My Crafty Friend Of The Month

A warm hello from me lol. Well, it's got to that time of the month where I choose 'My Crafty Friend of the Month'. It's hard to choose as there are so many talented crafting friend's out there!

I have picked this lady this month as she is a shining example of what our crafting world is all about. Talented, caring and friendly....a genuinely lovely lady who one day I would love to sit down with and have a good old chatter over a cuppa and some cake!

So without further ado, let me introduce you to 'My Crafty Friend of the Month'.

A very special.......

Sylvia Anderson.

How have I got to know Sylvia? We are both member's of a crafting group on Facebook. Sylvia kept commenting on my work and I started seeing her creation's when I popped into the group. Sylvia loves to make cards and enjoys anything to do with crafts. Her main interest is cardmaking and she makes cards for her family and friends.

Also not only does she make her cards, she has taught cardmaking several times and also sells cards at craft fairs too. Every November her craft group (Crafty Crafter's) raise funds for their local hospice. To date they have raised a staggering £1,100 plus.

As soon as I read this, it warmed my heart. The work, time and help Sylvia has given to help raise that amount, goes to prove what a fantastic, friendly and caring community the crafty world is.

Not only that, I wanted to tell you all just what a special lady Sylvia really is. That is why she was my obvious choice for my crafty friend this month.

Sylvia kindly agreed to answer some question's that I sent to her. I hope you enjoy reading them. I know I did.

How did you get into crafting?

Over the years I've tried lots of crafts, including knitting, flower arranging. sewing and crocheting to name but a few. When I officially retired I was looking for something to inspire me. By chance I heard about Crafty Crafter's Card making group. So I went along and joined there and then. That was three years ago. When I first joined, I did'nt know how to get the backing off double-sided tape. I'm pleased to say I have progressed since then. Two years ago the members nominated me for the secretary's job, which I was happy to do. In the last 3 year's I have attended many craft fair's and taught at many venues, which I thoroughly enjoy. I must mention (Oscar) last year I won Best Card Maker, Advanced group at the GNPE.

Who inspires you in the crafting world?

That's a difficult one! There are so many talented designer's etc, but I must say I admire Stephanie Weightman and Nancy Watt. I get most of my ideas from everyday items such as wallpaper and textiles. In fact anything can trigger an idea for a card. I also get inspiration from my fellow crafter's.

What's your favourite technique and why?

I like to try all techniques, but I love stamping and colouring (but I do need practice). With stamping you have a blank canvas, you can use the same stamp but get different results every time. I can also experiment with different colours, its endless.

What five must have crafty items would you recommend to people?

I would'nt be without my Grand Calibur or Cuttlebug, my paper trimmer, Tim Holtz distress inks, good quality cardstock and my computer/printer...whoops, that's 6 items!

I have seen from the group we are members of that you have just recently raised around £1000 for a charity. Which charity is it and how did you become a part of this?

The Charity I helped raise the £1000 for is Hartlepool and District Hospice. Two year's ago my friend Sylvia died of cancer, she was a member of Crafty Crafter's. As a thank you to the Hospice for the care she received whilst in the Hospice, we decided to try and raise some much needed money. That year 2009 we raised £600, last year we raised £500. My dream was to raise more than last year, to my amazement we doubled that amount. We raised the money by selling our hand-made cards, tombola, raffle, name the teddy etc.

Most people are affected by cancer in one way or another. I lost my late husband Alan to cancer 13 years ago. As long as I am able I will try to raise money for the Hospice.

I have loved reading Sylvia's answers and how she got into cardmaking. It shows how we all start off not sure what to do and progress onto producing beautiful works of art!

I was so moved by Sylvia's answers, especially the last one. As she said, in one way or another most people are affected by cancer. I can relate to this, as I lost my Beautiful Dad to it. So I for one, appreciate all the kindness and help people give in trying to battle this terrible disease. It moved me to tears that Sylvia has done all of this to help others.

I would just like to show you some examples of Sylvia's work......

I think after seeing all of these beautiful creations that Sylvia has made, she is one very talented crafter. I love her work, and I just had to show you the cake too, its truly gorgeous!

I hope you have enjoyed 'meeting' my crafty friend of the month. I want to say a big massive thank you from the bottom of my heart to Sylvia for agreeing to do this. Thank you and bless you, a truly lovely friend,

lots of love NJ XXX

Till next month's crafty friend, have fun, happy crafting....and, you never know it might be one of you next time!LOL

Take care, love NJ XXX



My Crafty Friend Of The Month

Hello my crafty friend's. I would like to introduce you to 'My Crafty Friend Of The Month' ..................

Sarah Colvin

I first got to know Sarah on the Atc Forum of the Do Crafts website. We joined in ATC swaps on a regular basis. One of the ladies on the forum organised a meeting for us all in County Durham which is called

'The Geordie Meet'.

