9 Days to Christmas Eve Giveaway

9 Days to Christmas Eve Giveaway

Ho! Ho ! Ho !
Hope you are well?
Wow!
Never saw that kind of response to the Card Giveaway idea!
How flattered am I?!
So this evening I have gone blingy, 
and tried a different look for Christmas.
Just trying to cater to everybody’s taste.
Here’s a trick I did on telly last time, 
using the adhesive sheet and gilding flakes.
I hope you like it….
Here’s what we need:
Stick the adhesive sheet down in the middle of the A5 white card,
and trim back.
Hahaha.
The reason I had to cut it back was because it was pissed!
So I had to straighten it up!
Must be that time of year…

Remove the wax paper.

Right. When I was on TV,
 I stuck the stencil straight down onto the adhesive,
just because I like to live on the edge.
However.
This stencil is very delicate, 
so methinks we ought to just dust it lightly with talc before 
putting it on the adhesive sheet.

Rats!!
Some talc drifted over onto the sticky sheet!
never mind.
It may just be even better….
Carries on undeterred; sticks the snowflake and Noel stencils 
onto the sticky sheets.

Next coat the whole affair with Gilding flakes.
This is a Autumnal colour. Quite nice.
Gold would look great too.
You can see where the talc landed….

Rub with a sponge finger and get rid of the excess flakes.

See how it comes up to a finish shine?
Except for where the talc was….
Ah well. At least you know it’s an original!!

Peel off the stencils.
They come off easily with the talc.

More talc required, to fill the tacky areas.

Brush and buff.

Layer up on Clarity Black Card, to make it pop.
There.
I think the tatty talc area bottom left makes it!
Certainly make it a one-off!

So does anybody fancy owning this little piece of art?
I will sign it again, too.
You never know;
one day, if I do something outrageous, 
you may be able to get a few quid for it!
I bet Maggie Thatcher never thought her old handbags and 
tweed skirts would fetch half a million at auction!!
Mind you. She did some outrageous s**t!
Anyway, I think I will throw in the ingredients this time, too.
Some sheets of A5 Theuva Card.
Some sheets of A5 Black Claritycard
Some sheets of double-sided adhesive.
The snowflake stencil pieces I used.
A sponge finger and 
A new Pot of Gold Gilding Flakes.
All from my personal stash for you to have a play.

Leave a pleasant, uplifting comment below,
and then your name will go in the pot 
for this card and ALL the trimmings!
I think it will be fun to wait until the last day,
Christmas Day, to announce all the winners,
don’t you?
Then we can all get together, sing a carol or two,
and raise a glass.
I love this blog.
I love being able to switch off 
and come and spend some time with you.
Call me mad,
but I pretend we are all hanging out together here,
and having a banter.
Which is just what the doctor ordered for me today.
xxx
Lots of love,

213 thoughts on “9 Days to Christmas Eve Giveaway

  1. Hiya Barbara. I like a bit of banter, chin wag, natter. Even better with like minded friends, which is what you have allowed us to do with your blog. Love the card. Gilding flakes are a favourite of mine. Enjoy the rest of your evening… I'm off to my craft room after my tea, got a get well card to make for my eldest sister…. Using one of those lovely corners. Hugs xxx

  2. Hi Barbara,
    I just love to join in the mad ramblings of your blog each day.
    I loved watching this technique on TV recently.

    I've been stamping today, making more cards from my last class with Saz, blimming brilliant cards using Grace and Elegance.

    Take care and enjoy another glass of something chilled!
    Jackie x

  3. Hiya Barbara. I like a bit of banter, chin wag, natter. Even better with like minded friends, which is what you have allowed us to do with your blog. Love the card. Gilding flakes are a favourite of mine. Enjoy the rest of your evening… I'm off to my craft room after my tea, got a get well card to make for my eldest sister…. Using one of those lovely corners. Hugs xxx

  4. Love reading your ramblings..getting an insight into how your mind works This gilding flakes card is great with the stencils…grungy bits an all.
    I have had a busy afternoon trying to tidy up my craft stuff to clear the decks ready for starting again..on the upside. My box of Christmas craftiness can go away for another year.. enjoy your evening x

  5. Love reading your ramblings..getting an insight into how your mind works This gilding flakes card is great with the stencils…grungy bits an all.
    I have had a busy afternoon trying to tidy up my craft stuff to clear the decks ready for starting again..on the upside. My box of Christmas craftiness can go away for another year.. enjoy your evening x

  6. I would hang out with you any time, Barbara! Again a smashing piece of artwork. I really enjoy your blog, thank you for taking time out everyday to write it. Feel as if we are old friends. Have a lovely evening

