submissions

Here is one of the cards that Sharon has made for the gallery. Sharon is very fond of Tilda stamps and has used one for her main image. But she has also used the fabric hearts stamps to embellsih this lovely card

new stuff starting to arrive

We had great open days and thank you to everyone who turned up. I wasn't feeling too well so a big thank you for being patient with me and huge Thank You to Barbara who adminstered hot drinks at regular intervals, and for coming out during the week to help me get ready for the open days. I am trying hard to rest now to give my body chance to get better but it is not easy with all the new stuff that keeps arriving. I am working on lots of new designs and products but it is going to take some time before these are ready for the public.
I did play with the new inks pads during the open days and these could be appearing on the website very soon.
I also managed to find some old printer trays with some help from Richard in Cambridge. This is one and just some of the goodies Richard sent me. If you closely you can see some of the stamping I did on the open days.

OPEN DAY

I am having one last open session before the end of the year. I am working hard on products and projects for next year, the diary is filling up fast so if you have ideas where you want to see us get your requests in now.
I have been sent links and scans of cards for the gallery and to add to the blog this last week which has been wonderful. If you make any cards with our stamps and other products please let me see what you have done. Please let me know if I can post them on the blog or the website gallery.
anyway back to the open day.

Sunday 29th and Monday 30th November

10am to 3pm

Calf House Studios

Cold Harbour Farm

Bishop Burton.

Not sure of the full format yet as it all depends what new products have landed by then, but you can guarantee the kettle will be on and there will be some stamps around. This is an open invitation so please tell your friends. However it does help to know roughly how many are coming so please email me if you need more details and to tell me you are coming

lynnda@oakhousestudio.co.uk

Gemtec Areana

Well we have been today and got most of the stand set out just need to tidy up the stock and hang the stamps
The show starts at 10 am and goes on til 4pm. Make sure come along and say hello if you are going..

This weekend

Ok it is abit of a last minute decision but we will be at The MAX Papercraft Show this Sunday (15th November) at the Gemtec Areana on Walton Street in Hull. The show starts at 10am and finishes at 4pm. If you require further details you can contact me lynnda@oakhousestudio.co.uk


I hope to have some new products with me and details of our last open day of the year at the studio in Bishop Burton

It is going to be a bit weird for me as I see this as the areas ulitmate sports venue, and we worked hard to ensure that it was right for Volleyball at a high level, I still remember the pride and determination I felt when the place was openned and we had a very stirring and inspirational pseack from Adam Pearson. I think it is great is back at the KC sorting out problems for Hull City but sad that we no longer have the numbers to play volleyball at the Gemtec on a regular basis.

it's easy to see why

I know you haven't had any updates from me for a while but well there have been other things. I have been to Stamp Magic at Doncaster Dome, this took up so much time and still I wasn't ready.
It seems the busier I am the less I have to show you for all sorts of reasons. However recently I have taken time to breath and here are just two images which might explain how easy it is for me just to stop and breath. I know it isn't a very good photo of Paul's calves but lovely as they are they don't understand they should stand still when I point a camera, I took about a dozen photos and this is the best one, I do have to stand outside the place to stand a chance of them not dashing round, if I go inside they like to come up and taste you....OK so that makes me happy, not sure what that says about me. John suggested I get my own cow this week I can just see that going down at home!!
I did spend about half an hour with two wonderful young cows this week ( Carole and Connie) well I had to wait for some sprays to dry and if I had stayed in the studio I would have found the need to touch them and mess so going out and spending time with the cows was a good way to stop me ruining them. The spraying came out great by the way will show you soon.






This other photo shows the other side of things for me. I went to Hornsea to get my hair cut this week by Sharon at Zizou, we had a good natter at the same time, but it was lovely day so I had a walk to the craft shop and then walked on to the beach, what a lovely view and the air is so uplifting. I do find these dark short days a bit mood depressing so lifts like this are all welcome

I have also discovered twitter so been posting on there. If I knew how I would do a thingy so you could follow me on there where I am LynndaOHS
by the way.
No doubt I will work it out soon

Thank You

Thank you for all the lovely comments about the new stamp plate. I am sorry it isn't on any of the websites just yet but it was all so last minute with Create and Craft and to be fair I wanted them to have a good chance to sell the ones they had asked for. I am really sorry I didn't get chance to show you all the demos I had lined up with this new stamp set. I am going to try to find a way to get them on to the web some how, but I am not sure how a this moment in time.
with 3 borders 4 sentiment, 5 buttons and 6 hearts it really is versatile and we could have play for weeks with just the one set.
Thanks once again for all the support, to everyone who made samples and jewellery even ( well done Tracey).

