Happy New Year

Just dropping by with our best wishes for 2015, I hope you will join us in raising a glass to a happy and prosperous New Year for all.

In January lots of crafters resolve not to add to their stash until they have used up what they already have. Realistically, I don't think there will ever be that many Sunday's in a month or piggies on a fly past, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't have a go at making the best of what we already have, and space for the wonderful products that are sure to be just around the corner waiting for their release at CHA too.

Although I love to collect new products just as much as the rest of you, I am actually a very frugal crafter and hate to waste anything, or pay for something I can make myself - leaves more £££s for the more exciting stash! I thought that over the next month I'd share with you some of the ways I use up my leftovers and recycle my stash. So, I hope you will join me here each day on my Frugal Journey Through January.

See you soon x

 

 

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Snazzys Annual Winter Sale Event - a little reminder!

This Saturday Snazzys are celebrating Small Business Saturday, the annual event promoting small independent businesses throughout the UK. Now, as part of this we wanted to offer our customers a little thank you for all your support but, as we normally only have one sale a year where we clear the shelves ready for new stock (and avoid having to use too many fingers and toes to manage the annual stock count lol!) what to do?

Our answer, bring the start of our Annual Winter Sale Event forward to Saturday 6 December and make it the biggest and best one yet!

As ever all sale stock will have at least 50% off the original selling price and will include all wood block stamps, all Kaisercaft wooden embellishments, all Dylusions Couture stencils and stamps, all Snazzy Steampunk embellishments, all Walnut Hollow products, all Ranger Adirondack and Crackle Paints, all Prima and Pronty masks and stencils, all Artistic Stamper stamps and lots more.

But even better we will also have 25% off a huge range of other items including all full size ink pads, all PaperArtsy A5 stamps, all Dylusions cling stamps and sprays, all Tim Holtz Ideaology, all Hero Arts stamps, all Ranger Stickles, Distress Stickles and Liquid Pearls, all 12x12 patterned papers not already reduced by more, all Pan Pastels including the new Pearls and mediums, a huge range of blanks, an extra 25% of all Cosmic Shimmer colour co-ordinated Mixed Media packs, and too much more to list here. Whew!

The bonus for us will be for the first time ever we will have the sale and the annual stock count done before Christmas so allowing us to take a proper break over The holidays to spend with the family rather than just Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and for you....... a chance to grab your sale bargains early, allowing a little Christmas gift for you perhaps!

The sale starts at 11am on Saturday 6 December and we will be open from 11am to 3pm on Sunday 7 December too. Don is working in San Francisco next week so I will be a bit short of cover and will have to close at 4pm on Tuesday and Thursday rather than the normal 5pm - still plenty of time to shop though so I look forward to seeing you.

On a serious note, when the much missed Simple Scrapbooks magazine folded some years ago, the then editor urged her subscribers to spend $20 a month in their local scrapbook store keeping scrapbooking alive and their local store in business. I think this sentiment applies to customers of all small independent businesses whether they be your local butcher, baker or craft store. Show your support by spending a share of your normal spend with them and tell your friends about them so when you drop by next year, they will still be there adding variety and individuality to your shopping. Lastly we would like to take this opportunity to thank all the customers, in the studio, at events and shows and online who have done just that and supported us through the years, we would not be here without you and for that we are sincerely grateful.

So, as the hanging says, with our best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year. Enjoy xx

P.S Ohh almost forgot the card machine is finally working again and we have a temporary email address (snazzysstudio@gmail.com) until all the new stuff kicks in in the New Year. Thank you all for your patience.

 

 

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December Workshops Timetable for Snazzys Studio

Hello again, and to our USA friends a very Happy Thanksgiving, I hope you are all having a wonderful time with your family and friends. I am known for being a bit 'bah humbug' about Christmas, and I have to say I was unimpressed with the supermarkets attempt to market the trappings of Thanksgiving to us here in the UK this week.