It was lovely to actually meet Sarah there. Sarah's work is beautiful, she is a very talented person with lot's of creative ideas. Sarah has passed this onto her daughter Millie as she also loves to craft too.

I think you should hop over to Sarah's blog and see her work. If you love shoes, like I do......you will love what she has made. As I have had the pleasure of meeting Sarah and crafting together, I can tell you just what a lovely friend she is. So, she is well deserved to have recognition for her work. I asked Sarah some crafty question's. I love to ask these question's because it's interesting to learn how we all got into crafting and our likes and dislikes. So here is what I asked....

How did you get into crafting?

I started crafting when I was very young. I remember making peg dolls with my great nanna when I was about 3. She also taught me to cook, knit and stitch, along with my mam of course. I've always been into the latest crafty fads. I've tried almost every thing there is. From glass painting to dress making, cross stitch, silk painting, shadow boxes and I even used to knit and stitch clothes for my barbie dolls! lol

If you had to choose five must have crafty items what would they be?

My top five crafty items are....my craft knife, glass cutting mat, inks, Pritt stick and paper of course lol.

What crafty technique do you love to do?

I change my favourite technique all the time. At the moment it's colouring stamped images with promarkers.

If you bought one crafty item this month what would it be?

More promarkers. I buy 2 or 3 every time I go into town.

Finally, who inspire's you in the crafting world and why?

My late nanna, she was always creating something new. She used to tell me how she had to make do with what she had. Recycled things that were no good into things they could use, like old rags made into rugs etc. She also said to cut off the buttons on old stuff too because you never know when you might need one. That I do! I wish she was here now, she would love all this card making.

*****

I have enjoyed reading Sarah's answer's and I'm sure you have too. I can relate to what she said about trying almost everything! That's what I have done many times and decided it was'nt for me, take knitting for example, I've tried it, I was'nt very good at lol, but I tried.

So thank you to the lovely Sarah, for being my guest for this month's 'My Crafty Friend'. I know that your late nanna would have been proud of what you do and all of your beautiful creation's.

Thank you once again my lovely friend XXX

I hope you have all enjoyed reading about Sarah. Don't forget to hop over to her blog and follow her wonderful creation's.

http://sarah-colvin-30.blogspot.com/

Finally, keep watching....you never know, next month it could be you!LOL

Have fun and happy crafting,

Lots of love

NJ XXX

'My Crafty Friend of the Month'

Welcome to the first of 'My Crafty Friend of the Month. I would like to introduce you to my crafty friend Emma Goddard. I met Emma through our love of crafting. Emma run's a group on Facebook called Emma's Hints, Tip's and Crafty Inspiration. It is a group where crafter's can be invited to show off their creation's. You can also see Emma's blog here http://www.emmascardsuk.com/  where you can see the work of this very talented lady. She also has tutorials on here which are easy to follow.

Emma kindly answered some crafty question's that I put to her. Thank's Emma, I bet you did'nt realise it would be like an interview when you agreed to do this! lol

How did you get into crafting?

I've always been into crafts in some way or another but got into paper craft/cardmaking after a severe illness. I apparently had a breakdown after losing my Dad to Alzheimer's and my sister-in-law to breast cancer a few Christmas's ago. I stopped eating, which caused a swelling on the part of my brain that controls all the things that you don't have to think about doing. So I was left temporarly paralyzed and had to learn how to breath, talk, walk and everything again. Bryan, my partner suggested I try cardmaking as I always wanted to have a go. So, I thank him for encouraging me because I love it and it has really helped me.

If you had to choose five must have crafty items what would they be?

Probably a good craft knife, a good pair of scissors, a clear metal edged ruler, craft mat and good colouring pens such as pro markers, zig pens etc.

What craft techniques do you love to do?

I love stamping and playing with inks in ways like distressing, resist technique. I love decoupage because it can give so much depth to your project, and love colouring because it's relaxing.

If you bought one crafty item this month, what would it be?

Hmmm...that's a tough one.....it would probably be Spectrum Noir pens because they look fab and would love to have a play.

Who inspires you in the crafting world and why?

That's easy, it's got to be Phill Martin, he is talented. He does his own thing and comes up with some brilliant techniques and is always there to help. Barbara Grey too, she is just inspirational and a very talented lady.

Thank you Emma, very interesting answers and I'm so glad you have made such a wonderful recovery from your illness. You also are an inspiration and a fine example of how you can bounce back from severe illness, to go on and have the strength, courage and love to do the things you enjoy most!

As well as Emma's work and tutorial's on her blog, she also has crafty items for sale too. Take a look and check it all out. I am sure you won't be disappointed.

I hope you have enjoyed the first 'My Crafty Friend of the Month'. I would like to say a massive thank you to Emma for agreeing to take part and I wish you well for the future my friend. Please take the time to look at her gorgeous work.

Happy crafting everyone,

lots of love NJ XXX