Challenge # 2 Take 2 colours - lime and gold

When you start a project, where do you begin?  Is it focused around something new in your stash, such as a new stamp, ink or paper?

Well, this card started with a lime green ink pad, I was given a couple of samples of a new range of inks to try and one happened to be lime green.  I had made a number of butterflies with Tim's Take Flight Alteration die when demonstrating them but I hadn't made them into cards.  I remembered I had used some lime green fantasy film with gold mirror card and a quick hunt for lime green card or paper and there it began! 

The paper I found was lime and gold glitter paper, how handy was that!  I used the ink pad with one of Kay's Funky Flourish stamps to create the background and a greeting from one of Tracey's stamp sheets Alluring Ladies.  The new ink pads are great, I'll tell you more about them once we have them in stock!!

Jill

Blog Candy Winner Announcement!

The winner of our recent Tim Holtz blog candy giveaway is.....

Number 175!!!!

Who is Sue The Iron!!!!

Congratulations Sue

Sue, please can you email me at: thestampman@btconnect.com to claim your prize, I will need your postal address so that I can post this envelope full of loveliness to you:) 

Thank you everyone that entered, sorry you couldn't all win.

Jill

Blog Candy, Challenges and ATC Swap update

Our recent Tim Holtz blog candy is now closed and a winner will be announced very soon, so keep those fingers crossed!  I'll sort out some new candy as soon as I can as you obviously love it!!!

We are overwhelmed with the response for the candy and also for both our new challenge and ATC swaps.  Thank you so much for taking the time to enter them it really is very much appreciated.

The first challenge ends today and a new one will start tomorrow at noon so get your last minute entries in NOW.  Pop over to the challenge blog to see all the entries, there's a lot of fab crafting for you to admire.  At the time of writing there are 147 entries!! 

Janet has a full box of actual ATCs to swap, and it's a LARGE box, being cheeky or rather very nosey, I've asked Janet if she would like to use our big tables at the shop to actually do the swapping (so I can sneak a peek), she kindly agreed to humour me so I'm very much looking forward to seeing all your work as Janet does the swapping!  A new ATC swap theme will start on Sunday so do call by the ATC blog for the details and to see the design team's next batch of ATCs on the new theme.

The blog candy giveaway for the launch of the ATC swaps ends on Saturday, so if you have sent in a set of cards then you are eligible to enter for the candy, so do it NOW if you haven't already.  Again, thank you so much for taking the time and effort to make and send in your ATCs.

I'll be updating the info for international ATC swappers in the next couple of days so that you will have time to enter the next swap if you wish to.

Welcome to new followers of all 3 Stamp Man blogs, I hope you will keep popping back to visit us.
Well, there's themes ending, new themes starting and prizes and awards to give out amongst other things so I'd better get on, I'll generate a winner for the blog candy first while I can. My laptop is very poorly at the moment and causing lots of fun (not!), the backlight and mother board have broken, wireless has wandered off somewhere and I have wires trailing from the kitchen to the living room so that I can use the internet and see what I'm doing through the telly.  Loose wires and springer spaniels do not go together...

Anyway, thanks again everyone, you are a great bunch:)

Jill

More Tim Holtz Blog Candy - NOW CLOSED!!

Please click HERE for the details 

Please do not leave a comment here, your comment needs to be in the main post when you click through to the details.

Please scroll down for our latest posts

Demo weekend - a few photos

I only took a few photos but I thought you may like a little look.  The picture above is Jill Boulton, Jill was demonstrating all thing Ranger plus Viva paints.  Lots and lots of techniques going on there.

Vix was demonstrating with Starburst Stains, various techniques including bleaching (sorry about the bin and sink scene in the background of the photo!)

Janet and Michelle ran the Make and Take table where they made stunning oriental ATC's and tags.  Here is Michelle (with the black Stamp Man apron) with 2 customers that are learning the techniques on Michelles ATCs, unfortunately I didn't get a photo of Janet, sorry Janet!  They also had an amazing array of oriental cards, tags, ATCs and lanterns on show made using items from a new oriental card making kit we put together, I am sure you will get to see their work on their blogs at some stage.

Thank you to the ladies that visited us this weekend, I'm sure you will agree with Ian and I that the technique demonstrations, cards, makes and takes etc were all brilliant!

Jill

Demo/Open Weekend this weekend!

