We are Makers…

We are Makers…

Hi there

We really are makers, aren’t we?

When I look at how far we’ve come—from stamps to parchment art, mixed media, and even soft crafts like felt and embroidery—it’s clear that we’re not just stampers. We are so much more than that.

Clarity may be best known as a hub for papercrafts, but over the years I’ve come to see just how incredibly creative, clever, and versatile this community really is. You surprise and inspire me constantly.

This summer at the retreats, I was given a gift that absolutely stopped me in my tracks: a handmade cushion, stitched and crafted with so much love by Janet Ashmore. It was beautiful—so thoughtful, so generous of her time and talent. Honestly, it blew me away. The opening of said gift was actually comical. Quietly, modestly, and in the kitchen, Janet watched on while I open the beautifully wrapped parcel..this was what was revealed.

Barb: Ooh. That’s lovely! I love the buttons!

Janet: Err…That’s not the best bit…”

So I turned it over…

Instantly overwhelmed. Tears of surprise and appreciation. What a beautifully made, beautiful, considered gift! And the personal detail! Janet Ashmore. If you’re reading – thank you so, so much.

Moments like that remind me what it really means to be a maker. When we create something, we don’t just use materials—we invest our time, our energy, and our skill. And when the gift is personal, it carries even more weight. It speaks directly to the heart. It makes you feel truly seen, truly valued, truly special. Janet’s cushion certainly made me feel special.

In true, modest fashion, Janet laughed as she pointed to the word Poetry on the cushion…

“That was supposed to say Pottery”. Don’t you just love this woman ??

And that, I think, is the magic of Clarity—and of our community. We come from different places and backgrounds, with different passions and talents, but we’re all connected by this shared love of making. Every card, every plate, every cushion, every stitch is part of that bigger story.

So here’s to us—the makers. And I’d love to know: what have you been making lately? Share it with us—because your creativity is what keeps this whole wonderful Clarity journey alive.

Happy Friday! See you Sunday 3-5 on Clarity TV. It’s our Birthday !!
Love always,

Barb x x x

33 thoughts on “We are Makers…

  1. How beautiful and what a stunning gift. I love the owning up to the “mistake” it like when people have shared their stunning parchment work and pointed out a mistake I would never have noticed if I stared at the gorgeous piece for a month of Sundays ……

  2. It is a beautiful piece – even more so in real life. I still think poetry fits too though, as there are all those lovely poetry frame stamps and Groovi plates. Looking forward to seeing the shows on Sunday and hoping you are feeling a little better. Hugs.

  3. What a fantastic amazing gift – Clarity in a cushion. Just watched the launch of Linda’s new plates with Paul & Louise & now looking forward to your show on Sunday. Hopefully you are feeling much better than this time last week.
    I am in a sorting out my stash mode as we have decided to downsize & move to a flat with no stairs whilst I am able to do so myself. I have a nerve conduction test on 22 Sept which hopefully will show where the problem lies but I suspect it is in my lower back. I have gathered lots of stuff to use in my retirement but there is just not the space to take it all. Clarity takes first place then the rest will have to be really thought about. I must admit I have found things I had forgotten about as my craft priorities have changed over the years from sewing to papercraft – but who knew how much card & paper can hide in a cupboard & how heavy it is when moving it downstairs 😂😂
    Take care, one day at a time !!

    1. Hello Sue…l can relate! I’m in Florida BTW. I’m actually stunned at the amount of craft items l have now and instead of cutting back, what do l do but order even more. Sigh. Barbara has been a wonderful inspiration over the years. I discovered her when she first began … and to think how far she’s come! I wish you well in your sorting phase. Shoot! I wish MYSELF well! 40 years of crafting can be overwhelming…but new discoveries every time l shift something….

  4. That’s so special, what a beautiful and thoughtful gift! ❤️
    It’ll be nice to see you back on Clarity TV this Sunday, I’ll be watching on catch up if I can’t make the live show.
    Best wishes for your continued recovery.
    Jane xx 🌸🌼🌺

  5. This cushion is just beautiful and so thoughtful.
    I made a memory bear for my daughter from my grandson’s first babygros and now I’ve been asked to make one for someone else in her NCT group. It’s nice to do some sewing as a break from card making but, as I and my contemporaries reach the big 70, I need to make a special card for the first of them.
    Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday and so glad you are well enough to do the show. Xx

  6. Janet created such beauty from the heart,
    And Barb was astonished from the start,
    For “Poetry” just read “Pottery”,
    It’s like winning the lottery,
    When creating and owning such Art.
    😊

  7. That is absolutely gorgeous. Amazing how she made it. What a beautiful gift of Janet’s work but a real tribute to you and your work. Wow.