But and a very BIG but at that, just as I love Christmas, in December, (not July!) I also think we should steal the best bits of Thanksgiving and take a moment to ponder all we have to be grateful for. It is no secret that with illness, bereavement and the consequences of both on almost every aspect of our lives, the past few years have certainly had their challenges. The flip side of that is how our family pulled together, how our friends, (the real ones, not the fair weather types,) were so quietly there for us to share our tears, and a whole lot of laughter too. Most of all I am grateful to a very fine friend (you know who you are) who, when I was so stressed out with everything that was happening and worrying about all the wrong things, suggested I stop (very unsuccessfully) trying to be everything to everyone, and instead 'spend time with those who soothe your soul' and let the rest take care of itself - those who were my friends would understand my need to do this and those who didn't weren't truly my friends. So, today I count my many blessings and for the first time in a long while I am looking forward to a peaceful festive season with my wonderful family. I hope you are too x

To business and some great workshops if you fancy stepping off the merry-go-round and take a little time out for yourself and perhaps try something new?

I have been working this past month with one of my favourite collections this Winter, Jolly Holly from Basic Grey with co-ordinating stamps from Hero Arts. I have always adored Basic Grey papers, they seem at first glance to contain a pretty eclectic collection of somewhat disparite ideas, yet when you really look through them they are actually beautifully co-ordinated just not in an obvious 'matchy, matchy' way.

The stamps are a really good mix of the elements from the papers but again varied in scale etc so not completely matched.

All of the projects for December were made with these papers and stamps except for the monthly layout workshop. I made these quick cards just from some leftovers from the other projects to illustrate how versatile these papers are whether used by colour.....

....or all mixed up in workshop projects.

Wednesday 3 December 10am to 1pm

Last Minute Christmas Cards £15 or 1SWV

Join me and make five really Clean and Simple Christmas Cards using New Seasons stamps from Hero Arts with Distress Inks, Pan Pastels, masks and stencils.

Saturday 6 December 11am to 4pm

Christmas Block Book £30 or 1 SWVS

We all tend to gather with our family and friends over the Festive season and with lots of photos taken we need somewhere to put them all, not hidden in a box, but in a chunky little book with lots of flaps, slides, flips and pockets to keep them in order, together with any other memorabilia, ready to share and reminisce over.

Sunday 7 December 11am to 3pm

Art Journal Sunday £5

Join me in the Studio for a play with inks, powders, paints, stamps, stencils, masks and the odd idea or two. No need to book this one just drop in, grab a coffee and have a go.

Wednesday 10 December 11am to 3pm

Mini Star Book £20 or 1SWV + £4

Many years ago I designed this project after being very disappointed with a 'kit' I bought to make a book in the shape of a star which turned out to be nothing more than strips of poor quality sugar paper and not very clear instructions. I decided I could do better myself here is a mini version of my original.

Saturday 13 December 11am to 4pm

Exploding Box Book £30 or 1SWV

Ok then is it a book or an exploding box, both really as this is box which opens in the manner of a traditional exploding box but it incorporates a book into the structure. A great way to pass photos etc on at Christmas with a pocket to hold a gift card if you need it to be a gift too.

Wednesday 17 December 10am to 1pm

December Monthly Layout Workshop £15 or 1SWV

This layout uses an acetate layer to add interest, mine is on a festive theme in shades of turquoise and red. Book your space, bring along your photos and have a go.

The eagle eyed amongst you will have noticed no 'Stop by and Stamp' or 'Technique Thursday' sessions in December, partly as everyone tends to be busy preparing for their Christmas celebrations and so we tend to offer fewer sessions in December, but mainly as these sessions have unfortunately not proved popular enough for us to continue with them. We are having a rethink and the New Year will see new ideas, new sessions and lots of fresh ways for us to share our tips and ideas with you. I hope you will join me on my journey through 2015.

