Saturday’s blog – a cool Technique
Hi there
Thanks for popping in. It’s nice to be indoors today. It is persisting down outside! Raining the proverbial cats and dogs! And Ragnar is out there in it somewhere! We reckon he’s got a hide out and a little minx on the side. We reckon Ragnar Lodbrok is leading a “double-life” … Erik the Red on the other hand, is curled up asleep in front of the Aga, like any other sensible, self-respecting Viking!
Yesterday was busy. TV day. Got home late. So today it’s a quiet catch up and naps kinda day – especially in the dry and warm. When you’re tutting about the rain, spare a thought for the homeless who are out in this. And there are a lot of them, friends. Statistics tells us that 1 in every 182 people in England are homeless, living rough or of no fixed abode. That’s a sobering statistic. I see an elderly gentleman at Peterborough Services whenever I am there. He must “live” there, I guess, because a Service Plaza like that is always crowded with people on the move, in transit. You seldom see the same person twice. But this guy, he is always there. He sits outside the main entrance. He doesn’t beg. He keeps his head down, and his eyes closed. Sometimes you’ll see him in the building, roaming. I hope the caterers there are kind to him. I hope they feed him and give him shelter – especially on days like today. 1 in every 182. That’s a very VERY high proportion, don’t you think? TOO HIGH.
Anyway. Saturday’s blog, a cool technique. I showed off a cool technique yesterday, with the BOW-WOB papers… I took photos too. Ready?
Check out the background. It’s made using the BOW-WOB paper! (Black on White/White on Black)CLICK HERE to find on our website.
So. Cool technique. Here goes…
- Distress Oxide smeared on Gel press.
- Gently lay down BOW-WOB paper of your choice on inky plate. Lift off
- Lay stencil card down on inky Gel press. Rub the back. Lift off.
BLACK on Paper becomes ANY COLOUR YOU FANCY!!!
Now if that’s not a cool technique, what is??!
Tomorrow, I’ll complete this step by step and do the rest of the project. But the magic is in the BOW-WOB papers. Get yours today! And treat yourself to some stamp board at the same time if you can. Just wonderful transfer quality.
Click HERE to find on our website.
Time for a nap and a cuddle with Erik. Happiness is a cuddle with a Viking. Grateful to be indoors in the warm.
Love always,
Barb x x x
58 thoughts on “Saturday’s blog – a cool Technique”
Very sobering thought indeed! In this day and age in a affluent country such as ours, questions should be asked. Two sayings spring to mind ‘There but for the grace of God, go I’ and ‘Don’t make judgement until you’ve walked a mile in that persons shoes’.
We’ve just walked our little dog, he doesn’t care if it’s raining, unfortunately 🤣. We’re a little damp now so it time to cuddle up in the sofa and dry off. Think I’m gonna do some cross stitching today in front of the tv. I’m working on a 4ft Winnie the Pooh height chart for my niece.
Absolutely loved the tv shows, those BOW WOB papers are amazing…they’ve finally got me using my gel plate and brayer.
Enjoy the rest of your Saturday, you really do deserve it, you knocked it out of the park on Friday Penny xXx
Thanks Penny. I totally agree with your thoughts on homelessness xx
Oh, I forgot to say I’m so glad you liked the gloves and they’re doing your hands some good. I wouldn’t be without mine! I find I can craft for so much longer when I’m wearing them xXx
They are brilliant! So grateful to you!
What gloves are those please? I’m having no end of pain and swelling when I craft. I’ve been advised to get compression gloves but there are so many out there. The Bow-Wob papers are fantastic I love em
This is a message for Anne Breach… (I’m so sorry, I couldn’t find a reply tab attached to her message) The gloves are F.A. EDMUNDS & Co, an American company they’re called
Thergonomic Hand-Aids available in Small,Medium, Large. You can find them new on eBay. You need to measure across the base of your 4 fingers to calculate the size you require. They are absolutely brilliant, Good Luck and happy pain free crafting Penny x
Those figures about homeless people are definitely thought provoking and way way higher than I thought. Weather is brightening up here after a damp start. At least the wind has dropped although it did dry the washing quickly yesterday. We are never happy with the weather are we- heatwave forecast for the coming week!!