Lynnda

Elaines samples have arrived

well it's late and I have made slow progress today as my computer went very sloooow this morning which made me late getting off to the studio. I did get some samples glued together and just have tomorrow to pull together some demos and sort my clothes and pack everything.....Martin wants me to score a Yorkshire Premier Volleyball match for the team tomorrow night too!! will I be ready in time to do it, no idea!

I did find time to go look at Paul calves again today, they were all laid down nice and peaceful so I didn't go in and disturb them just looked over the stable doors.
Anyway less about the cows and more about the CRAFT, all my samples are at the studio with the glue drying I hope so here are two more samples that arrived from Elaine. As ever her parcel arrived on my worst day...oh no that was Monday but we won't go there

more samples

I have had a busy week with classes and groups but I have really had my head into sample making. Along with some of the team. Here are two more samples using the fabric hearts on the the stitch in time plate, I have to say there is lot more to do with these hearts than make daises out of the them but that has to be what I like doing best.

There are loads more examples but I just thought these two would be good to show you together.

By the way Mondays show is at 10am on freeview channel 36 or sky channel 671. Hope you can all watch this time.
The silver clay pendent was made By Tracey Spurgin at craftworx http://www.craftworx.co.uk/
She has had a busy week too, so I really appreciate how she has found time to make this for me. Tracey and I have both have studios at Calf House Studios based on Cold Harbour Farm in Bishop Burton. Watch out for our next craft events.

sample making

I found out last week that we will be back on Create and Craft (channel 36) on Monday 19th October, so I have been playing with the new stamp set ever since. I will have the Bumper Winter leaves with me one last time so if you didn't get it on the first show, grab one this time.



Here is great card Sharon made for me using just the ivy leaves, just think what you could do with the whole set.





The new set will be due for release at Stamp Magic on 25th October at Doncaster Dome and other stockists can have theirs from the Monday after that (26th October). but for a sneak peak here is a card that I have nearly finished it is still waiting for the sentiment, it is a small 4 inch square which I intend to add Thank You to.





Hope you get chance to catch the show or see us at Stamp Magic. Please if you are going to be there say hello, I really do like to meet those who take the time to keep up with what I am up to.

Studio Open Days

Starting this weekend there will be a series of open days for artists at Calf House Studios. My own days will be 9th and 11th October. If you only want to see me pop along on the 9th when I will have the stamps out and the kettle on.
Sunday 11th October will be a great chance to see what the other artists at Cold Harbour Farm are up to. Refreshments will be available with proceeds going to the church. I am expecting all the other folks will have their doors open on that Sunday so come along and check out some great ideas for Christmas.
Anyone intestersted in classes and workshops should email lynnda@oakhousestudio.co.uk

Inking Day

Saturday was my discovering inks course, I am afraid I wasn't my normal self, but hopefully everyone enjoyed it anyway.

One section we covered was pigment inks. One feature of pigment inks is their slower drying time, giving you more time to play I mean work.

Here is a an image I stamped yesterday with a red pigment ink on the torn heart palette stamp ( due out very soon) and a used the mack roses background stamp to take some ink off, using the "kissing" technique. I enjoy this so much I might try and sort out a Kissing play session. A whole morning of playing with palette stamps and backgrounds...hmmm sounds like fun.

Anyone going to Alexandra Palace at the weekend please stop by and check out this beauty in the flesh!

Lynnda

Open Day

I am busy this week working on samples for the Alexandra Palace show next weekend. I do have to take some time out to prepare for tomorrows Inks class, the class lasts all day so I will need lots of different materials and inks and I must remember to print of the notes this time! Anyway popped on here to remind everyone about the next open day at the studio.

We have a new tenant at Calf House Studios who teaches watercolour and his work is great. Tracey from Craftworx and and I will both have open studios on 9th and 11th October 10am to 3pm. We will have class lists available on the day and indeed it is when I launch my next set of classes. We do have a few spaces left on the remaining courses from this time so if you fancy getting your hands dirty and have a great time with our stamps email me for details

lynnda@oakhousestudio.co.uk

Early Start

Well it is early morning here and I am up early doing last minute jobs ready for the drive down to Peterborough. This is only my fourth show and although somethings are getting easier, there is always something new to learn every show. At least now I know that everyone we have met so far at Ideal World, has been very normal and easy to get on with, and I look forward to meeting even more of them as we work with yet another presenter. Each time we have had a different floor manager and producer too.

If you get chance to watch Channel 36 at noon today give me a wave and shout at the screen, or beter still email in or even phone!!

