What a week!

I sincerely hope none of you have been afflicted with the bugs that have hit our house over the last couple of weeks - it all started with me having a cold progressing to chest infection and then pleurisy followed by poor old Liam going down with the Norovirus and throwing up for the week, followed very quickly with Al's cold becoming a chest infection. Grassing is definitely a no go area!

Anyway I am on the mend now after a lovely week away and a well needed break from responsibility, and am raring to go!!

Before the dreaded lurgie hit I had a wonderful day with some amazing crafters at Samuel Taylor's in Brighouse, making tri shutter cards Avec le difference, what a lovely, relaxed day, spent in the company of lovely people.

Here's a sample of their makes

What a talented bunch!

Lovin' ink are running the same workshop on the 30th April at Samuel Taylors in Leeds - still a few places left if you're quick.

We've plenty of craftiliciuosness planned in the Embsay store too on the 4th May when we'll be playing with loads of ways to use distress stains ( how do you use yours?) and having fun with the new A4 embossing folders.

Not a good photo but if you look closely you'll see it's a a wall hanging with space for a little note pad and pen.

Ooo and I forgot! I've found some fabulous ink pads for stamping on fabric which you can set with an iron then colour in so the background and some of the embellishments are stamped and coloured on calico. Now doesn't that open up a whole new range of possibilities for your stamping - I cited!

Anyway I'm off to a spinning class now, I've always wanted to learn how to spin all the bundles of wool I've collected off the fields around Grassington.

Stay safe and do try to avoid all these horrid bugs that are about

Hope to see you soon

A more Masculine Approach

We've been at it again, inky fingers and inky papers abound, ready for our next workshops for Samuel Taylors at Roseville Street and Brighouse.

Cards with a masculine feel are always a challenge so we thought that these would inspire a few of you to give them a go. Not only I'd the stamping a more masculine feel but the 3D card is bound to get the men wondering "how did you do that"?

Here's the front of my sample

And here's Janet's

With Janet's inside

And mine

Just love the way we both set out with the same equipment but finish off with very different projects!
Throughout the workshop we will be showing you a great alternative to brayering to get that smooth inked effect, demonstrating perfect stamping techniques and giving you ideas for using stencil and embossing folders. A perfect intro to inking and stamping or a chance to hone those skills on a fabulous project, if you're an experienced crafter.

These workshops are running on 20th April at the Brighouse store
And 30th April at Roseville St, perfect for a pick me up from this bitterly cold weather!
More info here.

Hope you're managing to keep safe and warm
Hope to see you soon

Janet & Michelle

Starry Starry Night

There have been some beautiful starry nights lately and I've spent some lovely peaceful moments staring up into the night skies contemplating how small we really are, and thinking about the fab sentiment in my latest woodware stamp set.......

Thought I'd make a secret panel book for the next workshop at the Craft Range at Burnley

Had a great time playing with pan pastels and working out different techniques I could include in the workshop. Managed to fit in 4 different techniques as well as designing a new take on the secret panel card so that the picture is continuous. Can't wait to share it!

The workshop runs on the 12th April from 1pm till 4pm. Lets hope the bad weather is a distant memory by then!

In the meantime, have a fabulous Easter and enjoy the break.

X Michelle & Janet

Busy, Busy, Busy!!!

Well, the lovin' Ink Craft Retreat is almost upon us and Janet and I are busy sorting out last minute bits and pieces to get ready for the big day on Friday, when 14 lovely ladies will retreat to a beautiful converted chapel near Beamsley in the Yorkshire Dales for a full weekend of uninterrupted creativity! Just can't wait to get started!

I've spent the day today gathering up everything we need to start altering books by the dozen and have just landed home after picking up a car full of succulents.
Intrigued? Watch this space! We'll be posting pics throughout the weekend!

In the meantime we'd like to show you what we've been preparing for the next workshop at Samuel Taylors, Embsay......

Now I wonder how many of you like violets?..

You've probably already seen the photos of this little box around, inviting you to guess what we've filled it with, well here is the rest of the photo.....

Who remembers these?

My Niece works in a fab little olde worlde sweetshop in Skipton which I have been known to pop into from time to time, and when I saw these wonderful Spellbinders stamps I knew just what to do with them!

Here's a photo of the inside of the card too

This workshop is running on the 6th of April (details here) and even if you are not fond of eating Parma Violets (you either love 'em or hate 'em), the smell is divine!
I even wondered if I could use them as an embellishment so that my cards smelled of violets....what do you think?

Time to get on with more prep for the weekend me thinks, looking forward to seeing you all soon

X Michelle & Janet

March Giveaway

Isn't it always the case that if you start a project in class and don't get it finished, it stares at you, unfinished from your craft room shelf forever more?

That's been the case with this little treasure which Janet and I are offering as lovin' inks March giveaway pressie

These wonderful exploding boxes have been a recent workshop and have been so popular we thought we'd give you a chance to own your very own.
All you have to do is leave your name with Mr. linky below and we will draw the winner at the end of the month.

The inspiration for the boxes came from the most talented lady, Elaine, at Magic Boxes. check out her blog here and you'll see what I mean, she's truly inspirational!

Hope you're having a great crafty week
X Michelle & Janet

Just Right Violets

Our next workshop at Samuel Taylors in Embsay, is on 6th April and has been an absolute delight to prepare for. I've been lusting over the Just Right stamps for quite a while but as they are a tad on the expensive side have hesitated a little.

I will, however hesitate no longer!
Here's the sample I've been playing with

What a joy these stamps are to play with. I couldn't resist making this little treasure!

The box stands on four little feet and has this delightful box liner......and inside???

We've filled the box with Parma Violet sweets but it could equally hold some violet perfumed soap or tea lights.

During the class we will be exploring more ways to use Tim Holtz distress inks and Archival Inks, along with embossing folder techniques, to create this little box and matching card, a lovely present for someone special!

If you fancy joining us you can find all the info here
Don't hesitate as this workshop will fill up fast!

Hope to see you there
X Janet & Michelle

Stamping club

Today we have been practising our watercolouring skills whilst making a gorgeous Easter decoration.  We had 12 ladies here today but a few were not finished when I took the pictures.

All so beautiful don't you think?

and here is Michelles sample

Stamps are Some Bunny by stampin up with the Molly Blooms bunting to add to the look.

A lovely day with some lovely folks.

Janet