  8. Wow, what a stunning piece of craftsmanship! So beautiful and detailed!

    I am currently working on a new house card for our son and his fiance – they have exchanged contracts and should get the keys on the 15th – at long last! It has been dragging on since February – the seller originally said that she wanted to move out in April………! No idea why it has taken so long!

    The card started out quite simply with a bird house in the centre of the parchment, then I added a border, then something to fill the inside corners……and then I decided to use a multi-needle tool on the outside corners……..then I realised that there isn’t really anywhere suitable for brads, so now I am attaching it to the backing card by stitching around the outside edge……
    It has ended up being really detailed and complicated which they probably won’t appreciate, but it doesn’t matter because I have so much enjoyed the journey!

    My next project is a card for my friend to give her granddaughter who has just given birth to my friend’s great-grandson! So happy for her!!

    Take care Barbara and travel gently XXXX

    1. Oh heavens! That’s two more I’ll need to add to my list, grandson and his girlfriend are buying a house and his mum and dad just told us they’re moving too …. All in December – how dare they, there’s more than enough birthdays to deal with then let alone Christmas. I’d better start now, thanks for the reminder though I hadn’t given it a thought ! I’m going to keep them simple! X

  9. Oh what a beautiful cushion , I agree it is always better when someone has made you something. I recently made a couple of little fabric toys an Elephant and an octopus for my baby granddaughter. I inserted the crinkle paper and added some ribbons, I so pleased she loves them, I saw the price to buy and thought I have some fabric and ribbon I can make them. Xx

  10. What an exquisite beautiful gift, capturing the very essence of Clarity in a nutshell. Something to be treasured forever. I am currently making a Paddington Bear sampler with baby’s name, date of birth, weight in cross-stitch and a 4ft height chart in preparation for my 9th great nephew (how old do I feel, right now) Christening and Christmas.

    I hope you’re starting to feel lots better, been keeping everything crossed. Looking forward to Sundays shows, see you there xXx

  11. That cushion is staggeringly beautiful and so very thoughtful. I feel sure it will have pride of place in your home
    Hope you have been resting and now we are looking forward to Sundays shows

  12. Wow, Wow, Wow – what a stunning, generous and thoughtful work of art- priceless.. Janet’s creativity, design and exceptional detailed work is so impressive. Barbara, thank you for sharing this gift that you are so deserving of receiving.
    Barbara, I hope you are starting to feel better. Excited to watch and celebrate with you and Paul on Sunday.
    Take care.

  13. Wow! What a fab pressie! Such a lot of thought and work, that’s the thing isn’t it as we’re making for others we’re thinking about them too. Absolutely fabulous!

    Been to opticians this morning, my left eye has improved so I’m having new glasses as I have noticed it’s a bit fuzzy sometimes and I’m taking them on and off ! This is why. Took a photo of me in them to show hubby – he says oh you look like Deirdre Barlow !! I haven’t had frames for ages and been having rimless. I told him I saved money – he said just as well as he pointed to a Clarity package that had arrived while I was out ! He didn’t see the one that came earlier in the week 😹

  14. Oh wow that is absolutely stunning. The thought love and work that has gone into the making of the cushion!!!! A very talented lady and the recipient is another very talented lady.❤

  15. Barbara I have just seen this and am absolutely stunned that you shared it on here! So pleased you liked it (well I know you did – the leaky eyes proved that)…hopefully it will ease your aching back. I do hope you are feeling better and following doctors orders. Thank you to everyone for your kind comments. Janet

  16. Wow! What an amazing gift, so beautiful and such a lot of hard work.
    I will be working Sunday so I’ll catch up later.

  17. Janet’s cushion is so beautiful in real life too! I just spotted the Japanese vase. I reminded her about your elf hunt verses every year when she said about the poetry – still very apt. I should be working on my crochet santa train, but still busy in the allotment. More potatoes to harvest today, and our first broccoli!!!

  18. Hi Barb, hope you are feeling better. What a beautiful gift from Janet, something to treasure always. Looking forward to tomorrows shows, always a highlight on a Sunday. Take care everyone. Bx

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