Lynnda

Needing help

I don't hide the fact I find it hard to ask for and accept help, I guess many people do. I have to say how grateful I am for all the help and support since my last blog entry.
Bob you will be pleased to know gets better every day, it just a slow process. This morning we managed to go for a short walk with out me needing to put him the car just to get down the drive and to the first footpath.!! made me feel good anyway.
Martin and I survived the Harrogate show. It was great to meet some people who had bought off the Internet or Create and Craft. So thank you for taking the time to stop by and chat. The next TV show is tomorrow Wednesday 16th at 12 noon. So today I have to sort out the demos and pack the samples etc. Then I am teaching the Discovering Inks course on Saturday which is always lots of fun but requires a bit of preparation. Next week is busy with "business stuff" and then Martin and I are escape down to Alexandra Palace for the next show. Elaine will be with us on Saturday so if you enjoy her designs and her great samples pop by the stand (18) to say hello to her. She has sent some lovely samples again for this next show. But then have so many other people. We are bring our "build your own poinsettia" to the show along side some new stamps in a sensational offer bundle. But the Build your own set inspires everyone and they all seem to give it their own twist. So Thank you to Elisa, Sharon and Pauline too.

so what has been happening?

I haven't blogged for a while for the simple reason my life has been on a roller coaster ride and I didn't want to drag everyone along on it.
I have shared the ups and downs of the last two weeks with a few close friends and I must just take the time to thank them for being there and supporting me. Two weeks ago today I was stood on the Beverley Westwood enjoying a few quiet moments waiting to meet up with Danny and thinking now things are moving!
Danny works for Pentel and was coming to collect the last of the contents of the old warehouse, and in his car we talked about products we could work together on and how excited I was with new techniques I had been trying with their products. It was a lovely sunny day. Once Daniel had taken these last few items I could focus on my holiday, a couple of days away from home in the caravan with Martins family. Over the weekend we had some problems with getting the caravan ready but Martin had organised someone who could fix that so after seeing Daniel we taking the caravan to them to be fixed. Ben was at home working his way through a short lists of jobs, the first of which was take Bob , our dog a good walk so he would be settled whilst we were moving the caravan.
Then a got a phone call from Ben, Bob had been hit by a car and he was at the vets. When we got to the vets Ben was outside looking decidedly sick, he T shirt had tell tale signs of Bobs blood. The car driver had taken them both to the vets and then had to be collected himself. I am so grateful to him for all he did for Bob and Ben.
We had a long wait back home whilst they got Bob stable enough to X ray and discover he had a fractured pelvis and a fairly serious rupture. Paul the vet, spent several hours putting Bob back together again. The rest of the two weeks have been filled with my heart sinking each time the phone rings and long visits to the dog ward at the hospital, I mean what do you talk about? Our holiday was cancelled but that was the least of our worries. We also had to help Ben cope with collecting his GSCE results, which had a few surprises both good and not so good.
But today we are two weeks further on Bob is home on strict cage rest ( I am not sure he understands that!) Ben has his timetable for sixth form and my brain is still mush!
so if anyone has been waiting to hear from me I can only apologise and if you are someone I have actually spoken to and didn't make sense then please forgive, I am just not sure how long it is going to take.
Back on the work front we are off to Harrogate the weekend and we should fingers crossed have new stamps with us.
See you there, please stop by and say hello.

getting there

It seems to be a phrase I use a lot, however when Jane said she was getting there slowly this time last week I complained I don't think I know where there is any more!! must have been feeling low.
Anyway with Thanks to Sharon and Denese I am back on track and with at least a few samples to show you. Many thanks also to Tracey from the studio next door who has made me cups of tea and encouraged me to concentrate on getting some things finished rather than being " a mad creative butterfly" and starting so many new things.
That trouble is these stamps have been so long in the making and there is so much we could do with them, I just need to concentrate on one or two to show you all in the morning. I am just getting things together in the office to go to the studio to pack and and prepare some samples, however it is hot here and I am feeling the heat already...not a good sign!

TV date and time

Ok I just have just been checking and somehow I have got the time wrong!! the next TV show is 9am on 21st August. Freeview Channel 36 and sky channel 371.

We haven't stopped yawning since we sorted that out! we generally leave here in plenty of time because who wants to rush something like that. We get about 20 minutes away from the studio and stop for a leg stretch something to eat, and then I change my top as I am bound to wearing my breakfast! well my hand can get shakey as I am sure most of you have noticed and sometimes I have trouble hitting my mouth!

It would mean us leaving the house about 4am, so not sure when I will be walking the dog!!
anyway I hope you can watch I some new Oak House Studio stamps to show you plus, linen card and envelopes.
and some old favourites too.