Just a quick reminder that we will be open on Saturday and Sunday this weekend from 10am - 5pm with demos and makes and takes. 

Free parking, tea and coffee, feel free to bring your own lunch!

Our sale room will be open too with lots of half price bargains.

We look forward to seeing you here

Jill

The challenges have begun!

Yep, you can now join us to enter our new challenge!

Now, a challenge is a challenge, so I gave myself a good one.  I'd cut and embossed some alcohol inked metal sheet with the Regal Crest die from Tim Holtz and some Cuttlebug folders weeks and weeks ago.  Every time I looked at them no ideas came immediately so I'd quickly moved onto other things.   I decided enough was enough with the looking and stroking of the pieces and I got down and finally made a card with them.

Making cards for men can be a challenge at the best of times, but I felt it had to be a male card with a vintage feel. That was OK as then I could use Moonshadow Ink (a blend of walnut ink and mica powder), they were ideal embellishments for a shimmery Moonshadow Ink background!!  I used Incandescent Copper with the scrunch technique.  When it was completely dry I swiped a VersaMark embossing pad lightly over the peaks of the paper then embossed it with gold embossing powder.

I used various vintage wording papers, 2 of the pieces are from a 1925 newspaper, (which we have in the shop).  The central image is part of a cigarette card but would be great swapped for a small photo of the recipient.

The Cuttlebug folders I used were Victoria for the leaves and banner and the Mini Mosaic Texture for the crest. Copper self adhesive nailhead embellishments have been used in the corners.

Products used:

Tim Holtz Sizzix Alteration Die Regal Crest

Alcohol Inks

Copper Metal Sheet

Moonshadow Ink Incandescent Copper

Gold Embossing Powder

Cuttlebug Folders - Tiny Mosaic Texture and Victoria

Copper Nailheads

I'm glad that I finally used those pieces to make a card, it's so rewarding completing a challenge.  I hope you will join in with us and perhaps find a challenge for yourself whether it be a simple one or a major project you've been meaning to complete.  I'm looking forward to seeing everyone's work.

Have fun!!!

Jill

Our new fortnightly challenges start tomorrow!!

Our new Challenge Blog is ready for you to visit and we are kicking off with our first challenge theme tomorrow at noon!

Our Design Team has been busy so do pop over to see what they have made tomorrow and also see what you have to do to join us in the challenges.  The link is  http://thestampmanchallenges.blogspot.com/, you can also join as a follower now in readiness for the first challenge post.

Call back here tomorrow after noon to see my challenge effort! 

Jill

There's lots going on here for rest of the year. A HUGE post!!

It's a diary of events we have planned so far, we may be adding a few more things in due course, we hope you can join us for some of the fun.

I don't know about anybody else but I'm glad to have a full list to refer to, so I will pop this into the sidebar for easy reference!!

JULY
Weds 21st July - Journaling with Janet and Michelle.
To book please contact Janet on 07917690921 or Michelle on 07751450488

Sat/Sun 24th/25th July - Demonstration/Open Weekend
We hope you will be able to join us for our next Open/Demonstration Weekend. We will be open on the Saturday and Sunday from 10am until 5pm.

Demonstrators are:  Jill Boulton, Tracey Coates, Vix Kennedy and Jill Tuck

We will also have Make and Takes that Janet and Michelle are running.

The Sale Shop will be open as usual which has bargains at half price or less, so if you haven't had a chance to rummage around the room yet, it will be a good time to visit, we are adding more bargains in there as we make more space.

There will be refreshments available but please bring a packed lunch if you wish to stay for the day.

There is plenty of free parking but we just ask you to leave space outside the door free for disabled visitors.

Our last weekend was very enjoyable so we hope you will be able to join us!