    Lin xxx

  7. Lovely, lovely card to cheer up a battered person! Had my op today and now home and had to get to the computer to see the blog. My face is as white as the talk and "bathroom" is – oh, ah, ow etc – no rude words today. Also a bonus – signed off from work – yippee.
    I would love to received this card – or anything from you
    Off to rest
    Love to you all and thank you to everyone who wished me luck today – it made my heart sing.
    Anne (Reading)xxx

    1. Hi Anne, glad to hear you are home. Hopefully the pain will be gone in a few days. Hope the Groovi was helpful today while you were waiting. Sending healing thoughts and gentle hugs. XX

  8. Hi Barbara, saw this on TV last week and loved it. Was going to do it tonight but we have a power cut so can't see a thing. Although I just got home and my husband has lit the fire and lots of candles. So nice to just be together. Thanks for always being so normal xx

  9. Barbara Gray,I have a bone to pick with you. I have just 'lost' three hours out of my day and dinner is late and I feel amazing. After yesterdays blog I picked up the courage to try out my gelli plate with the acrylic inks. OMG what a superb result and so easy – I've actually created some art. This is all down to you as I would never have come across anything like this if it wasn't for you. I've had a fabulous time playing and have started my Christmas cards for next year.

    My bestest friend in the whole wide world turns 50 in January, I might just have to make a gilded flakes card.

    1. Wow! Started your cards for next year! I am so impressed and slightly depressed that I haven't finished mine for this year yet! Oh well, tomorrows another day. Enjoy playing with your Gelli! Xx

  10. Your card Barbara a bit like life 'nothing is perfect' but you can always give a few tweaks to make it right for you. If everything was perfect what a boring place. Xxx

  11. Evening Barbara.
    Reading your blog everyday gives me the lift I need at the moment.
    You are an inspiration to the nation, you have certainly made me want to stamp again, I will find a way that doesn't cause me to much pain.
    These giveaways you are doing just goes to show what a lovely lovely person you are, and at the end of the giveaways there will be lots of happy people who will own a piece of Barbara Gray artwork to me that is worth million.
    Thank you for making so many people's Christmas by picking them as a winner of your giveaways.
    Have a lovely Christmas with Dave, Mark and Grace here's to seeing lots more of your work in 2016 xx

  12. I'm raising my glass to you Barb,well actually it's a cup of tea. What a gorgeous card again and it's so kind to throw in the ingredients too! You are such great blogger and I alway enjoy reading your posts every day x

  13. I'm raising my glass to you Barb,well actually it's a cup of tea. What a gorgeous card again and it's so kind to throw in the ingredients too! You are such great blogger and I alway enjoy reading your posts every day x

    1. I love this blog too. It feels like one big family. Every day I look for the regulars (where is Brenda? I worry about her).

      Have you tried rubbing the back of the stencil with a dry soap bar? It works with metal stencils and sticky sheets. I will try it when I have time, bit busy right now. Lol.

      My Clarity Club came today, the Groovi club sounds great. I can't wait.

      Love
      Roz.x

    2. It's lovely seeing the regular names isn't it Roz and we all care about Brenda and worry about her when she's missing. What a lovely friendly place this is xxxxx

  14. I love how Gilding flakes look but there isn't any in my crafty stash yet, it's on my very long list! One of the reasons I love watching you in action and reading your blog is that you make mistakes and things go wrong but that's ok, and sometimes it leads to something better. I try and remember that when I'm crafting and it doesn't come out right !

  15. I've been having a bit of a craft clear out, my room has so much stuff in cupboards I just don't use anymore, since I started going to the Clarity east workshops with Janet, my crafting took a different turn. Anyway, two drawers of Clarity stuff… Gilding flakes bought from you, never used, 2 packs of adhesive sheets, never used, 2 packs of acetate, never used (a theme going on here!), plenty of stencils bought and stored correctly, SO i should dig them all out and recreate your masterpiece above, but i'll get the talc ready 🙂 i managed to make the August butterfly picture for a friends birthday and was pleasantly pleased with the result. YOU INSPIRE xx

  16. Hi there Mad! You did say to call you that didn't you!?!? Well from one mad person to another – I just love the way you share your mistakes with us – whether it be here on the blog, or on tv! What does always happen though – is that you always manage to turn it around, and the finished piece of artwork is fantastic. As is this one – and I for one, would love to own it. Thanks again Barbara – it's always good to join you and your crafty gang here on your Blog! xx

  17. I seem to have lost my 'get up & go' it just got up and went! so I logged in to read your blog to cheer myself. Lovely technique and not something I've tried yet. The card is beautiful, very seasonal.