New stamps mean lots of new samples I have to make. Elaine is off in Devon and even she doesn't have this new stamp set. Elisa is in the middle of Chemo and again she doesn't have the new set. Hopefully I might get some help next week.
In the meantime I am off down the old warehouse to clear out some of the last bits.

Lynnda

Open Day

well we had lovely weather and lots of people turned up, more than I expected. I had to send out for more chairs!
I have to admit I was a bit overcome by the number of people who turned up. It was wonderful to meet so many new people. I hope everyone got something from what they came to see.
I was so busy I didn't even get to play with all the new stamp designs. The ones I tried seemed good and I am pleased how they turned out, I have loads more I want to try and see what they can really do.
I did get lots of complaints about the designs you found in my prototype box not all being available yet, but we are getting there. I do have so many stamps I am working on, they get brought out in burst. We should have some new designs ready for September.
If you couldn't make it today we plan to do something again in October so watch this space.

Lynnda

Studio Open Day

We are having an open day at the Studio on Saturday 8th August 10am to 3pm.
I have been busy all weekend moving Martin into a new warehouse, so I have found lots of boxes of crafting goodies that we will be taking to some of the shows we are going to
If you want to get into these boxes first, this Saturday will be a great chance.

I will have some new stamp designs for you to play with, although I must warn you some will be at the pre productions stage, so although you can play they might not be available for sale until September. Anyway the kettle will be on and everyone is welcome to come along and say hello.
Oh yes and we have some new products in the colour chemistry range including white detail powder and ..... no I won't spoil the surprise.

If you want directions or any more details email me at lynnda@oakhousestudio.co.uk or phone 0750 896 2552

I am going to try and get the class list on to the Oak House Studio website today.
http://www.oakhousestudio.co.uk/

Thank You's

I must just take the time to say a huge thank you to everyone for all you emails and phone messages. It has been a very exhausting day, and a few things didn't got to plan but I have had a great time and I am sure that will help me relax for any more shows.
Every time I come back there is something I want to improve, I guess with a live show all you can do is go with it. But I had a great crew and they made it fun. Nigel was wonderful.
I am really shattered now so hopefully I will sleep tonight!

Thanks again.

Lynnda

look at this

Ok I know I said I was going to be too busy to blog for a couple of days, but I am up early to go to the studio with Martin, who is now sound alseep bless him!
so I have grabbed the chance to share one of the samples Elaine has sent for next weeks Create and Craft show

She has sent a great selection of samples actually which is always a relief as they tend to arrive just as I go into panic mode about not having enough time to finish things for the show. On this card she has used two stamps, the Clematis corner and the English Garden Text. They are going to sold as a pair on the show, which will give you a small saving on buying them seperately.

Apollo have had the clematis corner for a while but the English Garden Text is new and has only been available thorugh me at workshops and demonstrations. Apollo should have it on their site very soon.

what day is it today?

well sorry to have been missing in action, I know I have been busy, but actually finding it hard to remember what I have done.
We have had some old friends up at the studio and it has been great to catch up with some people including Bernese who used live near me when I was a lot younger, When my parents had a shop back in Nottinghamshire her family lived across the road, we met again in my craft shop a couple of years ago, isn't a small world.
I have also been to Driffield show with the people from Calf House Studios, there I was bumping into people I taught with 12 years ago, what a surprise for them seeing what I do now. I was lucky to have my son with me for the day as he is always a great help. He was spotted a fair bit too.
Yesterday it was back to work as normal and trying to get ready for the next trip to Create and Craft. We have a live show on next Tuesday at 10am.This should also be on freeview channel 36.
I have lots of jobs to do before then so this might be the last I get to post until after the show.
Apologies for that. in the mean time

Do what you enjoy and enjoy what you do!
Lynnda


Lynnda

A couple of dates for you

Sunday 19th July 10-30am to 3pm come along for a bit of a rummage sale. A lot of my craft stock is in Martin's warehouse and he has decided to move!! how inconsiderate, what about me!! Good news for you though as I need to dig out all the boxes and resort them. Come along and grab some bargins. All the lines we no longer sell will be half price or less. The kettle will be on so come along and have a good rummage. The new stamps and other lines will also be available.

Saturday 8th August is our next Open Day 10a m to 3pm come along to find out about the next session of classes and workshops. Find out what's on offer and have a play with the stamps. The kettle will be on again.

Both days are free but it really helps to know how many people expect to be there so email me now if you are coming or need more details

lynnda@oakhousestudio.co.uk

best laid plans

Today I aimed to catch up with the washing, sort out the internet orders with Apollo, and do some blogging.