Thank you for dropping by, I will be back very soon with some news on our annual Winter sale event which is also having a makeover this time around. Hope to see you in class soon xx

 

 

 

 

 

 

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November Layout Workshop

Hello everyone, I'm finally back, still no email but everything else is gradually getting back to normal.

Being November this month's layout gives me the chance to feature the photos I took of the 'Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red installation at the Tower of London last month, just 10 days before the final poppy was placed on Remembrance Sunday. The day we visited was during the half term holiday and so it was incredibly busy but the thing that stuck you was how quietly and respectfully everyone was moving around, ensuring that anyone who wanted to take photos was given the opportunity. Us Brits at our best lol!

Of course this also gave me the opportunity to use one of my favourite colour combinations, black, white and red, which is featured on the Magazine Monday's Time Magazine inspiration piece this week too!

This workshop however was all about maximising your photos and I used mine, in black and white, to create my own background paper and, in colour, for the paper piecing of the poppies.

 

During this morning's workshop I created a double layout to demonstrate the idea of changing some aspects of the original (left hand) layout, background paper from landscape to portrait and the strip of small photos from the bottom to the top of the page, as a way of getting more from a single design idea rather than just creating a mirror image for the right hand layout. A great way to scrap lift a previous layout idea and generate a new layout on a day when your mojo has left the premises too I find lol!

So, from this....

.... to this.

A great morning's work and here's a peek at how my ladies' versions turned out.

Unfortunately due to illness two of my ladies missed their slot today but this workshop is repeated on Saturday 22 November 2pm to 5pm so hopefully they can catch up then, as I still have four spaces left in that class. The concept will be the same but I will be working with different photos as those of you who know me will know how I always avoid repeating anything!

If you are inspired by this idea and create your own version, do leave me a link in the comments so I can have a peek. See you next time xx

 

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November Workshops at Snazzys

Hello, here we are with the November workshop schedule with lots of seasonal projects to tempt you.

Sunday 2 November 11 am to 3pm

Art Journal Sunday £5

In it's new slot on the first Sunday of the month, we provide all the tools and products for you to use plus a smidge of inspiration too! Just grab your journal, come along, grab yourself a coffee and join in.

Wednesday 5 November 10am to 1pm

Poppies for Remembrance £15 or 1SWV

Everyone loves poppies and in this workshop I will share several very different techniques to enhance beautiful stamps from Chocolate Baroque and Hero Arts, which you can customise for the occasion of your choice.

Saturday 8 November 10am to 1pm

Christmas Backgrounds with Pan Pastels £15 or 1SWV

The new Pearlescent Pan Pastels and Mixatives really lend themselves to the festive season with beautiful rich pigments and stunning shimmer. I will show you how to blend them into beautiful backgrounds with stamps and stencils, using wonderful greetings stamps from Chocolate Baroque as the focal point for your Christmas cards.

Saturday 8 November 2pm to 5pm

Jolly Holly Christmas £15 or 1SWV

Using Basic Grey's new Jolly Holly papers plus the co-ordinating stamps and stencils from Hero Arts we will create at least five stylish, contemporary Christmas cards.

Tuesday 11 November 11am to 3pm

Stop by and Stamp £5

Join me in the studio for the lowdown on Embossing Powders. Plain or matte, shiny or metallic, even glittery I have the tips and techniques which will allow you to emboss any image no matter how solid or detailed. We provide everything you need so just pop along, no need to book, grab a tea or coffee and take the opportunity to perfect your embossing. Don't know what embossing is? Join me and find out, beginners very welcome!

Wednesday 12 November 10am to 1pm

Christmas Backgrounds with Pan Pastels £15 or 1SWV

The new Pearlescent Pan Pastels and Mixatives really lend themselves to the festive season with beautiful rich pigments and stunning shimmer. I will show you how to blend them into beautiful backgrounds with stamps and stencils, using wonderful greetings stamps from Chocolate Baroque as the focal point for your Christmas cards.