  18. Definitely what the doctor ordered. Not surprised you had a fantastic response to your giveaway, we all would like a piece of your artwork. You inspire us all, personally I have gained a lot from reading your blog and trying some of the demos. Finished packing parcels this afternoon, just as our son dropped in to see us, a lovely surprise. Wonderful piece of art again today. xx

  19. Love this idea. It looks really special. Trying to think of which stencils I have which would work as a quick birthday card for my lovely hubby's birthday on Sunday. Going to check it out now. Thanks for the inspiration Barabara
    Have a lovely evening.

  20. So glad you repeated this one, I missed it because my telephone rang! Just getting everything ready for the invasion of my grandsons after school tomorrow as they want to make Christmas cards for their Mum & Dad. Need to put all the sharps out of reach & get the glitter out!
    Have a lovely evening Barbara x

  21. Love this technique Barbara, I must admit the bit where the talc went makes it look very vintage. You really are spooling us with all this fabulous art. I love reading your blogs, I love your style of writing, you really should think about writing a book. Xx

  22. So, as I never ever in my life win anything, positive thinking entangled with hope, might work. Cause I would love a signed piece of artwork from you Barb. I would cherish it. No bullsh***t here, honestly. You really do inspire us all EVERY DAY, and I don't think there's any other blog out there anywhere achieving this. So, keep doing what you do and we are right here beside you Barbara Gray xx

  23. This is beautiful! I watched you do it on TV and was worried you'd never get that stencil off, talc is definitely the answer. I would be very happy to have something you have made and will look forward to Christmas day to see if I'm lucky. I enjoy coming here everyday too, having a chat and a laugh with friends. Xx

  24. How lovely!! I have had some -limited – success with this technique so I would love an example from the expert!! I'm glad you repeated the steps as a blog as I print some of these off to keep as reminders!!

  25. great card, Barbara…
    Is there anyone who doesn´t want it? No for sure!
    I like gilding flakes very much. I made the most beautiful borders with it – one of my favourite techniques.
    You are so generous with all these prizes to win. Thank you so much.
    Rolf xxx

  26. Evening Brenda, glad to see you here yesterday. Xx
    Evening Sheila, hope you have had a day with less pain. Xx
    Evening Diane and Dot, my fellow bag hoarders! Xx
    Evening Pam how are your Christmas cards coming along? Xx

    Hugs to everyone XX

    1. Evening Donna pain is more controlled and I managed to craft today I even manage to do a groovi Christmas card too a much better day thank you for sending me messages it helps so much to know my blog friends are there big crafting hugs xxx

    2. Hi Donna, this year's all done and sent. Sorry!! Want to try Barb's card tomorrow ready for next year, try to get a few done takes a bit of the pressure off of next year. Fell off the,wagon again and ordered the Colour Bursts and the fab groovi corners. Hugs to you, only a day then you'll have a bit more time.xxx

      Hi Diane, Sheila, Brenda and Dot, glad to see you on last night Brenda, a relief just for a Hi, thank you. Sorry to hear you're in pain Sheila and can't sleep, the nights go so long dont they. I dont sleep very well either haven't done for about 12 years now since I lost my sister. I stay up as late as possible. Been so ling now I'm used to it. Sending you all love and hugs.

    3. Hi Donna, hi Sheila, hi Dot Hi Pam lovely to see you all – I'm late again tonight – 2 hours on Face Time to Emma, she comes home overnight Friday so can have a cuddle Saturday morning – really looking forward to that. Sheila glad to hear you've managed to get into the groove today with a bit of Elvis. I've posted all my cards now except for my sisters, I was waiting for my corner punch but I think I will improvise now and see what I can do. Love and hugs all round xxxx

  27. I bought gilding flakes a long time ago, but couldn't quite get the hang of it using glue….ended up with more on me (and the dog…) than on the card. I love the idea of using ds sticky paper and stencils!! I shall try it out tomorrow, Barbara!
    Your blog is one of the highlights of my day, and I so look forward to your 'ramblings'! I've learned such a lot from them, and had a laugh or three on the way. Keep it up, Barb….. Jo x

  28. Feeling very festive this week had the kids nativity where my 6 yr old sang a beautiful solo she was fab! 3 more days of school then lots of crafting with the little ones merry Christmas can't wait xxxx

  29. Feeling very festive this week had the kids nativity where my 6 yr old sang a beautiful solo she was fab! 3 more days of school then lots of crafting with the little ones merry Christmas can't wait xxxx

  30. Now then…. I spent 2 weeks making a mess in the "office" and 2 days clearing up. Then out came the gilding flakes. The door is shut and I shall ignore that office until tomorrow. I love your work and I love your blog. This allows me some peace and me time for which I am really grateful – Keep up the good work, Barbara and keep making us all smile!