Well this morning was lovely weather, I shoved some washing in and dashed over to the studio to collect stock for the Internet orders, Made great time, but when I got back Martin was in a huge rush and stuck chasing things on the phone so I made lunch for us all so save everyone time, threw in some more washing. The after lunch I hung out the washing and got Ben organised to cut the grass. Threw even more washing in the washer, and got ready to go to the office to get the orders processed. I was stopped in my tracks by Ben shouting there is a storm coming so we both dashed out and fetched in all the washing. By the time I got to the office, Martin was even more happy!! no Internet connect and no connection to Streamline. Oh well at least I don't feel so hot and I have much more energy today.

But I am just going to make this a quick post with one sample and add the rest when the Internet connection is more reliable.

This is a card made by Pauline. She has used my favourite cards and there I have been fighting the urge to make everything black white and silver and she does a master piece like this
She has used Black Glossy card ( I can't get enough of that) Silver matt card and silver mirri board.

She has of course used the Oak House Studio sunflower stamp. This is a great favourite of mine at the moment. I have been using it to make loads of samples for the classes as well as the Create and Craft "New at Noon" show.

phew!!!

Hasn't it been a trifle warm folks? I guess I am so well insulated and at that time in my life when I can be hot when everyone else is shivering, but the last two days I have been tired and hot even first thing in the morning.

Anyway here a few ATCs from Thursday's show. If you have seen it yet it is on tonight at midnight so last chance I think. I will try and post some more samples tomorrow, quite a few of the sunflowers didn't make it out and it is a shame as some of my favourites where amongst them.

More changes

OK so the new freeview channel launch has been delayed
it means few of you can watch on your TV, but it is still over there to watch on the web if you don't have sky.
I have been busy all day ,glue things together to make final cards
should have got on and made a few essentials or that is what I am now thinking
But I have till noon, so if you see someone sat in the services of the A1 cutting out pansys pots come over and say hello, better still pull up a chair and pull out your scissors
The first of our stamps is over on the create and craft website, they managed to get a good photo of a clematis tower stamp, well done them, but it is the only one on there at the moment.
Many of you already have this stamp and love it, nearly as much as I do, so pop over there and leave a customer review.

http://www.createandcraft.tv/
http://www.createandcraft.tv/Oak_House_Studios_Clematis_Tower_Unmounted_Stamp_150786.aspx?

Latest on TV dates

I am sure you are all dizzy with the changes to all this but hey think about me!
The latest news we are on Create and Craft at noon on Thursday 2nd July. However the new freeview channel will launch later in the month, so you should be able to catch our next show on there.
If you don't have sky or will be on your lunch break you can watch the show live at http://www.createandcraft.tv/WatchTvLive.aspx

I am nearly there although I do have about four samples I want to finish off or make but that is what today is for. Although this morning, I am teaching the last lesson in the five week inks course, if you missed this one it has gone so well I think it worth repeating so look out for the next class list.
I have about four hours this afternoon to pack my demo kit and make the last few samples, probably not enough time but there never is enough time to do everything I want to do, the important thing is do the most necessary things first, and everything else is a bonus.
Sorry I haven't post any pictures of samples but they are all at the studio.
They will have to come home with me tonight so if I have time I will post a few images when I get back in from Julie's. Julie has kindly volunteered to try and do something with my nails this evening, I don't think she is going to be impressed when she sees the colour of my hands....Yesterday I had a small altercation with a bottle of sapphire glimmer mists so now I look like I have just been given my first fountain pen!!! I think I had that look for the first four years of secondary school. In fact I think I should just join the blue hand gang and be done with it!
Well thanks for offering Julie. With my shakey hands nail varnish has always be a challenge. At college Kay was always press ganged into sort me out in that department, but she lives a bit too far away now. Actually It is probably me that lives a bit further away!!

Now I know I am rambling, but I have a good excuse, after all my TV debut is tomorrow! how exciting is that! I am finding it really hard to believe and am wondering what todays "surprise" will be.
The good news is all the aquash sets have arrived from Japan. I have to say a really big thank you to everyone at Pentel who helped make that happen. Lets hope we can sell them all tomorrow.

so what is keeping me sane?

Over the last few days I have had to ask for and accept help, something I find difficult. I used to think it was about proving something, showing how capable I am, and perhaps when I was much younger it was. But maybe now it is about being in control in many ways, over time scales, over content and output. I am very grateful for all the help I have had and will need in the next couple of days but I have to say it has been hard for me to accept.


