Ready For Some Weekend Reading?

Hey, Hey, Hey! It is time for a heads-up for a bit of weekend reading...So feet up, cup of tea and biscuits at the ready...

The new issue of Creative Cardmaking is out, Issue 59.

You will find some quick Christmas makes using Washi Tape from me in this issue.

By the way, have you checked out the Papercraft Magazine website recently? You can keep up-to-date with all the latest issues from Practical Publishing as well as extra projects and freebies too. 

Whilst you are at it don't forget to go 'like' the Papercraft Magazines page on Facebook too. You might spot a head's-up on an upcoming project I have in Issue 46 of Complete Cardmaking...I'm not telling...You will just have to wait and see! Tee Hee!

Catch you later Craftinators.

Kim

Some Weekend Reading - Simply Cards And Papercrafts

The latest issue of Simply Cards and Papercraft is out, Issue 115, and you get a fab intricate Christmas tree die with this issue so go check it out!

The making your own embellishments is my article in this issue and I've used paperclay and embossing powders which was great fun. But you will also find the details for the Card Designer of the Year competition (go on you know you want to apply!) in this issue.

There is an extra project with the die on the Papercraft Magazine website and some free digi papers and sentiments to download to get a hold of.

Enjoy your weekend read!

Kim

Get Stamping Issue 4 Is Out...

Just in time for the weekend! Feet up, tea and biccy - the latest issue of Get Stamping is out, Issue 4, and it is Christmas inspired with some lovely Christmas/ winter cover stamps and some that would be great for Halloween too.

I've made cover girl! Yay! Tee Hee! With some Christmas PanPastel makes. I'm looking forward to getting my hands on this issue.

Hope you have a super fab Saturday.

Kim

All That Glitters Is Not Gold...Oh Wait A Minute - It Is!

Ok so it might not be real gold but it sure does sparkle and glitter like gold and make your projects look just that bit richer. What am I going on about? Well, it is an old favourite that has been kind of getting a bit of a reboot over the last couple of years or so - Gilding flakes.

I've been playing with the Cosmic Shimmer Gilding Flakes. 

I wasn't really a Gilding Flakes person, to be honest so I thought, I would give them a little run for their money and see if I could change my mind about them. I have always loved the look of a touch of Gilding Flakes used sparingly on a mixed media piece but could not be persuaded on some of the full-on use of Gilding Flakes in old school cardmaking. 

But, as I've said they have had a little bit of a reboot and you can find some gorgeous makes using Gilding Flakes. So I think I've changed my mind about them. What I would say though is they are a little messy to use as they fly everywhere even in a big box, but then the results are so shiny so it is worth a play!

If you check out the current issue of Papercraft Essentials, Issue 98, you will find a whole masterclass from me on both Gilding Flakes and Gilding Wax and I've tried to give them a bit of a more contemporary spin.

I used the Cosmic Shimmer Gilding Flakes and Creative Expressions Gilding waxes and you will find lots of colours in both ranges now. I used the Umount Floral Silhouette A5 Stamp Plate for my makes and another thing I found really useful for use with the flakes is the Cosmic Shimmer Flake and Glitter glue.  

You can spot an extra make from me over at the Papercraft Magazine's new website.

So shiny! Oh if only I did have a pot of gold, *sigh*!

I would love to hear about your experiences with Gilding Flakes, do you like to use them in your projects? What do you use them for?

Catch you later.

Kim

PS. this issue of Papercraft Essentials has all the details for entry into the Papercrafter of the Year competition - if you are at all interested in entering, (and I encourage everyone to enter!) go hunt it out now and start cracking!

Reading For the Bank Holiday

It is bank holiday weekend here in the UK and that means extra feet-up and reading time! Which is good 'coz I have quite a few magazine heads-up this week.

I'll do them in order of when they went on sale, so first up is Simply Cards and Papercraft issue 114 which was actually out in the shops last week...

When I got my copy of Simply Cards and Papercraft I had one of those weird déjà vu moments, I was looking at the cover thinking that card with the teapot and cups looks really familiar. Honestly it took me a good couple of minutes to work out that it looked familiar because it was one of mine. *Sigh* think I've been working too hard! It is one of a couple of cards I made with the Silhouette Cameo for the Cardmaker's Challenge.