  31. Oh wow this is gorgeous I absolutely love this. Defo gonna give this a try as I have so many cards to make. I love your chatty style on your blog as it always reminds me of your newsletters that come with the club envelope. A little window into the world of Gray & Roe. Looking fwd to tomorrow. Xxx

  32. Lovely to see that you can make mistakes just like us and produce such a stunning card.
    Just received my Gold Club envelope today, the newsletter is the best part – always makes me laugh and brightens up my day, thank you Barbara. xx

  33. Oh Barbara – I could give Eb Scrooge a run for his money re: Christmas but your hilarious instructions today made me laugh out loud and show my partner what you'd written. It was like listening in to you having a private conversation with yourself with a large glass of something on the side. Your expletives cracked me up.

  34. Nice to see that we all make mistakes. Thanks for sharing this. Love the card and saw you demo this technique. Have done it before and love the look. Have never tried talcum powder before. I usually use a coconut soap on the back of my stencil to prevent it from sticking. Works great but will try with the talc. Keep all those inspirational cards coming and have a great evening.

  35. Barbara, you write as if we all were just sitting in a room sipping tea and chatting it up. I can hear your lovely voice through your words and it is so engaging. Just what the doctor ordered indeed. Thank you.

  36. Stencils, check; gilding flakes, check; adhesive sheets, check; fear of making a mistake, not any more having seen how it can happen to anyone – even the best. Will definitely be having a go at this. Would love to be in with a chance of having the original for comparison. Thanks for showing that perfection is not necessary to produce art.

  37. Must admit forgot all about my gilding flakes and found my adhesive sheets yesterday so think I might give this a whirl. Maybe we can have a blog-along in ten days to Christmas, something to relieve the Christmas stress. Thanks for the inspiration always. Hugs and kisses Karen xxxx

  38. Wowzers I do love this technique, looks amazing. fingers, toes and all 3 of my dogs paws are crossed for this beauty. Must remember the talc technique, ooooo great idea for some quick Christmas cards with the stag stencil yes ! Thanks as always for the wonderful inspiration xx

  39. Always a beautiful card that I wou love to own , a Christmas card that would never be put away, and also would love to play with some of your crafty stash,,,. Yes that would be lovely to have a glass of wine with you and singing carols just like good friends,.xx

  40. A bit of bling for Xmas – that's what we need ! Using the stencils and adhesives sheets – genius ! Glad you mentioned using the talc otherwise I'm sure I'd be daft enough to securely attach the stencil

  41. Thank you for doing this blog Barbara. I have seen and half seen you using talc in your demos but never understood until just now how to get the really shiny effect. Having only seen part of a recent Hochanda demo. Thank you so much, now I get it. I would love to own this card and also be able to use the stash to try to make my own creation. When I read your blog I too feel that you are in the room with me and we are sharing a crafty time, which is nice as I can be on my own some days without anyone coming to the door or the phone evening ringing so it's nice to have some company. Keep up the great work.
    Merry Christmas to you and yours.

  42. Loved this technique when I say your demo. Your card is beautiful, such an effective finish to it. I would be proud to own a piece of your art and have it hanging in my craft room. Pat x

  43. Really beautiful, I must have ago at the guilding flakes on the adhesive backing. I agree the talcy space at the bottom left adds a certain something, I forget who it is always s
    Leaves a deliberate mistake as only God is perfect. I ve worked on that principal ever since!
    Love your blog, what a breath of fresh air every day X

  44. I never felt like I could do any artwork because it had to be perfect . I've accepted,over the years that I'm not perfect ,so get on with it . This Card is a marvelous reminder to not be so hard on myself and enjoy . Also it has my daughters middle name Noel,and it translates to my favorite word right next to love —- Joy . Hope someone out there in blog land reads this cause then I would feel we were altogether stinging a joyful song . Joy now ,Janice

    1. I like to read the comments Jan, it's like catching up with friends and being comfortable with them as you've known them for so long. Sending you a hug across the miles – funny isn't it, we are all scattered around the world but all meet up on the blog! Xxxx

  45. What a very generous lady you are and so talented. This is such a stunning card, just the right amount of bling. I need a break from the cards I am doing so I might just try this one tomorrow, after a few other jobs that need doing. I love the idea of all getting together at Christmas and raising a glass of whatever we fancy. Love Maggie xxx

  46. Barbara we all love your blog and I would love to win one of the cards. I bought some gilding flakes and double sided sheets a while back to do the Allium and oh what a mess I got in, but I do like being messy.