Fortunately there has been much to keep me sane. Life at Cold Harbour Farm is very calm. Yesterday they even sent me photos of the cows to calm me at home, Thanks Heather.

This photo is one of my own, of the girls outside my door. When the builders get busy they seem to get excited, I think they look like the girls in the diet coke break advert where they are all looking at the workmen. Here they are watch what is happening.


And here are just some the skys at Cold Harbour how can you be stressed with all that around you.

The Stamp Pad, Saddleworth

Martin and I spent the day on Saturday at The Stamp Pad with Gwen and the gang.
We had a lovely time, Martin managed to keep me down in the demo room so I didn't get too much chance to shop in this lovely shop. I have to say, Gwen has chosen lovely things for her shop and her cards and samples a great inspiration. It looked like she had the new workshop list reday so anyone who can get to there should check out the website for workshop details.
You can also get Oak House Studio Stamp through Gwen, a some of our other special items.

new TV dates

Ideal World have asked us to move our show to 2nd July. Which means we will be on the new freeview channel. Channel 36. It launches on 1st July so we will be on the second day....if they don't change the date again. We are still "NEW AT NOON"
I still have loads to do to get where I would love to be, but I guess if they said "you have to come today" we would be fine. It took all three of us to parcel up the samples and send them off to Peterborough. I was so pleased to get an email to say they had arrived and were all properly packaged etc. phew!
I have worked for myself for so long where everything had to meet my standards, but I could compromise when the situation was not ideal, knowing why something was not perfect, it is weird being the new girl and not knowing the form as such. So although I am confident we have a great product and that I can explain it and show people some good ways to use it, I am not confident with the basic mechanics of doing a show, so a lot to learn.
If you can watch the show please do and send in your best wishes, better still email in to the studio to let others know why you like our stamps.

all happening here

What a lucky girl I am, life at Cold Harbour Farm is just wonderful! As my TV debut rolls ever closer the peace of the studio setting is so calming, Tracey from CRAFTWORX has started to get her studio organised, (mine of course is less organised by the day). It is so nice having another crafter/teacher near by to share our excitement with.

The cows, well they are getting on with the serious business off chewing the grass and not much is going to stop them doing that. Work is moving on with the rest of the complex and very soon we are get new concrete in the courtyard.
Tracey and I both have a busy July but come August new teaching timetables will be out and we can look to welcoming you all over to have a look at what we have been doing.
In the meantime you can see me at The Stamp Pad in Saddleworth this Saturday, At Driffield Show and of course on a TV screen near you on 30th June.
If you are looking to buy any of the new designs check out http://www.apollo-office.co.uk/ after the new designs are launched at the Stamp Pad on Saturday.

Distress results from our Inks Course

One of the classes we have been teaching up at Cold Harbour Farm is all about discovering inks. Sorting out the notes has been a voyage of re discovery for me.

Many of you will not be surprised to know I have spent far too much time looking at Tim Holtz website and blog http://www.timholtz.typepad.com/

When really I should be getting on with typing up the notes and preping samples and idea cards for the courses not to mention all the work still to be done for the TV show in just over two weeks. After spending Tuesday to Saturday pretty much a permanent fixture in the studio, (which one of the gang has re named the Tardis!) I have spent Sunday and Monday wrestling with forms and spread sheets and trying to find someone to make me a small cardboard box......you would think it was not that difficult, anyway after two days of being welded to one keyboard or another I thought I would share with you some of the results from the inks course. We looked at Dye Inks, Pigment Inks and Permanent Inks, Plus two specials, Versamark and Distress Inks.

Here are two backgrounds from the distress part, one of my students, who I am very pleased with as this was a big leap of faith for them and they had never done anything like this before. No names because I would be lynched if I did but I think they did very well. So lets just call him Tom Stopz!

Ok now for the good news

I know you have been waiting a long time, I have been extra busy, what with the move to the studio and my other news!!
We have been talking to Ideal World and I now have a date I can share with you for our first show. All being well, we should be featuring on Create and Craft's "NEW AT NOON" slot on 30th June, so not long now.
I still have loads to do like finding the right packaging for embossing powders and filling in lots of forms with product details. I have a few folks helping me with samples up at the studio. I hope this explains why I haven't put on so many courses this summer. I still have the rest of the business to run and new stamps to designs. We have a few places left on all the June and July courses so if you haven't boooked yet please phone or email me.

even more busy!

New projects are coming along all the time at the moment, which is wonderful. It doesn't help me keep up with important stuff like the blog though.
The hard part is not always being able to share what is happening with you from the start of each project as the first few steps are often uncertain but possibly the most exciting.
Since moving into the studio and writing that class timetable so much has happened all of which will become clear hopefully over the next few weeks.

