Up with the larks and some beautiful Dahlias…

Up with the larks and some beautiful Dahlias…

Hi there.
Just got home, after a very succesful and enjoyable 
couple of days at HOCHANDA.
Jayne’s beautiful Groovi Flower Plates are just about to sell out,
which makes my day at so many different levels.
At 9am this morning I played with the superb Dahlia Groovi Plates.
Pair of Dahlia Plates

I just wanted to show you how easy it is to position the butterfly
in front of the box frame by just sliding the butterfly plate in on top of the Frame Plate and embossing it into position first.
Let’s get in a little closer, to check out the colouring in.
Polychromos Faber Castell, or Spectrum Noir Blending Pencils.
Both have a waxy consistency which works well on parchment
 
If you watched, you may have noticed the two huge Ball tools 
I was using….

They are both larger than the 2 tools in the 
Then there was the lovely writing from the large frame which goes with the Floral Collection.
Alpabet Picture Frame
Spot the difference…..
There is something perfectly charming about these flower illustrations by Jayne Nestorenko.
Whether without colour, just with whitework..

or in full bloom, in all their glory.

I love the Dahlias, but I really can’t pick a favourite.
They’re all fantastic.
And the samples from the Design team!
Well, blow me down with a feather!!!
They would graciously argue that Jayne’s flowers are inspirational, and that you can’t really go wrong with them.

Many, many thanks to the DT ladies who inspire and delight.
Look at these two Agapanthus offerings, from Josie Davidson and Gail Sydenham, two of our traditional parchers who are enjoying our Groovi system! So different and yet using the same plates.
Josie
Gail
And then there’s this beautifully thoughtful piece by Julie Owen, which involves a whole other lot of skillsets.
Julie
 Well, it’s time for me to stop for the day. 
Paul is still working his little cotton socks off at the studios.
He is thinking on his feet and doing a brilliant job.
Where would I be without this Clarity team?
Don’t answer that !!!
Love & Hugs always,
Barb 
xxx

126 thoughts on “Up with the larks and some beautiful Dahlias…

  1. Wow Barbara stunning design team samples including yours Paul is amazing too I've enjoyed all the shows so much inspiration you get plenty of rest put your feet up with a nice cuppa tea and a piece of cake and a big pat on the back for you and the clarity team and a big hug for Jane I couldn't resist buying the full set from clarity towers a must buy xxx

    1. Afternoon family of blog friends sending heartfelt hugs to you all hugs to all on the blog I've put my cushions away and zebadee springs too I've gone into my piggy bank for an early birthday present to myself poor piggy 😢 Happy me ☺️ So excited for my postman to arrive next week hugs xxx

    2. Hi Sheila – not surprised to hear that your cushions have been in use! Jayne's designs are wonderful! Thanks for your comment earlier today, I was actually commenting from the hospital. Please continue to rest and take things easy – love and special hugs, Gilly xxx

    3. I'm surprised there's anything left in your piggy bank to raid Sheila!!!;-) I need to work out which Groovi and which stamps I'm getting, really don't think I could justify buying the lot! I'm glad you've got a new appointment and it's only 2 weeks later. Shame though as the Dr's strike has been called off, so there was no need to postpone it for you. But you'll be able to enjoy your big birthday now, so it's worked out a good thing in the end. Thanks for letting me know. Hope your bloods/results go ok tomorrow xx

    4. Hi Sheila,
      Yes I couldn't resist either! I raided my holiday fund!! Hope you get on ok tomorrow and glad that you've got a new appointment. Keep taking things easy, love and hugs Alison xxx

    5. You lot make me feel like I'm falling behind in my purchases. I have only just seen the second half of Paul's last show and it has switch on my crafting juices. I must get the groovi box template. I wonder what else I 'must' get once I've watched all the shows.