  47. Wow wow wow stunning art work each day you amaze me Barbara with your talent how luck we are to have this blog to come to especially when are days are tough and we need a lift up or a hug to help us through thank you, a chance to have a signed art work from the brilliant Barbara grey and your used stash too wow xxx

  48. Evening – I have sat in all day waiting for 4 deliveries – 4 different couriers and only DPD turned up – with The Lily ( name of my new granddaughter) labels and hexagon Groovi plates YAY love Hochanda. I missed your TV show as ill in bed and we don't have recording facilities so really pleased to see this today and will try it on Thursday when I am again going to be sat in waiting for deliveries. Ooh may try Dees card I saw on TV

  49. Hi Barbara�� l wouldn't miss your blog for all the tea in China. Even if I come to bed at midnight ,still have to read it. Just love all your art work. Can't wait to add the Groove to my club membership.xx

  50. This gilding technique is fabulous Barbara and how lovely of you to add the ingredients as well as the card for the winner. Hope it's me!! x

  51. A beautiful card did you just make with a adhesive, card and gilding flakes. How I would love to win this card today, made and signed by the one and only Barbara Gray.
    Love the card and the technique, will definitely have to have a go at this one… xxx

    1. Love the tip about using talc on the stencils and particularly like the fact that you just continued regardless of the mishap. I would have got annoyed, discarded the whole project and given up, even though the end result is perfectly good and not the main focus of attention. We are our own worst enemies and far too self critical. Looking forward to seeing the rest of the Christmas projects xx

  52. Beautiful card Barbara and you are right to say it feels like we are all here hanging out and having a natter. Because that's how we all feel too. Can't beat a daily meeting of like minded minds and a crafty catch up. Today at work I was telling a young lady about our lovely crafting community and how many inspiring people we meet here. I am sure she didn't understand how important our time away from the reality of everyday life is to some of us but I know for a fact that it is what keeps me sane(ish). So thank you so much and see you tomorrow at the same place xx

  53. I loved seeing you do this technique on the telly, but not quite as much as I've enjoyed reading this blog today….again and again. I'm definitely going to give this one a try. You are such a blessing to us! x

  54. I enjoy your blog so very much! I have been reading it and watching your videos for a while now but have always been a little hesitant to comment, you all seem so much like family. I really like how you did this card. The talc trick would never have occurred to me. Thank you Dorothy.

    1. Hi Dorothy, cup of tea and a biscuit? It's lovely to see you, we are very friendly bunch but are prone to being a bit naughty and falling of the wagon to buy Clarity stash , but don't worry we now put cushions down so we don't hurt ourselves 🙂 – have I mentioned we are all slightly mad too ! Xxxxx

  55. Oh this is going to be exciting here on Christmas day to see if I'm lucky to win a Barbara Gray original and chatting away to all the lovely people here.
    Being here is like hanging out with friends cheering each other up feeling for each other being a wee bit daft sometimes like volunteer bus driving dressing up like nynja's for bin diving your wheelie bin so don't just call us mad were definitely NUTS.. {Clarity nuts}.
    Take Care…Dot..xx

  56. i did something similar with stencils and glitter and man they were stuck! i then got a tip to use versamark on the stencil which worked to get the stenicl off but also made the sticky sheet less sticky and made the glitter not want to stick, i will try talc powder now, or maybe cornstarch i think that would also work and i have that, great piece of art work, anyone would be proud to own it!

  57. Another beautiful artwork. Thank you for all the great ideas. Only the best teachers show their mistakes too – that way we learn even more! What not do do, as well as what to do! 🙂 xx

  58. Very glamorous card, l loved the use of gilding flakes, the multi coloured flakes add dimension to the design. I've been following you for many years (I even have your Clarity lessons which were sold on VHS tape)! You,re still providing so much support and guidance, thank you.

  59. Fabulous! I get in such a mess with gilding flakes – can't imagine what I do wrong. Happy to know that you love your blog, it shouldn't only be your readers that get something from it. Went to 'The Wells' today – nightmare. Hope your trip at the weekend was more fun than
    mine.
    Tonbridge Sue

  60. I've just come in from a very pleasant evening out with friends but I still need to look and see what's been happening here before I go to bed. Reading your blog is part of my day and I look forward to it. Beautiful card, Barbara. Gilding flakes: something else I 'need'! Mxx

  61. So look forward to hearing from you every day, it's like a note from an old (!) friend. Been feeling poorly lately and not up to much, but brought myself upstairs, got my lap table out and seems I have spent the last 3 hours +, playing with my groovi plates. Very chilled out now, all thanks to you. x

  62. Love this idea and the chance to win a Barbara origina. talc and all – saw this demo (different stencil) on TV and said will give it a go after the holidays and rushing around like a mad thing xxx

  63. Yet again a beautiful card. Who wouldn't want a card that you had made, especially one that you'd signed. I made the one you did with the alliums a while ago for my friend and she loved it. You are so generous with your time and your giveaways, you don't need to do that, we'd love you anyway for who you are. Thank you anyway because without this blog I'd be lost.xx

  64. I just LOVE gilding flakes! They just add so much bling to a card! And this is a fab way to use them!
    I do enjoy your blog…..every day I read it and everyday it makes me smile as my mate Barbara arrives at my house and I get the kettle on for a cuppa! Then we enjoy a bit if crafty chat and she shows me a trick or three!
    Hope you're all OK! Love and hugs! Xxx