Saturday 15 November 11am to 4pm

Flip/flap Pocket Book £30 or 2SWV

Oh I do love a little book, and if it has lots of places to add photos, memorabilia and journaling I love it even more, and this one really hits the spot. It is 6" x 4" and each page has a pocket and either a fold in/flip out or a slide. I've been fiddling with this idea/design since mid Summer and am now happy with it, book your space and see what you think!

Wednesday 19 November 10am to 1pm

Jolly Holly Christmas £15 or 1SWV

Using Basic Grey's new Jolly Holly papers plus the co-ordinating stamps and stencils from Hero Arts we will create at least five stylish, contemporary Christmas cards.

Thursday 20 November 11am to 3pm

Technique Thursday £5

Is your texture past looking too dull and bland for Christmas projects, then pop along and join me as I share some tips and techniques to jazz it up using Luminarte Silks and Polished pigments and a smidge of glitter. Never used texture paste before? Here's your chance to have a play and see if it's for you! No need to book just drop in, grab a tea or coffee and have a go - all the tools, materials and consumables you need are provided as part of the fee.

Saturday 22 November 10am to 1pm

Last Minute Christmas Cards £15

In this workshop we will make a clutch of last minute Christmas cards which are stylishly simple so ideal if you are short of time or just like the really clean and simple look.

Saturday 22 November 2pm to 5pm

November Layout Workshop £15 or 1SWV

In this workshop we will be using a photograph to create our background and adding text, more photos and journaling. You will need one black and white photo, suitable for use as a background, printed as A4 plus three colour photos printed as 2" x 2" or 2" x 3".

Wednesday 26 November 10am to 1pm

November Layout Workshop £15 or 1SWV

In this workshop we will be using a photograph to create our background and adding text, more photos and journaling. You will need one black and white photo, suitable for use as a background, printed as A4 plus three colour photos printed as 2" x 2" or 2" x 3".

Hope to see you in the studio soon x

 

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October Workshops at Snazzys

Welcome back.

I can't believe it is October already, I think the amazing weather of the past few weeks has put all thoughts of Autumn and Halloween from everyone's minds. So, with the leaves only just starting to turn and my now not so new studio space still not completely finished....

.....the October workshops are outlined below, but I have a couple of general points to share first.

 

The normal monthly Wednesday evening Mixed Media workshop will be moved from Wednesday evenings to Saturday afternoons for the Winter.

Art Journal Sunday will move from the last Sunday of the month to the first, starting with Sunday 2 November. As I am demonstrating at HSNW Port Sunlight this weekend there will be no AJ Sunday this month.

Our monthly Stop by and Stamp session will move from the first Tuesday of the month to the second starting on Tuesday 11 November - this month will be on Tuesday 7 October.

The monthly Technique Thursday session will also be moved back a week to the third Thursday of the month starting on Thursday 20 November - again, this month's session will be on Thursday 16 October as usual.

I'm sorry to be shifting things around just as everyone has got settled, but I will be away at events more often in the New Year and so need to find a pattern for the 'drop in' sessions which I can fit around this without varying the dates too frequently.

I will continue to include the dates on the monthly workshop schedules so you don't have to remember them!

On with the workshops....

 

Tuesday 7 October 11am to 3pm

Stop by and Stamp Cost £5

This month we will be using the new Pearlescent Pan Pastels together with the new black and white mediums and colourless blender. So, if you enjoy using Pan Pastels and want to learn a few new tips and techniques, or have never tried them and want to know what they are all about just pop along, watch the demos and join in. No need to book, kettle and coffee jug are on!

Wednesday 8 October 10am to 1pm

A Very Elegant Christmas Cost £15 or 1 SWV

In this workshop we will be making some very elegant Christmas cards with beautifully hand drawn stamps from Chocolate Baroque. We will use pretty pearly embossing powders on vellum, the new Pearlescent Pan Pastels and so much more.