I can tell you I am off to see Gwen at The Stamp Pad on Saturday 27th June. By then a lot of the new stuff should have fallen into place. Demonstrations will happen between 10am and 3pm but check back nearer the date for more detail or talk to Gwen
Anyone who has been to see the studio yet and would like to visit or know more about the classes for June and July should contact me lynnda@oakhousestudio.co.uk or 0750 896 2552

Busy, busy, busy

We had a great time at the opening event for the new studio, a big thank you to everyone who came along and all your encouraging comments. Classes at the studio begin in June by which time we expect the builders to be well on the way with the other studios.

A timetable for the classes should appear on the Oak House Studio website soon. www.oakhousestudio.co.uk

Well as promised photos, if were expecting views of my table and stamps I hope you won't be too disappointed with these. Yesterday the sun came out and I met Pete who has the studio next door to me, more about him later...

Tillie one the dogs at Cold Harbour Farm came to see me as soon as I arrived and took up guard outside my door, and the the cows were out enjoying the sun. This view of them is from my door way. I know I am a lucky lucky girl and tomorrow I will makes some cards honest!! I will also get to work on some pack to go out to the retailers

Cold Harbour Farm

About three years ago I was moaning to my mate Kay that I didn't have a place to work at home particularly to craft, she didn't sympathise at all and just said "well why not", so I took over a room at the back of the house that leads to the garden, my father in law laid a laminate floor, the boys erected shelves and I settled down in there on Boxing Day that was over a year ago and I haven't made a card in there, I have done the odd bit of work in there but some how the light isn't right.
So when I needed to make a mass of samples, I called the girls and took over the dining room, but all though there is more space in there, it faces north and still not ideal despite buying fancy lights bulbs etc.
Then whilst working with Tracey at Craftworx she told me about her move the Cold Harbour Farm, how wonderful I thought, I would love that but still didn't even think about asking for details just started to talk to Tracey about borrowing it for workshops....
Then in another of those conversation someone said "why don't you have your own?" So I contact Tracey for the details still not expecting or hoping anything. Two weeks ago I met Heather whose is the power house behind the project to build studios at the farm.
On Friday I moved into my own space there, it feels like I have come home, my "tools" are still spread between, the warehouse, my office, my craft room, the dining room, and the new studio, but I didn't want a pile of boxes to arrive the first day that I never got to the bottom of.
So I am steadily taking boxes each day emptying them and finding homes for them.

The plan is to test the products and make samples at the studio, to teach some workshops, and arrange retailer training. I am sure it will find a host of other jobs along the way.
So a huge Thank You to Heather for making the decision to go there the easiest move I have ever made. I promise to post photos soon.
In the mean time the open day will stretch to two days 1st and 2nd May 10 am to 3 pm.
there will be a chance to try some new designs, check out the location and find out about workshops and classes.
Oh yes and I finally got round to fixing a date with Gwen to go to the Stamp Pad at the end of June. More details soon.

Cold Harbour Farm

Well it is official from 1st May I shall be working in a studio at Cold Harbour Farn which is near Bishop Burton. This will be the place I do all my inky stuff! Like teaching and testing the new designs. I will still do my computer work at home all the officey jobs like updating the catalogue and website etc.
I like to do these things is style so we shall hae an openning event on Friday 1st May and Saturday 2nd May 10am to 3pm everyone is welcome. By then I hope to have the start of a teaching timetable and some dates for workshops etc. The new stamps should be ready to pre-order as they are due to be released at Port Sunlight on 10th May.
I'm not quite sure what we will be doing on these two days other than putting the kettle on and having a good catch up but I am sure to think of something.

Check back nearer the time for more details and directions on how to find us.

new home?

I have been working from home for a year now. In some ways I have enjoyed that but I have found the time management hard
So in the next day or so I should have news of where I am going to spend the summer.

Finally got round to getting some images of the jewellery that Tracey made for me to go to the NEC with.

I have worn this constantly, I might have thought it was a big peice of jewellery had I seen it in a shop, but I loved the design so much I had to wear it and have found it very comfortable to wear.

Tracey is a great designer and some of her pieces are amazing. I am really looking forward to working with her. I have been working on more background patterns that I think will be great with PMC or polymer clay. I want to do a lot more work with this.