  65. I just LOVE gilding flakes! They just add so much bling to a card! And this is a fab way to use them!
    I do enjoy your blog…..every day I read it and everyday it makes me smile as my mate Barbara arrives at my house and I get the kettle on for a cuppa! Then we enjoy a bit if crafty chat and she shows me a trick or three!
    Hope you're all OK! Love and hugs! Xxx

  66. As far as I'm concerned we are all hanging out and having a banter. Loved this technique when you did it on telly, even rewound to show hubby. Gilding flakes are so gorgeous. Worked out how to get them on a delicate die cut while doing one of the Clarity challenges, and have used that again for snowflakes. Would love your bundle of play things!

  67. Oh Barbara I think you're going to break your blog record this year- not only the chance to win something lovely but some stash too! However…. a Christmas Day winners announcement oh dear. Imagine the scene – "Yes I will put the sprouts on but must check whether I've won….oops the pudding has boiled dry while I was checking the blog!" Need I say more, it will be just so exciting.

  68. Hi Barbara, You know…I think its great that you own up to 'mistakes' or 'mishaps' and show us that it is ok to leave these on artwork rather than covering it up or starting the piece from scratch again.It makes me feel more like you are a crafty buddy in the local craft group rather than the 'celeb' on the tele….that you are 'normal! Haha..Again I would love to win a grey original so thank you for the chance!! Sue x

  69. Should have had a sheet of copy paper underneath the stencil when adding the talc, and perhaps brush off any excess before putting it on the sticky sheet. Saw you demoing this technique on the telly, when you didn't use talc, and thought it very brave of you. Glad to see it works better dusted.
    Margaret xxx

  70. I always look forward to reading your blog every day. I may not always leave a comment but I do always read and enjoy it. With your busy, hectic life it can't always be easy to find the time to blog each day but you never fail to do so and it is appreciated. Love this technique and card and would love to be chosen in the draw.

  71. Lovely artwork Barbara, I will be trying something similar tomorrow , wish I'd made some cards today instead of three, yes, three chocolate cakes that ended in the bin! I had a quick trip to sainsburys to by my grandson a birthday cake – I even bought

  72. What a beautiful idea. At last – something wonderful that gleams and sparkles without being the dreaded gets-everywhere glitter! Thank you SO much for showing us this and, indeed, for everything you do.

  73. I do look forward to reading the blog each evening, you write and say what most of are probably thinking! Love this technique another one to try and achieve.

  74. I enjoy joining you in your virtual craft and watching you create wonderful pieces of art. I enjoy your tales and banter too – it really does feel as if we are all sat around you chatting.

    Thanks for sharing this idea. For a whole variety of reasons I've not been feeling festive so despite having masses of Clarity products I've not made a single card yet (although I have a few Groovi ones nearly ready) sooooo I think I could give this design a go as I have some flakes and some sticky sheets too

    Thank you sooo much for sharing your day with me

    1. Just start using it Tracey, you wont look back. My husband used to say, why are you saving it up, it's just getting the confidence but you have to start to get it. As Barbara says what's a bit of card if you mess it up.xx

  75. Wow! what a response to todays blog, it seems everyone would love to win a piece of your artwork, mishaps and all. What a good idea to use talc, I bet it smells nice as well. I missed your last show on T.V and haven't got to grips with recording yet, I must try to figure it out in the New Year when time permits. Looking forward to tomorrows treat,
    Linda

  76. Hi Barbara
    Thank you for another fabulous card. I have never tried gilding flakes but the results are just lovely. A very sophisticated and opulent effect. I so look forward to your blog each day and how it brings us all together.
    Hugs from Chris X

  77. I generally catch up with FB when I go to bed, so your blog is part of my bed time routine. I love reading what you've written, and I often read most of the comments too, and it never fails to relax me, and make me smile if not laugh, so that I'm in a good place before I settle down to sleep. X

  78. I generally catch up with FB when I go to bed, so your blog is part of my bed time routine. I love reading what you've written, and I often read most of the comments too, and it never fails to relax me, and make me smile if not laugh, so that I'm in a good place before I settle down to sleep. X

  79. Last thing I do before going to bed is read your blog. Better than a cup of cocoa. Loved the guilding flakes piece of art. You make it seem so easy. I must practise more instead of just watching.
    Good night. Barbara.

