There will also be the opportunity to do a small mosaic with Teresa Mills (I've attended one of her workshops and she's fab) and glass work with Julia Hayward.

The image and advert below are from Cath's website and if you click on this you will be redirected and can find out all the details.

If you want to give card making a go this is a great opportunity because all supplies and materials will be provided - who knows, it could be the start of your adventure with paper, scissors and glue?

I'm really excited to share that I am going to take part in Bucks Open Studios this year, as part of a collective of contemporary artists exhibiting at Cath's Emerald Framing and Gallery - the Emerald Artists (pause to pinch myself to check this is real).

If I am honest I am also a bit daunted. I've attended 'open studios' for a number of years and it is one of those things that I have aspired to do. But, having a very small home has stopped me thinking about this seriously - a 'one day' dream when I have the perfect studio space (rather than just a kitchen table), so to be offered this opportunity now is just fantastic.

Bucks Open Studios (BOS) runs from the 9 - 24 June 2012

To find out who is exhibiting at Emerald Framing and Gallery you can click on the link or the banner image below. From here you can navigate and get a full listing of artists taking part across Buckinghamshire:

http://www.bucksopenstudios.org.uk/exhibitor_details.asp?id=1471

I'll keep you posted on the progress I'm making on getting ready for this exhibition!