Loved the projects you showcased yesterday, stamps in my basket, just need to check my ink stash as I do like the library green.
Challenge for the rest of my day – get the washing and ironing done then my reward is some crafting. Only way the ironing will get done 😂😂. Enjoy the rest of your weekend Barbara, you deserve some downtime with Dave and the cats, hope Ragnar comes in out of the rain soon x
Ragnar‘s back from his Friday night on the tiles!!😂😂😂
I quite agree with Sue Carpenter about those stamps and that green ink pad. I slipped up, though, putting the order for the stamps through before I saw that beautiful green ink pad,so that will have to wait till the next order.
It is horrifying to see those figures about the homeless. Far more than I would have expected.
Library Green. Reminds me of a British racing car green – perfect for the car stamp! Xxx
Our cat usually goes outside in the rain and sits on a chair on the summerhouse veranda but today she wanted to come in so she’s curled up on the arm of the settee. I think the combination of rain, wind and cold was too much!
Madeline and I have had a crafty morning while she’s waited for the rain to stop so she can travel back to Cambridgeshire. It’s brightening up now.
Enjoy the rest of the bank holiday weekend. Xx
Enjoy the weekend you two! Lovely that you craft together xx
We just had a sunny hour, and now the rain is back, much heavier than it has been earlier. My dog is on the sofa, I shall be joining her soon, although she’s a independent girl, so I doubt that I shall get a cuddle! xx
Nothing like a Saturday afternoon nap! Except a Sunday afternoon nap! 🥰
I find it amazing that during covid the uk took the homeless off the streets!! Why are they back there now, a sad sign of the times. Love the shows yesterday Barbara. I am not a stamper but you are definitely converting me. Got to get some of these papers and a gel press. Got the stamp pads already!
You‘ll love the Bow Wob trick! It‘s a game changer! X
Pouring down here in Epsom and the house is so cold. 2 jumpers on already and it’s only August !!! But I am very grateful to have a home and food on the table.
Have now watched the second of yesterdays programmes. So many ideas. Thank you.
Take care.
Jumpers on here too! Stay warm xxx
Persisting here too down on the coast.
My thoughts always turn to how those on the streets cope during the winter months. I don’t like getting cold and know I wouldn’t last 5 minutes in their position so fear for these people but, I don’t DO anything and that fuels guilt.
Your blog “a cool technique” is definitely cool and a great technique for creating lovely background art. I have the stash but not given it a go yet. Something else on my to-do list.
Give Time time Lynn! Easy does it xxxx
Penny is so right and our homeless problem is getting worse what with the rising rents & house prices. It is cold and very wet here hasn’t stopped raining all day – it must be a bank holiday. Loved the shows yesterday & am still blown away by the geli plate & bow-wob papers technique. Hope you have a restful weekend xxx
Bow Wob rocks ! Thanks Sam Crowe ❤️❤️❤️❤️
A very cool technique! Enjoy your day of rest – I need to get out and deadhead in my garden before the rain hits here later. I need some of those Bowwob papers for a volunteers creative session I’m doing in the autumn with gelliplates.
Great plan!! Xxx
Hi Barb, the problem with homeless people is getting worse, and I am sure 99.9% is not by choice. Here in MK, we have one bloke that has set up home in a bus shelter, which is no longer on an active route. Many people stop to drop of some donations to him. Loved the shows, the BOW/WOB papers and Gelli Plate have got me hooked. Did not realise you could use the same paper multiple times. BONUS! Enjoy your nap today or tomorrow or both. Take care all, a bit wet out there. Bx
Bus stop eh? What a sorry state of affairs xx
Hello Barb – Ooooo – After watching you yesterday, I was inspired to have a go, and I’ve just been playing with my mini gel press (one of yours of course!) trying out various options – I really wanted to get some Brusho in there! Even with the oxides, you can add brusho and spritz – but be careful to get a good colour, it seems happier if the brusho is a similar tone to the oxide. I also spritzed after ‘printing’ which was more random. How on earth did Sam discover this and will other papers work?