Weds 28th July - Parent and Young Persons Art Journaling Course
Looking for something different to do in the school holidays?  Join Janet and Michelle for a four part course where each session will stand alone. Learn about using art and mixed media to express yourself. Learn to use paints, inks and stamps to create a colourful book full of your own self expression. Use images from magazines within your art work to complete a mixed media feel.  Come to any 4 sessions to complete the course.  To book please contact Janet on 07917690921 or Michelle on 07751450488

Sat. 31st July - Workshop - Moonglow Techniques
With Jill Tuck.  A day of playing with Moonglow products and techniques, Starburst Stains, Moonshadow Inks and Mists, Moonglow 2-tone embossing powders, fabulous filigrees and more...Book on our website or phone 01756 797048

AUGUST
Weds 4th August - Parent and Young Persons Art Journaling Course
Looking for something different to do in the school holidays?  Join Janet and Michelle for a four part course where each session will stand alone. Learn about using art and mixed media to express yourself. Learn to use paints, inks and stamps to create a colourful book full of your own self expression. Use images from magazines within your art work to complete a mixed media feel.  Come to any 4 sessions to complete the course.  To book please contact Janet on 07917690921 or Michelle on 07751450488

Sat. 7th August - Workshop – Card Maker's Journal
With Jill Tuck.  Something a little different, a book for planning your 2011 card making projects using various techniques with a combination of products from Moonglow, Ranger, Cuttlebug and Nestabilities.  Book on our website or phone 01756 797048

Weds 11th August - Parent and Young Persons Art Journaling Course
Looking for something different to do in the school holidays?  Join Janet and Michelle for a four part course where each session will stand alone. Learn about using art and mixed media to express yourself. Learn to use paints, inks and stamps to create a colourful book full of your own self expression. Use images from magazines within your art work to complete a mixed media feel.  Come to any 4 sessions to complete the course.  To book please contact Janet on 07917690921 or Michelle on 07751450488

Fri. 13th August - Stamping Club
To book please contact Janet on 07917690921 or Michelle on 07751450488

Sat. 14th August - Workshop - Technique Mirror
With Jill Boulton.  Decorate a mirror with techniques that you will learn on the day including UTEE, painting effect and stamping.  Book on our website or phone 01756 797048

Weds 18th August - Parent and Young Persons Art Journaling Course
Looking for something different to do in the school holidays?  Join Janet and Michelle for a four part course where each session will stand alone. Learn about using art and mixed media to express yourself. Learn to use paints, inks and stamps to create a colourful book full of your own self expression. Use images from magazines within your art work to complete a mixed media feel.  Come to any 4 sessions to complete the course.  To book please contact Janet on 07917690921 or Michelle on 07751450488

Weds 25th August. - Parent and Young Persons Art Journaling Course
Looking for something different to do in the school holidays?  Join Janet and Michelle for a four part course where each session will stand alone. Learn about using art and mixed media to express yourself. Learn to use paints, inks and stamps to create a colourful book full of your own self expression. Use images from magazines within your art work to complete a mixed media feel.  Come to any 4 sessions to complete the course.  To book please contact Janet on 07917690921 or Michelle on 07751450488

Sat 28th August - Workshop - Cards using Hero Arts Stamps
With Jill Boulton.  Book on our website or phone 01756 797048

SEPTEMBER
Sat. 4th September - Workshop - Stamping Beginners 1 and 2 General Theme
With Jill Tuck.  Starting from scratch, you will learn tips and hints to start your stamping hobby, such as basic stamping, colouring, embossing and working with different surfaces.  Book on our website or phone 01756 797048

Sat/Sun 11th/12th September - Great Northern Papercraft Show, Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, Stand A6

Weds. 15th September - Journaling with Janet and Michelle.
To book please contact Janet on 07917690921 or Michelle on 07751450488

Fri. 17th September - Stamping Club
To book please contact Janet on 07917690921 or Michelle on 07751450488

Sat. 18th September - Workshop – Card Maker's Journal
With Jill Tuck.  Something a little different, a book for planning your future card making projects using various techniques with a combination of products from Moonglow, Ranger, Cuttlebug and Nestabilities.  Book on our website or phone 01756 797048

Sat. 24th September - Workshop - Ranger Christmas
With Jill Boulton.  Learn different techniques on the day to make unique Christmas cards using Ranger products.  Book on our website or phone 01756 797048

OCTOBER
Fri. 1st October - Stamping Club
To book please contact Janet on 07917690921 or Michelle on 07751450488

Sat. 2nd October - Workshop - Beginners 1 & 2 Christmas Theme
With Jill Tuck.  Starting from scratch, you will learn tips and hints to start your stamping hobby, such as basic stamping, colouring, embossing and working with different surfaces.  Book on our website or phone 01756 797048

Sat. 9th October - Happy Stampers North West Show, Port Sunlight, Wirral - pre-booked ticket only

