As a lot of you know, I've been a crafter basically, forever. I crafted as a child, and continued whilst employed in "proper" jobs. Finally I took the plunge to give up the proper jobs and try my hand at making a living doing what I loved. I've been very lucky indeed, and have taken one stepping stone after another to find myself working for Hochanda, a brilliant, brand new tv channel dedicated to all things craft, hobby and arts. They have given me the freedom to actually be creative again- and to top it all off, I'm being supported by one of the biggest names in the industry, crafters companion! That's pretty good for a northern lass who just liked messing with fimo!
As a crafter its natural to be constantly bombarded with ideas, what ifs, and "that would be ace!"....these ideas have ranged from different techniques to products I'd actually like to design, produce and ultimately work with. To find I am now in the position where I'm launching my first range of products is amazing! It's a dream turned into reality - even more so as I've got the help, support and knowledge from the brilliant crafters companion team!
Now, I don't just get ideas, I get obsessed with stuff. I had the concept for my first range some time ago, and figured it could be brilliant. When it was delivered, the actual stamps I had drawn and the masks I had written - I couldn't wait to put those thoughts and ideas into practice. It was a good job it worked, as I had a week to get the finished samples done for the packaging....no pressure!
The concept is pretty easy. I love pattern building. Stamps. Masks. Stencils. Ink. Colouring. It's all those things. I love the whole mindfulness concept, and getting lost in the moment, and us crafters don't need to be told - we know we loose days, not hours, in our craft room. I have designed masks that you glue in place. Ink round your mask, and then start to build your design with the little intricate stamps. Each time it can be different. The variations achievable are immense. Stamp directly over your mask. I do love this process. It's wonderful seeing the pattern build, and seeing the stamps work together so well. The best bit however, is removing rhe mask. The white space jumps out at you, making the whole piece come together. And now you have a beautiful design you can spend time colouring with your favourite pens, pencils - sparkle pens....lots of glitter :)
That's the concept, but of course there are so many ways you can use the kits, and my design team have sent some incredible finished samples, which I will share with you.
I will share lots of photos from my finished samples as well, and this will give you a guide as to some of the patterns you can create.
I hope you will be able to join me this evening for the 8pm launch!!