Nice to know the boys are safe, despite the weather!
I also love the colour bow-wob!
Yes! The Coloured Bow Wob is a great side effect, right?
Ragnar came home, bit has clearly been in a fight. Eye closed and cut 😞
I live not far from Birmingham and one day I went in on the train and sat opposite a couple who could easily have been my husband and myself…similar age…and presumably from the same area as we had all got on at the same station. We didn’t speak during the 10 minute journey. We all got off in town, and walked through the underpass. They were slightly ahead of me, and up ahead was a young man sitting on the floor begging. As they reached him they stopped and I heard them say “Please come home Son”. It really upset me at the time, and it upsets me again now as I recall it. I just couldn’t imagine what had happened to make that situation a reality. We should never judge! None of us know how these things come about.
A couple of years after that, when my husband and I were trying to come to terms with a personal tragedy, we volunteered all over Christmas at Birmingham Shelter. Both of us have worked for the NHS our whole lives …..he as a Paramedic, and me as a nurse….so nothing much shocks us!! But THAT experience and the stories we heard from the “guests” were a real eye opener!! “There but for the grace of God”…….is so very true
God bless you both. Thank you for sharing your experience. And YES.,we can help xxx
Glad you are recovering from your busy day yesterday. Both cats safe inside too!
Those statistics are awful – sobering indeed…..
Take care and hug a cat 🐈 xxx
Ragnar has been in a scrape. But safe and alive xxx
Poor Ragnar – I hope he will feel better after a nice meal and a nap!
Maggie xx
Enjoyed the shows yesterday and loved the bow won technique have bought the 6″ x 6″ gel plate and the bow wob papers and am now itching to have a go. Lovely sunny day here Barbara makes a change as I live in Wales😀. Have a restful weekendxx
Sun in Wales?! Now there‘s different! 🥰🥰🥰
Thank you for another Blog, I am reading them all just so busy decorating and sorting out our new home, we are so lucky when so many people are homeless it’s a staggering number. I’m determined to get the main living area , it’s open plan, sorted before the winter. I’ve unpacked all my crafting stuff and just trying to reduce it a bit as my space is limited . I still have my latest parcel from Clarity to open, I can’t wait to use the geli plate, but for now it’s painting window frames. I like them white and they are all dark grey, so a few coats of paint needed. Enjoy your weekend.
Happy New Home !! xxxx
The homeless situation is so complicated and lots of those that find themselves in that position are recently discharged young servicemen according to some service charities. Getting a bit political here but I think what Mrs Thatcher did with regards to council housing was one of her worse legacies , at least service people could put their names on a list in the place they were from back in the day but I guess they would be low on the priority list now and often are lost after years of always being told when and where to sleep and eat. But back to crafting and I have spent this afternoon watching cricket on tv and making backgrounds with the Bow wob papers and a gelli plate. Such a great discovery by Sam. Glad the wee rascal is back safe if a bit worse for wear
Abdominable laws. It‘s a harsh reality which is getting worse not better. X
Sorry, Barb, I’m late to your Blog today, but it has made me think hard about my life.
I am grateful for coming from a loving family, and very grateful to be surrounded by my loving family.
I am grateful for the roof over my head and the walls that surround me, that give me warmth and safety.
I am grateful for the friends that comfort and inspire me.
I am grateful for the life I am lucky to be living.
I am grateful I can choose when to eat and what to eat.
I am grateful I can choose where to sleep and what to wear.
Your Blog has made me think how lucky I am and how grateful I am for my situation. So, no thoughts tonight about crafty things, my thoughts are elsewhere.
I am grateful.
Me too, Ken. Me too xxx
thank goodness you mentioned the cats, made my day. I always think of them, they are really lovely in every way. I kept thinking how can I ask…without upsetting anyone…incase something had happened…its been SO long since they have been mentioned…I’m not that well at mo, having a scan, tests done etc…but I am really happy now, that they are still together and happy…poor Ragnar hope he gets better soon. our tabby like the men, female cat…has very little love for me, I’m just here to do her food…she has no idea how much I love her and always kind to her…maybe in her past, someone who looks like me took her kittens away, and she thinks it was me….no..no that wasn’t me!! it’s such a shame.