I also have a masterclass in this issue using your homemade gelatine plates (or your Gelli plates of course) in a bit of card making. If you look close enough to the step by steps you can spot the nail vanish I was wearing that week. I actually had contrasting colours on one of the fingers of each hand but tried very hard not to get that in the shot! 

Next up is Complete Cardmaking Issue 45 which was in the shops yesterday.

I have a whole article about the Silhouette Cameo in this one, so if you have one and want some Christmas Making inspiration or are debating getting an electronic cutting machine then you might want to take a peek at this issue.

Ok, so last but not least, out today is Creative Cardmaking issue 58.

Now in this issue I have four gem-ed to the max makes, using gems to make embellishments and focal points for cards. 

Bling it on baby! 

Bling it on! 

Do you get it? 

*Sigh* I have been working too hard.

I better go before my head explodes.

Catch you all later.

Kim

Looking For Some Autumn Inspiration?

Hey guys, how was your weekend? It was a busy one for us, some sharing time with family, which was lovely, and a naughty purchase of some fluorescent paint that I've had my eye on for ages...Just can't stop loving the neon!

I also managed to squeeze in a couple of DT jobs, much to my amazement.

Well I'm just here for a quick heads-up, it is a new magazine for me, I've not been in this one before, but I was so pleased to be able to get my Prismacolor pencils out to flex my colouring muscles again on the lovely Autumn stamp set you get with Creative Stamping Issue 12.

Keep you eye out for this one and checkout the stamps.

Catch you later, got some fluorescent colour to splash around!

Kim

The Latest Magazines To Look Out For

Magazine time. I'm a bit late on these heads-up so hopefully you have seen these mags already but I thought I would give you a shout out anyway!

 So first up is the latest issue of Papercraft Essentials, issue 97.

In this issue Lee Campbell, the editor, has introduced a fabulous new feature. It is a full 12-step article and to kick this off I've done a resist stamping project using clear embossing and inks, one of my favourite techniques by the way.

If there is anything you would like stepped out in more detail, say a technique or a particular project then go drop Lee a note over at the Facebook page or over at the Papercraft Essentials Twitter stream.

You will also find the lovely Tracy Evans making her debut in this issue! YAY Tracy, great to see you in Papercraft Essentials!

The next magazine heads-up is for Creative Cardmaking 57.

I've not seen this issue yet but the cover looks very pretty and there is a Polka Doodles kit with it too! I should have a Summery glossy embellishments article in this issue using ICE Resin and Glossy Accents with Glitter and some lovely American Crafts papers. 

Right, that brings this week's reading up to date!

Have a lovely Wednesday.

Kim

Crafty Magazine Review

I LOVE magazines. You guys know I do! As well as being lucky enough to be in them and to work with the editors, I also love the inspiration they provide and the amazing work people do for them. There is nothing I enjoy more than sitting back with a cuppa and flicking through a magazine, it is one of my 'treats'. I don't know about you but I get a real kick from getting a new magazine and unfolding the ideas page by page.

So I'm loving the variety of magazines that have been hitting the shelves in the last couple of years; every time I go to my local newsagent there seems to be a new magazine. Recently there seems to be a strong trend towards the Blogger Lifestyle magazines, Crafter/Maker Lifestyle magazines and Upcycle magazines.

Crafty Magazine is the newest addition to the Practical Publishing Craft magazine offerings and is definitely in the Craft Lifestyle camp, but it also feeds off the Blogger Lifestyle and Upcycle trends too, a great combo for many of us multi-crafter types.

Crafty Magazine was launched in spring this year and has a variety of interviews, projects, news, columnists and inspiration. The editor, Sarah Adie, is a crafty blogger and journalist and you can find an interesting Day In The Life Of Sarah Adie over on Tilly and The Buttons Blog.