I also want to learn more about working with PMC, so I am going to sign up for one of Tracey's courses. This has been on my "to do " since I gave up the shop, it was one of those things I was going to do with all the extra time I would have. Not really sure where all this time went as now I seem to have even less then when I was working 6 days a week at the shop. For some reason I have had to wait until I had an "excuse" now I am doing it for "work" but I will enjoy it all the same.
I think that is what has happened to all my time, I have filled it granted, but I have filled it with stuff I am enjoying. I am meeting lots of wonderful people who have added so much to my life in ways I couldn't even begin to imagine. Yesterday for instance I spent at THE DEEP in Hull with a few like minded women, getting inspired to move the business forward.
Wow my to do list just gets longer
I hope everyone out there in blogland is getting joy out of their life too, if not why not take today to find some time just for you, oh and that doesn't mean you have to spend you time on your own!

Getting to see you

Just heard I will be at The Craft House on Outram Street in Sutton in Ashfield THIS SATURDAY!! 7th March from about 10am.
yes I know it is late notice but anyone who knows me, will know I don't pass up the chance for some birthday cake!
seriously the team at The Craft House have a magical party planned with THREE demonstrators not just me, so if you are in the area pop in and say hello. I might even have some of the new designs with me.
I should have the rest of the dates for shop appearences soon. This month I am primarily visiting clubs. If you want your shop or club to be considered. Or if you would be interested in a future workshop at The Craft House just let me know. lynnda@oakhousestudio.co.uk

Phew all over for another year

We are safely back from the the Stitches trade show at the NEC. we met up with lot of old friends from the crafting world mainly other retailers I have know for years like Anni Jo from Crafters Dream in Nottingham, other Nottingham folk like Becky. We also saw all our favourite demonstrators like Lindsey Mason and Michelle Saxon who have kept me inspired over the years.

Here I am with Gwen from Stamp Pad. I hope to get over there soon to do some work with Gwen who is a crafter with a great style.

We basically, for three days we ate chocolate and gushed as everyone told us what a stunning stand we had, how striking it was etc...which considering we were with the trade we took as a great compliment, especially when the first person on the stand and taking a photo was Suze Weinburg, she should know.

This is me catching up with Michelle, we thought she was dressed to work on our stand, but it turns out she only came for the chocolate! still love her though
I made one new friend, Carole from Arty Farty, they were straight across from us and they were marvellous, we laughed and enjoyed ourselves so much it was brilliant. I kept calling Carole, Cath or Pat I have no idea why, she never corrected me, she was amazing.

On my team, I had Martin to help with setting up and for the worst part of Sunday. I also had Elaine Kettle who draws some our stamp designs and Ben who was wonderful even if he did get tired. I have an image in my brain of him on Sunday night at the back of the hotel, I wasn't cruel enough to take a photo but we both know what it was like, a shared experience we will have a long time. (Poor boy I wonder if he worked out his Christmas "jumper" was bought to co ordinate with the stand.)

I didn't get off the stand much other than to visit the toilet or to eat, but that was my fault I didn't want to leave my "baby". You can tell how bad I was, I could see Tim Holtz's face from my stand but didn't go to watch his demo!

here is a close up of a couple of the samples we did for the show. I will try and tell you more about the trip tomorrow.

getting there slowly

still getting there, I have made several huge packing lists so that I remember what stock I need to take, what paper work, the samples and then all the domestic stuff like clothes for me and the boys, and a few picnic bits...as a friends mother once said when we were doing a show together "it's a long time to be away from your larder".

anyway here is another sample for you, it is my first attempt at using polymer clay, I feel a new addiction coming on...any one know where I can get a pasta machine?

a finished peice

my space is so full of work in progress, I haven't had anything to post for a while

I have had one of those afternoons where I have lots of things "drying" and they are all at the stage were they look terrible, hopefully they will dry OK, but rather than watching them dry I have come up to post some finished work

It is an 8x8 page of a favourite photo embellished with part of the pansy stamp and some of the journalling blocks that are still in development.


I used Holly Berry and maple red glimmer msits to make some coloured card on glossy card. then stamped and embossed the pansys in silver.

was that Christmas?

well since my last post Christmas was just on hold in definately. I fianlly sucumbed to the many virus that were about. As many will know coughing is something I have had plenty of practise of in the last few years so no surprise really
I made very few Christmas crads and all the new designs are still in drawing mode and need to transfered to electronic files so lost of work to do then.
I am still not quite back to fignting fit but I am going to venture out to meet a few folk on Saturday 10th January.
If you feel like coming to see what I have managed to do design and techneque wise I will be in Springdale Farm shop and Cafe ( so plenty of hot drinks available) from 10am. If you have any stamping problems feel free to ask and I will do my best to answer them.
need more details email me at lynnda@oakhousestudio.co.uk