Ahh. Sorry to hear you‘ve not been well. Get better soon xxx
I missed your blog yesterday. Your little bundles of mischief are adorable.
Homelessness is a tragedy for anyone at any time, more should be done to help. I have a lot of admiration for those who volunteer.
Loved your shows yesterday, truly inspirational.
Have a good weekend.
Me too. I think it‘s time to DO something! Xx
thanks for your nice reply, Barbara…means a lot. xxx
I always look out for you. And I know you love the cats Maggie xxx
So pleased you showed us how to use the BOW WOW papers at the retreat. I knew Iwanted them but wasn’t sure how to use them! Having great fun with them.
Don‘t they work like magic Janet?! Very clever . Thank you Sam Crowe! Xxx
I’ ve just been reading all the comments and your replies. I was all ready, to watch C & C last night( sunday morning here now) and then realized I had the day wrong😪 .
So glad you are putting the demo in your blog now. Thank you. Hope you enjoyed your day of relaxation. I always like it when its a rainy day, I can do craft without feeling guilty for not working in the garden😊. Glad Ragnar is home safe and sound. 🥰
Hi Jenny. Are you not able to watch the TV shows from Friday on their website? They have a catch up section. Or does it not work any longer if you live abroad? Where are you ? Xx
https://watch.createandcraft.com/watch/replay/52576541/crafting-with-clarity
Here‘s the link xx
thank you Barbara.Will try.
I live in Australia, Melbourne area.
thank you Barbara.Will try.
I live in Australia, Melbourne area. I have also booked in for the workshop in October. Looking forward to that.
No good saying the show was good, because in my opinion ALL of them are inspiring and that is down to how you present the new products, talking of which ” What happened to the Bell”?O loved that idea, it was fast passed but didn`t retract from what you were demoing, I think I will start a petition and send it to C@C a company that by the way I will avoid at all costs, I wait until they are on your Web Site!!! Talking of the Homeless their was a young man who had decided to set up home in a closed down shop doorway. No trouble, minding his own buisness and not a Cap to be seen, anyway went to Town a couple of days later and He had gone, not only that bur the Council in their Philanthropic way had boarded it up, in an Ideal world it would be nice to think said Council had found Him alternative accommadation, you make your mind on that one? and I don`t think it was ” and they lived happy ever after “, looking forward to the next step in this Blog. Oh have to say I have got the Online Workshop, great Idea, GREAT IDEA. Stay Safe, Stay Happy, Stay Healthy,
Catching up with yesterday’s blog. We have a lot of homeless in Oxford, shop doorways are always in use, haven’t been in for a while as, apart from road closures, I find it depressing. Haven’t got the answer though. Naughty Ragnar, it poured all day here yesterday and our Mikey and Skye down the road were both in, in fact Skye is stretched out opposite me now on the conservatory sofa ! Her family will be home this week sometime and I’m hoping she’ll go back there, I know she will especially as we’ll be away from Saturday for the week, she just likes company and we are looking after her. Our Mikey is sat out on his cushion in the garden, I would be if it wasn’t so blowy. At least the washing dried !
Lovely shows thanks, got to catch up with the second one. Had to laugh about the colors you used, wouldn’t have guessed in a month of Sunday ! X
Yes, the colours were pretty obscure!! I was quite confident that the gift vouchers were safe on that one 😂😂😂
You’re so right about rough sleepers – it’s sadly so often a combination of life circumstances that have brought them to that point. Lots of them are invisible to people as well – not only sleeping outdoors but sofa-surfing, etc as well. The mental health trust I work with runs a primary care service for rough sleepers in east London – so essential and much more of these are needed.
I love this technique with the BOW-WOB papers! It hadn’t worked so well for me before we did it on the retreat and now I’m addicted! Love these silhouette stamps too – going to have to invest in the bees & butterflies ones to complete my set…