Weds 13th October - Workshop - Art Hanger
With Janet and Michelle.  Details to follow.  Book on our website or phone 01756 797048

Sat 16th October - Workshop - Technique Board
With Jill Boulton. Make a technique board with various techniques that you will learn on the day with paints, metal and UTEE.  Book on our website or phone 01756 797048

Weds. 20th October -  Journaling with Janet and Michelle.
To book please contact Janet on 07917690921 or Michelle on 07751450488

Sunday 24th October - Stamp Magic Show - The Dome, Doncaster

NOVEMBER
Weds 3rd November - Workshop - Christmas Card Making
With Jill Tuck - We will be using a combination of products from Moonglow, Ranger, Cuttlebug and Nestabilities to make Christmas cards with different techniques.  Book on our website or phone 01756 797048

Sat. 6th November - Workshop - Christmas Card Making
With Jill Tuck - We will be using a combination of products from Moonglow, Ranger, Cuttlebug and Nestabilities to make Christmas cards with different techniques.  Book on our website or phone 01756 797048

Weds 10th November - Workshop - Christmas Gifts
With Janet and Michelle.  Details to follow.  Book on our website or phone 01756 797048

Fri. 12th November - Stamping Club
To book please contact Janet on 07917690921 or Michelle on 07751450488

Weds. 17th November -  Journaling with Janet and Michelle.
To book please contact Janet on 07917690921 or Michelle on 07751450488

Sat. 27th November - Workshop – Card Maker's Journal
With Jill Tuck.  Something a little different, a book for planning your 2011 card making projects using various techniques with a combination of products from Moonglow, Ranger, Cuttlebug and Nestabilities.  Book on our website or phone 01756 797048

DECEMBER
Fri. 10th December - Stamping Club
To book please contact Janet on 07917690921 or Michelle on 07751450488

Weds. 22nd December -  Journaling with Janet and Michelle.
To book please contact Janet on 07917690921 or Michelle on 07751450488

End of Year - run up to The Stamp Man 'My Best Craft Project of 2010' Awards Event

Phew, well done if you made it down this far, thank goodness I didn't include challenge and swap deadline dates:)

Thanks for looking!

Jill

Demo Weekend 24th/25th July

We hope you will be able to join us for our next Open/Demonstration Weekend.  We will be open on the Saturday and Sunday from 10am until 5pm.

Demonstrators are:

Jill Boulton, Tracey Coates, Vix Kennedy and Jill Tuck

We will also have Make and Takes that Janet and Michelle are running.

The photo above is of our last demo weekend when Leonie Pujol demonstrated here, unfortunately Leonie cannot be with us this time but hopefully will be able to come to the next one later in the year.

The Sale Shop will be open as usual which has bargains at half price or less, so if you haven't had a chance to rummage around the room yet, it will be a good time to visit, we are adding more bargains in there as we make more space.

There will be refreshments available but please bring a packed lunch if you wish to stay for the day.

There is plenty of free parking but we just ask you to leave space outside the door free for disabled visitors.

Our last weekend was very enjoyable so we hope you will be able to join us!

Jill

PS:  Wow, just seen we've got 500 followers, thank you everyone for following and for your support!!

New Challenge Blog Open!

Our design team are all excited about our new challenge blog!  The blog is now ready for you to visit, the first challenge starts on Friday 16th July.  Challenge instructions will be posted soon.

Thanks to Vix we have new blinkies for both the challenge and ATC blogs (in sidebar on RHS) and we'd really love and appreciate it if you could spread the word by placing both blinkies into your sidebars.  Please follow the instructions given under the blinkie.

We hope you will join in with both the ATC swaps that have already started, and Challenges from 16th July.

Jill

The Stamp Man ATC Swaps are now open!!!!!

Our first ATC swap theme is Wings, I decided to use the Tim Holtz Sissix Alteration Die with shrink plastic for mine, the design team have each made one to get things started over on the ATC swap blog.

All the instructions are given over on the ATC blog where Janet is your swap hostess.  I am sure she will look after you all really well and ensure it is fun for all of those that join in.  You don't have to have a blog to join in so don't be shy... Go have a look and join in HERE

There is also some blog candy up for grabs as an introduction.

If you are interested in the Fanciful Flight butterfly die I used, it is on special offer at the moment HERE. 

Thanks to everyone who has already visited, joined to follow the new blog and left comments there.

Jill