  80. Loved yesterday's, love today's. Sent in some responses last night but hotel connection in Bath kept saying 'NO.' Will the same happen tonight, I wonder? Let's have a go. If not, it will be a triplicate attempt tomorrow. ;~}

  81. Wow! 151 comments. I see what you mean about a great response. Just got into bed and it's the first chance I've had to look at your blog…this is becoming a bit of a routine…Barbara's blog at bed time; and now I'm rambling! Love your gilded card, thanks for the inspiration for the perfect christmas card for a friend that needs cheering up. I'll probably flick talc on mine too as I'm so clumsy!
    Not long now until Grace & Mark are home. I'll also be having Christmas dinner with my children plus my first Christmas with my Granddaughter. ..really looking forward to that. Hugs Jeanette xx

  82. Hi Barbara
    Gosh it's busy in here tonight, I will just squeeze into that chair in the corner out the way! This is fabulous Barbara and I love the way you show us your mistakes too, shows us your human just like us! I wonder what will come out of the talc on sticky – ink spritzed on it as a background perhaps ? I must give this a go. Would love to own a Barbara original and how generous you are to provide stash too – thank you. I like the idea of a Christmas Eve sing song, perhaps a cheeky mulled wine and some blog winners.
    Night night sleep tight
    Love Diane xxxxx

    Hi Brenda hugs for you and daisy xxxxxx

  83. Hi Barbara, Always a pleasure to catch up with you on your daily blog. Even if I have not been out of the house during the day you make me feel in touch with the world. Love your artwork. You are such a kind caring lady. Merry Christmas to you, Dave and all your family and best wishes for a wonderful 2016!!! Hugs and love Marian xxx

  84. Me please Miss!!! It's gorgeous, love the flaked background and using the talcum powder to make your snow is inspired :). Thanks for sharing these tips with us too your art is more than inspiring and learning a little more means I get better educated, have a lovely week Karen x

  85. Morning up early as I cant sleep worried about my son. But I have relaxed and chilled having read your lovely blog. I too must be mad as I feel I know everyone here as friends. How wonderful is that.

    But back to your card just fantastic. Loved it on the show and seeing it here even better.

    Well crafty hugs for now and fingers crossed.

    Pen x

  86. how great to spend time with you every day Barb I laugh and sometimes cry with you ,and feel you are in my home with me ,look at your blog with my first coffee of the morning 5-30 am most days ,love your pissed card today go girl love Pamela x x

  87. Oh what a lovely card and its so nice to see that even the experts make mistakes. I do think it adds to the look. Looking forward to the next blog. Thanks for taking the time out from your busy schedule to give us a project for the next week, we very much appreciate it.

  88. Hello Barb, wow and wow again, this is beautiful, and a mistake, what mistake? It makes it look Vintage. I love it! This give away of your artwork has certainly evoked a response. Have a great day, looking forward to the next one, really appreciate all your effort and time. Bx

  89. I saw this on TV the other day and tried it but failed miserably .i am definitely not going to give up and will try again . It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas xx

  90. Guten Morgen Barbara,
    diese Karte ist wunderschön und mit diesen Flocken zu arbeiten macht wirklich Spaß … man darf nur nicht atmen, husten oder pusten, aber ansonsten total easy in der Verarbeitung.;-)
    Wünsche Dir und dem Clarity-Team einen angenehmen Tag.
    Herzliche Grüße sendet Sabine

  91. Reading this on my hotel balcony in Laos. The power of the Internet!' What a fantastic card Barbara, sadly I will have to wait until after Christmas to try this technique. xx

  92. Wow Barb a stunning card and if you had nit said we would never know about the mishaps. Yes the big day is getting closer, tree went up yesterday and if to the craft group Christmas party and then singing tonight in the Carol service.
    Enjoy the day.
    Hazel c uk

  93. The bit with talc has encouraged me to try again. Normally I get the flakes all over everywhere but never on the card. So if you can get 'all over everywhere' looking so fantastic then I can try and get at least some of the flakes on the card and not the floor,you never know mine might !!(that'd be the day)even look half way reasonable. Love your card though.XX

  94. Seasons greetings one and all…
    For old friends and new…those who see at our best and at our worse and can't tell the difference and love us all the same.
    I have learnt so much from you this past year Barbara. Thank you for sharing your love of crafting with us all.

  95. Catching up today on this. It is a beautiful and I think I will need to try this next week once I finish work. The reason I didn't get go read this yesterday is that last night I went to a Bethlehem Peace light service with Scouts. It was really beautiful to experience and share in the peace of the season and take some light that was lit in Bethlehem out in to our communities.

  96. Catching up today on this. It is a beautiful and I think I will need to try this next week once I finish work. The reason I didn't get go read this yesterday is that last night I went to a Bethlehem Peace light service with Scouts. It was really beautiful to experience and share in the peace of the season and take some light that was lit in Bethlehem out in to our communities.

  97. About to go off for a swim. I struggle to go but I always feel better when I've been and it really helps me focus on my creative tasks when I get back. There are many things to do before Christmas!! Love your cards.

