Clarity Workshop Day One

Project 1

I have still got my cold but managed to enjoy my 2 day retreat with Barbara Gray at her retreat.  I had the pleasure of being at the same table as her Mother and the others on the table were really pleasant.  There were 4 tables of 8 which was a nice number and everyone could see what was going on as Barbara sat in front and had a video and a TV screen to ensure everyone could see.  It was just a shame I left my camera behind.

We were all grateful that Barbara had not cancelled these workshops with her other half Dave not being well - especially as she had told us that she had cancelled the TV show that should have been this Sunday.

The format followed was the same as last year and we were  given a folder with instructions for all the samples that we were going to make and then told to put them away as they were not going being used was put on the table for everyone to see.  This was a better idea than passing round the sample and everyone taking their photo of each to work from.  Also, there was usually a choice of at least two colours to work with so that you could make yours a little different.

Project 2

The first project was just a warm up - using stamps, masks and creating depth and colour.  We stamped onto a page from a dictionary, used a mask to create depth in the background and then how to blend colour in.  Some of the projects were left unfinished at the time as the idea was to learn the techniques rather then spend the whole time colouring.

From this, we then went onto our next project which was learning how to create backgrounds and filling in landscapes.  The mountains were created by tearing a piece of paper to create the top and then using a pen to create the layers.  We also used a stencil for the aperture effect but were encourage to go past the borders.  These two projects took up the morning.

Project 3.1

Project 3.2

The afternoon was spent using the Groovy plates and associated mate. This was designed to be a relaxing time and we even had a cd put on to help. The Groovy plates are used with parchment paper and this was designed to get people into parchment craft. Although I have been doing parchment craft  for 15 years, I could still see that I could use the plates in conjunction with my usual way of producing parchment craft.  The good thing is it makes parchment craft available for more people and you are able to achieve your result in a lot quicker time frame.  For people that have not got the time (or patience) to learn from scratch, I think that this provides great results.  I do not believe that this is any different to using the grids that companies have bought out to make getting the effect quicker.

Project 3.3

Barbara also went through the techniques of colouring using Spectrum Noir pencils. Although I am able to make all these project the "old fashioned" way, I would not have been able to do nearly as much in the time frame that we had.  

I do like these retreats as you start of with a blank canvas and go from there - there are no kits in sight!

Summer Crafting

I managed to get away to Doncaster for Summer Crafting this month with Stephanie Weightman, Nancy Watts and the team.  I had not been since it had been the one workshop format and was surprised at how many people were there.  It really was packed and took ages just to get into.

The weather was lovely and it was a nice setting looking out on to the racecourse.

Steph and Nancy took the theme of Grease and came in dressed up although the wigs lasted about a minute in that heat.

You're the One That I Want

There were 5 projects that we made and they all took the theme from Grease - We Go together, Beauty School Dropout, Summer Nights, Look at Me and You're the one that I want.  The projects  were all from a papercrafting kit (Pockets Full of Dreams) but there was no way that they could be anything else with the amount of people.  

One of the projects that we did was an ikea jar that we decorated and I thought that it was a nice touch that they supplied Epsom Salts to fill the jar ups to take home.  We also made an bag to hold it in that we decorated.

Summer Nights

I liked the fact that we did not have to take anything with us as the supplied a goody bag with all our essentials in and a few more bits as well.  I was really pleased to see that the Tattered Lace Essentials Christmas Window die and the Tattered Lace Mini Trimmer which were in the bag and it was nice to be able to take them home with us.  We also got to use a small sewing machine and got to take this home as well.  It will be great to use that on cards to save using my good sewing machines.

I am not sure that I really learnt anything from the day but it was meant to be fun and it was certainly that.  Nancy and Steph made sure that they came around and spoke to everyone.  

Although it was hectic and the projects basic, I would still like to go back again next year as it is still good to spend a day with like minded people.

I just have to get over this cold I have at the moment as tomorrow I am off to spend two day with Barbara Gray at one of her workshops - I know I will learn at this one.