    6. Hi Sheila I'm glad you've got another appointment sorted. Your poor piggy bank, his tummy will be really empty but I don't blame you for treating yourself, they're gorgeous aren't they. Sending hugs xxx

    7. Oh, now there's a very tempting offer Sheila, your craft room must be like a crafty version of Aladdin's cave. Mind you mine is a bit too!!! There will be queue outside your door!!!!! Better get Tom onto ticketing, and searching everyone as they leave!!! Hope you're feeling well enough for a wee bit crafting today xx

  2. A great show this morning and I learnt a couple of things, i.e. Placing the butterfly and colouring in the line with a ruler! Lovely plates and they will be going in my basket after my holiday. Thanks so much xx

    1. Hi Jackie I also agree, I found all of Barbara's tips so useful! I really needed to learn more about colouring and shading, so I really enjoyed watching her do that on the 9.00 a.m. show. Husg Gilly xx

  3. Hi everyone, I've had a lazy day while the carpenters started the staircase, couldn't do anything as was also waiting in for our sofa which came just before 1 P.M. Our time slot was 7 a.m. – 1 p.m. !! Just got to get used to seeing it in it's spot, a little bigger than the other one as it's a 3 seater instead of a 2, we've had a 3 before but it will look massive until I get used to it! I was able to watch the Clarity show on the iPad this morning with no interruptions as the men got on with their work, John went to get the paper etc. And I was just sitting ! The men have left now and will be back tomorrow to complete. I shall be able to go out to town tomorrow and have a little look around the fair while there is no one there ! It's nice that I'm not sitting in my office having to listen to it outside ! It's been a funny day weather wise, dull but warm after a very wet start. Hope everyone is ok and hugs to those that need them xx

    1. Hi Jackie it will look lovely when it's all finished – know what you mean about the sofa, we've done that too. I hope you're not shinning up a ladder to get to bed tonight!!! Xxx

    1. Hello everyone. Donna I hope school wasn't too bad, I always used to wonder who was the least with it after 6 weeks off – the kids or the teachers!
      No hot water tonight, tank out, lots of pipes leading nowhere at the moment. It's a bit more complicated than expected so may take longer. Dad has a visit from the lifeline people on Thursday so I couldn't have gone up to Durham anyway.
      We are out for the evening so I may or may not be back here. Love to you all in case I don't make it xx

    2. Hi Chris,
      It's a shame you can't make it on Thursday but there will be other times. Hope everything goes well tomorrow. I hate it when things are upscuttled in the house! Have a good evening. Like ve and hugs Alison xxx

  4. Fabulous show Barbara and I just had to buy them all! They will be here waiting for me when I get back off my holiday! Stunning samples by the design team and great demonstrations by Paul and yourself. Enjoy your evening.
    Hugs
    Linda xxx

  5. Hi Barbara – I really enjoyed all of your shows, and I was so pleased to see you showing us how to do the white work, and the colouring and shading – all things which I really need to learn. Jayne's designs are amazing, and I am sure that she is very pleased with both the stamps and the Groovi plates. Enjoy your evening. hugs Gilly xxx

    1. Hi to all of my lovely blog friends – sorry that I didn't see you last night, but I was tucked up in bed watching Poldark, and then it was early to sleep for me. Today has been the worst day at the hospital so far, we left home at about 10.30 a.m. and didn't get home until 15.45 p.m.! Neill had some problems, and is now experiencing some nasty side-effects from the RT – so we had to wait after his treatment to see an Oncology nurse, and she has given him some advice and medication. It wasn't all bad though – the man who came and sat down next to me today,
      made me laugh and so I was on the receiving end today, which was lovely. It will be another early night for me I think! Hope that you have all kept dry today, love and hugs – Gilly xxx

    2. Hi Gilly,
      Sorry today was so awful for you and especially Neill. I hope the side effects don't last too long. Hope you get a good night's rest. Love and hugs to you both, Alison xxx

    3. Hi Gilly, sorry to hear Neill has had a bad day. Fingers crossed tomorrow is back to normal. Must take a lot out of the body. Glad you had someone to lift your spirits at the hospital. Xx

    4. Hi Gilly sending hugs to you and Neil, you must both be exhausted. I hope Neil feels more comfortable tomorrow, how lovely someone was there to cheer you up today, one good turn deserves another xxx

    5. That must have been disappointing after things had been going so well, but it was nice for you to be on the receiving end of someone's kindness. I hope today goes better xx

  6. These designs are so lovely, and the samples just beautiful. I haven't been able to watch the shows yet, have them recorded. Must go and set the last one to record while I remember!

