Then I got asked to contribute to a stamping magazine and that forced me to sit at my desk and try and come up with some ideas. There is nothing like a deadline to help keep you focused!! And so gradually I began to enjoy crafting again. And now that I am about 3 years away from retirement I am looking forward to having more time to do all the things I love!!
The thing I enjoyed most when I had my shop was teaching techniques in workshops. I met some great people and made some good friends. A group of us still meet regularly for a craft swap and a catch-up.
I now buy most of my stash on-line or go to Cupar in Fife to McOyster Crafts. The owner Adrian has kindly agreed to let me do a few classes for him in March. So I thought I would put a little plug on my blog in the hope it might help fill a place or two.
I am starting off with a class called "Distressed Background Techniques". I love Distress inks and now that the Distress Oxide inks have arrived I love them too!! This class will explore a few ways to create backgrounds for stamping on.
Wrinkle free distress with stamps from Visible Image
Blended Distress with stencils and water
The last 3 all use stamps to create the background and the focal image.
The second class is called "Cards for Men". I am sticking to distress inks with more techniques for making backgrounds and a travel theme.
If these classes work out I hope to carry on and do more classes now and then. These first two classes will be on the last two Saturdays in March for anyone who might be interested. I always try to support my local shop. I remember only too well what it is like trying to compete in such a big market place.
Fabulous cards. Wish I was near enough to join in your classes. No craft shops or groups near me
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you back and you definitely haven't lost your touch, some lovely things there. I also wish I could come to a class but I'm at the opposite end of the country. Hope the classes go well. Just wait till you retire, you'll wonder how you ever had time to go to work ! Lyn
ReplyDeleteHi Siobhan, I happened to stop by your blog today and was so pleased to see you back. Really love your 'pretty' distress backgrounds. I have a few of the Visible Image stamps. And quite often turn to them to make cards for my male nephews.
ReplyDeleteYou've not lost your touch. Hope you've not outgrown your downsized craft space. You may need more space when you do retire :-)
Pauline x