  98. Seasons Greetings to all,
    Thanks for all your great posts Barb! I do enjoy seeing all the creative and interesting ideas that you present to us daily!! I`m really excited to try this after the Holidays.

  99. Is it awful to say it makes me feel ok to see an expert – yourself – making a mistake with the talc but being happy with the end result. Christmas "spirit" has a lot to answer for lol. Always love your work.

  100. Hi Barbara
    I just love the way you look at the little "accidents" that happen, most of my work consists of accidents (mistakes). Love the card and all the ideas you give us.
    Ann x

  101. Love the card, such a simple technique to achieve a great result. To echo your thoughts "Good friends are like sunshine on a cloudy day" and we all feel better when Mr. Sun pops his head out!

  102. Dusted off my gilding flakes today and been busy with my stencils. Still had a card to make for my mam so this was just what was needed. Thanks for the inspiration. Just started reading your blog everyday and it gives me a boost and makes me get up and experiment a bit. Much love Jayne

  103. You thank us for reading your blogs – Barb, we thank YOU for taking the time to do them – AND share them with us. I live with the dream that one day, in the far distant future, perhaps I may get somewhere near to what you do – thank you so much.
    Lots of love, Margaret xxxx

  104. Just got back from our Christmas run.Want a laugh, stopped by at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park ,( great place by the way, some fantastic pieces) to see the wave of poppies that were at the Tower of London. Walking down the hill went flat on my back and was covered head to toe in mud.couldn't stop laughing.
    The poppies were lovely.Cant say the same for me.

    Came by here to see your latest creation.Love the talc tip, knowing my luck luck I would end up attached to the adhesive sheet let alone the stencil

  105. I just love your ideas for stencils, I've never been a fan of them in the past, but you have changed all that. This idea together with your Groovi plates has got me back into paper crafting again. Thank you Barbara for so willing sharing your expertise and your talent.

    Love reading your blog.

    Love
    Eileen

  106. I love your blog. Always full of inspiring ideas. Must indulge in some gilding flakes and have a go. This card is splendid and if you hadn't confessed to the mishap with the talc I'd never have known and thought it was just part of your clever design ideas

  107. Barbara it is such a joy to read your blog every day, sometimes when I am feeling down it lifts me up and inspires me to go into my craft room and play. You are truly an inspiration to a lot of novice crafters like myself. Have a fantastic Christmas and a very Happy New Year. Lots of Love and best wishes Pearl xxx

  108. Hi Barb,
    Sorry I'm very late but got really absorbed in what I was doing and completely forgot about the time! Decided as Christmas presents for two of my friends that I would make them a pack of 10 birthday cards each. My brain has been in overdrive trying to think of different designs ( as they will probably be sending them to the same kind people!) . Anyway only got four Groovi ones to colour in and mount so I'm quite proud of myself. A way, I saw you do this on to and was holding my breath as you were trying to get the stencil off the sticky sheet – I was convinced it would snap! Good quality shone through though. I love gilding flakes but last time I ventured to use them, I ended up gilding the poor cat! I don't think she's ever forgiven me either! Love Alison xx

  109. Although I try to look at your blog every day, preparing for Christmas has left me with little time for relaxation over the last few days so I have just sat down to catch up and, wow, do I want to try out this tehnique! Thanks for inspiring me to try things I probably wouldn't tackle without your expert instruction.
    Best wishes June

  110. What a great idea to use talc on the stencil to lift it off the sticky – I really like the effect of gilding flakes, but rarely think to use them. Note to myself – play a bit more messy sometimes (Barb says it's fun)!!! Susan x

  111. This is the best blog candy/blog hog thingymajig ever 🙂 I love this technique, but haven't been brave enough to try it yet. Need to completely clear my craft table to avoid getting absolutely everything covered in gilding flakes! Plus those snowflake stencils are gorgeous.

  112. Well now you are just being a generous Nut you must have the Xmas Spirit in you today.xxx what a lovely thing to do Barb! I can't always get my comments to show up on here but I never miss any posts. Its a way of keeping an eye on you too!!!xxx

  113. Love this think would be scared stencil wouldn't come off effect is bril and could old johnsons talc would smell lovely live reading your blog daily look forward to it try to read daily some how missed this thank you Joy xxx

  114. Evening Barbara, i hope i can still enter this competition as its a few days past the posting date. i love this technique and am planning to try it out soon. i watched you do this on tv and was amazed. love it. x

  115. Wish I could stop by and have a bit of tea with you, but alas, the pond is too large for a drop-in. I shall live vicariously through your blog and enjoy the peace and happiness that it brings to me. Joyous Holiday to you and all within your family, be they blood-relations or otherwise!

  116. This is a wonderful card and a very good technique for the flakes. I have 2 wholes jars so will try it asap. So nice to have ladies to card with

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