Saturday 11 October 10am to 1pm

Envelope Accordian Book Cost £15 or 1 SWV

This is the third book I have designed using envelopes as a base, this time accordion style. As ever I have included lots of pockets, flaps, flips and tags so lots of choices for photos, memorabilia and journaling. The papers are from Finnabair's Sunrise, Sunset collection which are full of beautiful warm tones, ideal for Autumn or Halloween!

Saturday 11 October 2pm to 5pm

Musical Mixed Media Cost £15 or 1 SWV

We will be altering a Mini Printer Tray with inks, tissue wrap and tape, stamps and some wonderful new embellishments just arriving in store, to create a wonderful piece of art on a musical theme.

Wednesday 15 October 10am to 1pm

Hero Arts Christmas Cost £15 or 1 SWV

This workshop is all about techniques with stamps and matching dies which you can do so much more with than simply stamping and cutting. We will be using the new Hero Arts Poinsettia and Holly stamps and dies together with a whole host of different inks.

Thursday 16 October 11am to 3pm

Technique Thursday Cost £5

This month the focus is on using embossing powders and texture pastes as a resist to create interesting backgrounds, some subtle, some striking. So, if you want to try something a little different with your pastes and powders just drop in, watch the demos and have a go. No need to book, kettle and coffee jug are on!

Saturday 18 October 10am to 1pm

Hero Arts Christmas Cost £15 or 1SWV

This workshop is all about techniques with stamps and matching dies which you can do so much more with than simply stamping and cutting. We will be using the new Hero Arts Poinsettia and Holly stamps and dies together with a whole host of different inks.

Saturday 18 October 2pm to 5pm

A Very Elegant Christmas Cost £15 or 1 SWV

In this workshop we will be making some very elegant Christmas cards with beautifully hand drawn stamps from Chocolate Baroque. We will use pretty pearly embossing powders on vellum, the new Pearlescent Pan Pastels and so much more.

Wednesday 22 October 10am to 1pm

Monthly Layout Workshop Cost £15 or 1SWV

Each month I try to design a brand new layout with different techniques for you to experiment with. The challenge this month is incorporating 12, yes I did say 12, 1" x 1" photos alongside 2 6" x 4" photos. So, look out your photos and book yourself a space!

....and just a little reminder!

Sunday 2 November 11am to 3pm

Art Journaling Sunday Cost £5

Grab your journal, we provide everything else. No need to book just pop along and join in, kettle and coffee jug are on.

You can book workshop spaces on 01793 629062 (new number) or by email at snazzy@snazzysstudio.co.uk, just tell us which workshop(s) you want to book and how many spaces you need plus a contact number should we have any queries about your booking.

I will get all the images up next week. Hope to see you soon xx

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Snazzys Workshop Schedule September 2014

To book a workshop simply ring us on 01793 629062 or email us at snazzy@snazzysstudio.co.uk telling us which workshop(s) you would like to book, how many spaces you require, together with a contact number should we have any queries about your booking.

Tuesday 9 September

Stop By & Stamp

11am to 3pm Fee £5

The theme of this session is layers without layers and I will be sharing a couple of simple techniques for creating depth and dimension without actually adding layers. No need to book, just pop along, grab yourself a tea or coffee, watch the demo and have a go.

 

Wednesday 10 September

Clean & Simple Cards

10am to 1 pm £15 or 1 SWV

We will be making five very clean & simple cards using a variety of background stamps plus the very pretty papers from Teresa Collins new Nine & Co collection.

 

Saturday 13 September

Mixed Media Frame

10am to 1 pm £15 or 1SWV

We will be using Tim Holtz Cabinet Card die for the base of this project with hand made leaves and flowers using Ideaology Tissue Wrap, Studio 490 Clearly for Art and UTEE, all based around a musical theme.

 

Wednesday 17 September

One Layer Cards

10am to 1pm £15 or 1SWV

None of the cards in this workshop have any patterned paper, embellishments or ribbons but you would never guess that at first glance. Lots of tips and techniques to add dimension and depth without adding weight.