  7. Beautiful samples and the artwork by Jayne is gorgeous and the parchment and Groovi system combined bring out the best in these fabulous flowers. Have a lovely evening Barbara. x

  8. Hi Barbara, guess what, I watched your 9am show, the whole way through, without even dozing off! Really flagging now though!!! I too love the Dahlias, the whole plant one is so pretty, and spot on. And the agapanthus. And the fuchsia. And the rose. and the alphabet. And the…. ok you get the message!!! This is going to be such a hard decision…

    What do I do with a paper stump after I've used it? The point has gone a bit flat, and obviously it now has the blue colour on it which I don't know how to get rid off either? Thanks

    Hope you manage to have some chill time
    love Brenda xx

    1. Thank you Brenda for your message above dear blog friend I've gone for the full set of groovi but no stamps as I can groovi in bed but cannot stamp as I'm too messy and I'm more in bed than out now .enjoy choosing big hugs for you and daisy xxx

    2. p.s. thank you for all these close ups, they're going to help me xx

      Aye Sheila, I've never found a way to stamp in bed, so far… I'll let you know if I ever do!!! I stamp on the floor, but when I'm bad, it's not very successful, so I just pick my moments, and do a wee batch. You should try that when you have better days, and keep a wee stock of them for working on in bed. Or get Tom to do the basic stamping for you (I'll take the blame for suggesting it to him!!!) xx

    3. Hi Brenda,
      I loved them all too, so just bit the bucket and bought the lot! The paper stumps are easy to " sharpen/ clean" crafters Companion do a paper stump sander – you can also get it on Carity website- I think it's £2.99. You then just rub your paper stump on this until it's clean again and with a point again. Very easy to do. I suppose you could use a fine sandpaper too. Hope this helps you. Love and hugs to you and Daisy, Alison xxxx

    4. I'm pleased you find a way round your crafting Tom does most of my stamping now with the pains in my fingers wrist elbow they all out of shape now and I've not got the pressure now so you don't need to take the blame . Hugs xxx

    5. Thanks Alison and Lynne, got plenty sandpaper here, and a block, I can cut it up and stick it on and use that. Never thought, I was using that method for keeping the point on my posh pencils! xx

      I could do with a Tom Sheila, has he got a twin!!! Barbara wasn't obliging with a cloned Dave for me!!!! xx

    6. Hello Brenda I was going to sat the same about the paper stub, glad you got that sorted. It's a big decision isn't it, groovi or stamps, which flowers, dahlia, agapanthus, fuschia ooh the Rose is beautiful. Sending hugs to you and Daisy xxx

  9. Hi all, fantastic shows yesterday and today. What absolutely beautiful groovi plates. I can't wait for mine to arrive. Off to watch the final show. Lol and hugs Lynne m xxx

  10. Hi Barb,
    What fantastic shows yesterday and today. I cannot believe how beautiful all of the samples were! I have to say that the seasoned parchers ones were absolutely stunning and inspiring. That is not to take anything away from all of the others too – there wasn't one that I didn't like. I have to say that you did Jayne proud and I'm not surprised that the plates all sold out. I ordered mine from Clarity and I can't wait to see them up close and personal. Thank you to all at Clarity and also to Jayne, I hope she feels better soon. Love and hugs Alison xxx

  11. Hi bloggy friends,
    Hope you've had as good a day as possible. I was expecting it to be a nice today today but it's been overcast although warm. At least I managed to get my washing dried. Dave got on well at hospital today, his uric acid levels were into the normal category for the first time for years and the enzymes were down too. So hopefully he won't get a gout attack now which is good news. I managed to get caught up on all my of Barbara's shows and the first of Paul's and really enjoyed them and learned so much. Donna, I hope school wasn't too bad and that Phoebe didn't miss you too much. Love and hugs Alison xxx

