USA

It seems very weird to be writing this from America!! We are pretty exhausted and Kevin is now chilling and watching even MORE American football- so I have escaped to the business centre in the hotel for 5 mins to send a couple of emails and so thought I'd say Hi to you. I'm loving the exploring of everything here. We have met tons of lovely people and found some great shops. Saturday we head down to Vermont and it looks like we will hit it just right for the autumn colours. I'm excited! On the way we are calling in to a shop called 'We be scrappin' which I am told is fantastic. There's a web site so have a look. Four out of the first six scrapping shops we went to had closed because of the recession!! What a disappointment :( I have since made up for it though, and found some great shops. Michael's still seems to have the best overall selection and there is one in most towns. Kevin is brill, he just brings a book and sits reading in the car! I have decided he's a keeper! I haven't found any amazing new techniques as yet, and the stash here seems pretty much what we get over there, just cheaper. Anyway, I hope you are all well and look forward to seeing you soon. xx

details

Just a crop update. It's our crop saturday, and I will be doing a demo on travel journals, (hmmmnnnnnnnn wonder why!) including a technique turotial. We also have a shop and a second hand table so bring your unwanted stash to sell. It's £5 for the day, bring your own drinks but milk and hot water are provided. We will have sign up sheets for the classes coming up this year and next- so don't miss getting your name down. See you there!

Beautiful England

I'm really making an effort to get fitter, and that includes walking every day. I feel so so blessed to live near Cannock Chase and I've spent a bit of time there recently! It's amazing! Just wanted to tell you that. If you live close, make the most of it. Every season has it's beauties:) The heather is particularly spectacular at the moment.

Class Instructions

It's my class at Hedensford library tomorrow. It's been fun to get ready- and I'm excited about teaching it. I LOVE seeing people go home happy with something they have made (fingers crossed for that haha!) Anyway, thought I'd post the instructions in case you want to have a go at your own. I am planning to teach a few classes at home in the future. I will be sure and put them on my blog.
FAMILY HISTORY THEMED CANVAS

1. Colour you canvas by wiping it with a dampened sponge dipped in ‘lettuce’ colour wash, Leave to dry.
2. Cut out a piece from your patterned paper 18.5 x 18.5 cm. Reserve the rest for later.
3. Ink the edges of your cut out square by swiping a blue ink pad lightly over them.
4. This is where you get to be creative. Make up 3 flowers to your own design by arranging the shapes and gluing the layers together.
5. Make up the mini envelop with the pattern on the inside. Glue together. Fold the blue card and put it in the envelope. Tie your narrow ribbon around the envelope and knot.
6. Lay your flowers, photo, and envelope on your square of patterned paper in a design that you like. Remember to allow room for the ribbon to fit on the bottom of the canvas. When you are happy with your design glue the pieces on. Use photo stickers to attach the photo.
7. Attach the whole thing to your canvas using PVA glue sparingly.
8. Ink the edges of your canvas if liked.
9. Tear a strip of the remaining patterned paper approx. 28cm long- enough to cover the front and edges of your canvas. Ink the edges. Using a glue dot at each end, attach to your canvas.
10. Take the longer piece of blue ribbon and lay it over the torn strip. Attach with glue dots.
11. Use shorter piece or ribbon to make a bow and attach with a glue dot.