 

Thursday 18 September

Technique Thursday

11am to 3pm Fee £5

Building Backgrounds

Lots of ideas, tips and techniques to build your own backgrounds. No need to book, just pop along, grab yourself a tea or coffee, watch the demo and have a go.

 

Saturday 20 September

Junk Journal

11am to 3pm £30 or 2SWV

Join me for this fun workshop where we create a journal from scratch, suitable for including photos and other memorabilia, using different surfaces and media including canvas, cardboard, tissue wrap, washi tape, envelopes, file cards and so much more. We will cover lots of tips and techniques to make interesting embellishments including using dies to create layers.

 

Tuesday 23 September

Monthly Layout Workshop

2pm to 5pm £15 or 1SWV

This month's layout covers ideas for using a mix of portrait and landscape photos of varying sizes.

 

Wednesday 24 September

Monthly Layout Workshop

10am to 1pm £15 or 1SWV

This month's layout covers ideas for using a mix of portrait and landscape photos of varying sizes.

 

Wednesday 24 September

Mixed Media Frame

6pm to 9pm £15 or 1SWV

We will be using Tim Holtz Cabinet Card die for the base of this project with hand made leaves and flowers using Ideaology Tissue Wrap, Studio 490 Clearly for Art and UTEE around a musical theme.

Saturday 27 September

Take One Stamp

10am to 1pm £15 or 1SWV

We will be using Teresa Collins new Candy Cane Lane papers and stamps to make some stunningly simple Christmas cards.

Saturday 27 September

One Layer Cards

2pm to 5pm £15 or 1 SWV

None of the cards in this workshop have any patterned paper, embellishments or ribbons but you would never guess that at first glance. Lots of tips and techniques to add dimension and depth without adding weight.

Sunday 28 September

Art Journal Sunday

11am to 3pm Fee £5

Bring along your journal and we will provide everything else including a dash of inspiration and a sprinkle of know how.

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A lovely day.......

Noooooo, that wouldn't be today! That looks like this.....

My lovely day was yesterday.

A couple of my regular customers missed out on a space in last week's layout workshops so they popped along yesterday morning to catch up. There was quite a lot of cutting and sticking in this project, (you can see the original 'for instance' over at http://sosimplysnazzy.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/a-word-or-three-about-layout-workshops.html,) but it was worth it as they all ended up with beautiful layouts, based on the ideas in my sample, but looking very individual and using colour schemes that really complement their photos.

A good morning's work I think.

Thank you for stopping by, I can't hang about as I have the remaining August workshop samples to photograph and the layout sample isn't even finished yet! I will try to get them added to the August Workshop Schedule over at http://sosimplysnazzy.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/workshop-schedule-for-august.html later today or tomorrow.

See you soon x

 

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Workshop Schedule for August

Here we go with the new workshop schedule for August....

Tuesday 5 August 11am to 3pm Stop By and Stamp Fee £5

This month's session is packed with ideas to create layers on tags with inks, gesso, texture paste, stencils etc. Drop by, grab a cuppa and have a go!

Wednesday 6 August 10am to 1pm and Saturday 9 August 10am to 1pm

Clean and Simple Cards £15 or 1 SWV

We will be making three stylish cards using the pretty Summer release stamps from JOFY, from neutrals to vivid colours these projects make wonderful cards for birthdays and other occasions.

Wednesday 13 August 10am to 1pm and Saturday 23 August 2pm to 5pm

Bits of Stamps and Stamps and Stamps in Bits £15 or 1SWV

Some very new and different ideas on making the most of your stamps to create interesting cards.

Thursday 14 August 11am to 3pm Technique Thursday Fee £5

Give your stamps and stencils a new lease of life with this technique, useful for both backgrounds and creating a focal point. Drop in, grab a cuppa and have a go!