The magazine is nicely set out with inspiring photography. It is a magazine you can flick through for eye candy but it is a fun read too, with interesting snippets into crafter-makers' lives and some fun projects. I particularly like the articles with the latest news on the new craft movement, and the magazine has a two-page spread on what is trending at the moment plus regular columns from Sarah Corbett, founder of the Craftivist Collection, and Mr X Stitch (Jamie Chalmers) keeping it fresh.

I loved the insight into knitwear designer Alexandra Järup's living space on a narrow boat in issue 2 and I'm definitely going to be looking out for the Tweed Run (issue 3) next year in London. I only got my hands on issues 2 and 3 to review but our very own Stéphanie de Geus, editor of Simply Cards and Papercraft and Get Stamping, has an article on vintage cameras in issue 1, which I'm so going to grab a back copy of.

Crafty Magazine is around 100 pages, A4 size and the matt cover and glued binding makes it feel like a substantial offering and it competes well with other magazines aimed towards the Blogger Lifestyle and Crafter/Maker market. For me Crafty Magazine has more bite than others and I actually want to read the articles. It comes with a cover gift and ideas for its use and retails for £4.99 (in the UK).

If you want to connect, they have a website, Facebook page, Pinterest boards and Twitter stream. You might also want to check out the Google+ community too.

Would love to hear what you think about Crafty Magazine if you have had a chance to see it.

Happy crafty reading.

Kim

[Disclaimer Time: I was not paid to write this review, however, I did get two free issues and well you guys know I do a lot of work for Practical Publishing. But as with all my reviews I always try to give you my honest, unbiased opinion. (Prices correct for the date the blog post went live)]

Some Reading For The Weekend

Some weekend reading to keep an eye out for...

Simply Cards and Papercraft Issue 113 was out last week

I've done a fun article with a retro theme in this issue, but you will want to check out the Melissa Frances cover gift - nice!

ps. Anybody wondering what has happened to my upcoming demo list in my sidebar, the Fiskars demos have been rescheduled for later in the year, so watch this space and I won't be in Reading this weekend.

Catch you later Craftanators.

Kim

Today I am...

Catching up!

Watcha Gorgeous Fluffs Of Bundle, how are you all doing? It has been a busy old week for me so far, hence the lack of posting. It is not from want of projects to show, but more a lack of time to get them posted here on the blog.

I've been working more with the Fiskars Fuse, it was my first demo last weekend and so I've been learning all I can about the machine.

I had fun making samples but I've got to say the demo was a little quiet, then I was competing with one of the hottest days of the year so far! Mid demo I suddenly had a yearning to make a mini-book so I kept myself busy cutting pages ready to work on at some point. My next demo is the 27th July in Reading if you happen to be about do come and say hello!

I think I'm a little bit behind with my magazine updates, Get Stamping 3 was out last week:

You have SO got to check out the stamps that come with the mag this month - LOVE the camera and the scooter is really cute too! Perfect set for a spot of holiday modular/project life scrapbooking I reckon! I have some cards in this month, I've used ICE Resin and Glossy Accents to make some fun embellishments with the stamps. I haven't seen the magazine yet so can't tell you what else is in it, looking forward to seeing it though!

By the way what do you think of the Fiskars demo photos above? I have three cameras at the moment, my beloved dSLR (LOVE LOVE LOVE), a handy little digital camera (also quite fond of!) and of course my mobile phone.

I'm not a great fan of taking photos with my mobile phone as they never seem to come out particularly well, but then I didn't get my mobile phone for the camera as I already have the dSLR and digital camera which are perfect for what I use them for. But it does mean that I sometimes go out and about with three cameras in tow which is a little mad! Anyway I was actually pleased to have the camera on my mobile on Saturday as the battery ran out on my digital - D'oh! So the photo collage above is all taken with the mobile phone camera.

I thought I would have a look at other photos I've taken with my mobile phone recently...

I've only slightly lightened and put frames on them in Photoshop Elements, but otherwise not processed them too much. Except the photo in the centre of the top row which was played with in the Pixlr-o-matic App. The phone is a Samsung ACE2 in case you are interested. Still don't think it will replace my other two cameras, which will need surgically removing from my body.

I would love to know what camera or, if you are like me, cameras you use when you are out and about taking photos? Do Tell!