  12. I love Jayne,s designs and had a really hard decision which to buy, stamps or Groovi, as I couldn't afford both. I am really enjoying learning parchment craft and think the samples you have made are delightful and I can't wait to try them. Last week however, I bought a lot of natural canvas at a knock down price with the intention of making tote bags as gifts for family and friends at Christmas, filling them with wine and goodies and decorating them using Inktense blocks and pencils. For my own bag (the test run) I am going to use some of the Clarity birds as I love them, but Jaynes flowers would be perfect too, so stamps it was xx

  13. Hi Barbara, well just don't have words which describes the new plates by jayne and yourself absolutely outstanding. Saw your show this morning as others have learned such a lot with the colouring and white work.
    What a system I just love it and just waiting for my birthday to place my order for quite a lot of plates.
    My husband brought me some dahlias back from the allotment today the colours were wonderful.
    Thank you for all you bring us and the design team samples were amazing.
    A job well done, have a nice evening.
    Thank you once again amazing.
    Lynn xx

  14. After a really horrible week I feel a lot better today and how could I not after reading today's blog. I have only watched half of one show and I have lots of ideas running around my head…much better than the stuff that was running through my head last week. I'll keep those good crafty thoughts going by watching the shows on catch up.

    1. Evening Julia pleased your head is in a better place this week the groovi has a way of pulling you in with all the beautiful insperation sending you lots of hugs to keep you cosy xxx

  15. Evening bloggy friends, hope you have all been enjoying the shows today, I will catch up with my recordings soon. Can't wait to are the plates being used. First day back today, children start tomorrow. Early night tonight. Xx

    1. Hi Donna, I would say enjoy your first day back but I think you would rather be watching your Barbara recordings and crafting!! Hope Phoebe didn't miss you too much. Sending hugs xxx

  16. Dear Barbara and Paul. I have spent so much time watching your programmers, enjoyed every minute . Love the flowers and the boxes, just wish it was nearer Christmas then I could have some for presents. Your picture you made on the plate was amazing. What a talented lady you are. I would love to get to Leyburn , but have to look into how to get there on public transport. Hope your getting a rest now Xxxx

  17. Hi Barbara
    I have really enjoyed the shows today, these new plates are absolutely stunning and the samples from your incredibly talented design team were just out of this world. I do hope Jane was watching to see what everyone thought of her beautiful artwork, she must have that lovely warm glow about her knowing how appreciated she is. What can I say Barbara, you were fabulous too, thank you for all the hints and tips, I've had a lovely day watching.
    Love Diane xxx

    1. Hello lovely blog friends, hope everyone is ok. It's been a funny day here, wet, cloudy and very warm. My friend in Germany watched one of the shows and said if they were stamps she would buy them so I told her the good news. I do like helping my friends spend money! Think these plates will be on my Christmas list unless hubby is feeling generous, but with new washing machine and new glasses already this month it would mean bread and water I think! Sending hugs all round xxx

  18. I'd like to say 'ditto' to what Diane said. Just had to order them and can't wait to start playing with them. In the meantime, I'm going to practice, practice, practice! Paul is amazing, I love him xxx

  19. Watched the 9am show on catchup Barbara, wonderful. Love all the plates, lots of great tips you've given us, thank you. The design team excelled themselves yet again. Hope you've been resting tonight.xxx

  20. Gorgeous artwork from Jane -Thank you!, great alphabet – Thank you
    Jim!, stunning samples – Thanks DT!; fab demos Thanks Barb and Paul! Now sitting awaiting delivery of my parcel so I can try for myself xx

  21. Gorgeous artwork from Jane -Thank you!, great alphabet – Thank you
    Jim!, stunning samples – Thanks DT!; fab demos Thanks Barb and Paul! Now sitting awaiting delivery of my parcel so I can try for myself xx

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