Catch you later PhotoFluffs

Kim

EDIT: The Fiskars demos have been delayed 'til later in the year so I won't be in Reading on the 27th July. Watch this space for the new dates.

Anybody Caught The Latest...

Papercraft Essentials? Issue 96 is out...

Bit of reading in the sun I think! Yay Summer! Oh yeah it is summer! Hold on, sorry, got a bit side tracked! So this month I have some DIY embellishments using polymer clay and embossing powders in moulds and a smidgen of a summer theme - not that I'm getting obsessed about the sun being out or anything!

Hope you are enjoying the sun but if you are looking for a bit of indoor time don't forget The Amazings review I wrote a week or so ago, I believe the link for getting your first class free still works. I'm kind of curious about the Silver Metal Clay class, if any one has taken it, I would love to know what you thought.

Catch you later

Kim

New Magazine Time...

Time for some new magazine issues - get the kettle on 'coz here are two new issue heads-up.

First up there is Issue 44 of Complete Cardmaking to look out for...

I got the chance to play with the Sizzix eclips in this one, I tell you it is electronic cutting machine central here at the moment! She says with a big smile on her face, yeah, there are lots of times I love my job! 

Then there is Issue 56 of Creative Cardmaking...

With a bit of a beginners guide to dry embossing from little old me.

Catch you all later.

Kim

Did You Know?...

That the new issue of Simply Cards and Papercraft is out?

It is issue 112 and this month I've got a Sprays and Mists article using Cosmic Shimmer Mist, Ranger Dylusions Ink Spray and Studio Calico Mister Huey's Color Mists. But lots of other articles caught my eye this month so well worth a look-see!

Did you also know... that my Cricut Mini Giveaway will be closing in a few hours? Very last call to add your name if you haven't already!

Kim

This Month's Papercraft Essentials...

Kettle on, biscuits out, cupcakes made - it is magazine heads-up time!

Papercraft essentials issue 95 and my offering this month are some fun DIY paperclips shapes. Shaped paperclips are really hot right now! Tee Hee! Might make good Father's Day cards if you are a bit stuck, just saying.

But the magazine has some fab inspiration as usual. You will find a lovely shadow stamping masterclass from Liz McGuire, and a fab quick masterclass about getting chalkboard looks from Andrea Neville to name but a couple of the articles in this month! The freebie are some vintage summer themed Acid Drops and Whatnots stamps and papers.

Hope you enjoy it!

Kim

Don't forget my Cricut giveaway!

Time For Some Creative Cardmaking

My cleaning project is going very slowly, I think it is because I know that sooner or later I can not put off cleaning my workspace any more and I will have to just get on with it *sigh*.

In the meantime I'm in major procrastination mode, so how about a heads-up?!

It is for the latest issue of Creative Cardmaking, issue 55.

I'm in this month with some alcohol inks tips and tricks. I've not seen the issue yet so can't give you any more info but would love to know what you think of the issue, love those bees on the front!

By the way did you know that Creative Cardmaking has a Facebook page, Twitter account and a website? Plenty to help with the procrastination! Kettle on!

Catch you later.

Kim

Don't forget my Cricut giveaway!

The Latest Issue Of Simply Cards And Papercraft

A bit of a break from my schedule of Create and Craft samples this week and a heads-up for the latest issue of Simply Cards and Papercraft instead!

It is issue 111 and it is a corker! Some really lovely articles full of inspiration from some of my favourite designers!

I've got an arty watercolour article with Penny Black stamps from Crafts U Love in this issue. Don't worry I'm not counting myself in my favourite designers list - I'm not THAT big headed! LOL!

Don't forget to checkout the Facebook page if you are on Facebook. 

Have a fun read.

Kim

Get Stamping 2 Is Out!

Just dropping by to give you a heads-up...

The second issue of the new magazine Get Stamping is out.

Again it is full of lovely contemporary inspiration for a whole range of projects from cards to art journalling for the great sheet of stamps that come with it. I've got some journal pages and some paper cutting cards in this issue.

Check it out at WHSmiths, Tescos or pop on other to the MoreMags website to order it online.

Don't forget to checkout their new Facebook page too!

Catch you later.

Kim