 

Saturday 16 August 11am to 4pm Tagtastic Tag Book in a Box £30 or 2 SWVs

We will make a great tag book with it's own wrap around box decorated to suit your story or occasion.

 

Wednesday 20 August 10am to 1pm and Saturday 30 August 10am to 1pm

Take One Stamp Steampunk Travel £15 or 1SWV

Three great cards, ideal for the men in your life, using these vintage stamps from Chocolate Baroque.

 

Wednesday 20 August 6pm to 9pm and Saturday 23 August 10am to 1pm

Corrugated Trio Hanging £15 or 1SWV

A fun vintage mixed media project to hang on your wall using paints, stamps, inks, stencils and texture paste.

 

Tuesday 26 August 2pm to 5pm and Wednesday 27 August 10am to 1pm

August Layout Workshop £15 or 1SWV

Layers of paper plus stamps and inks make this a layout with a very modern feel to showcase your photos. I have used two landscape photos around 2"x4" but the layout can be easily adapted to suit a single photo or a number of smaller ones.

 

Sunday 31 August 11am to 3pm Art Journal Sunday Fee £5

Just drop in and have a go! if you have a journal bring it along, but if not, we will supply everything you need to get you started or to add some pages to your journal.

Bookings can be made by email to snazzy@snazzysstudio.co.uk, or by phone to 01793 629062. Just tell us which workshop you would like to book, the number of spaces you require and leave us a contact number should we have any queries about your booking.

See you soon x

 

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A word or three about ...... Layout Workshops in Snazzys Studio

A few words about ..... Layout Workshops in Snazzys Studio

How do you teach scrapbooking? A question I've struggled with ever since I first introduced scrapbooking workshops at Snazzys some 12 years ago.

Scrapbooking is such a personal thing, you are recording your memories through your photographs, it's your story. How then can you have a dozen students come along to a workshop and create the same page using the same products but still retain that individuality? I know you have come along to try out new ideas, tips and techniques but I also want you to take away a layout you have enjoyed making, are pleased with and which you add to your album because it is a meaningful addition to the story you are telling. I even stopped teaching scrapbooking for a time as it simply seemed too tall an order to fulfil.

After customers kept asking me why I didn't teach scrapbooking any more I promised to re-start the workshops in 2014 but I knew I had to find a way around this dilemma. In all the workshops I teach I have always encouraged everyone to regard my workshop sample as a 'for instance' of what can be created using the products and techniques covered in the class, I just needed to work out how to make that concept work for layouts.

Then it struck me - it had already been done!

When I first started scrapping, many moons ago, I subscribed to a great American magazine called Simple Scrapbooks (sadly no longer published) which actively encouraged the concept of 'scrap lifting'. Simply take the ideas, tricks and techniques which appeal to you and suit your story, from someone else's layout and make it yours. Use different papers to fit with your 'photos, use a block of 'photos instead of a single, turn the layout through, 90 or 180 degrees, embellish more or less, the list is as endless as you choose to make it.

Below is my 'for instance' for this month's layout workshop...

The focus is on making a little paper go a long way with hand stamped flowers, tickets, journaling cards, titles etc to suit my 'photo.

One of our daughters, who always tells me she doesn't do any of this, wanted to make something similar for her friend Josie's birthday, and this is the 'scrap lift' she came up with...

I though it was pretty cool with the custom pop art background papers she created, with more than a little help from her Dad, reflecting the sense of fun in the 'photos and, as wherever she and Josie's are to be found there will also be many practical jokes and much laughter, so very them! The title came courtesy of their boss who sometimes has the misfortune of having them both working at the same time lol!

Two very different layouts from the same basic idea.

If you fancy a go, to keep the workshops limited to 4 - 6 so I can help you to make the layout that works for your story and photographs, there are two session Tuesday 22 2pm to 5pm and Wednesday 23 10am to 1pm just drop me an email or call me on the new studio number and bring along your 'photos.

Hope to see you soon x

PS You can find the last six monthly layouts over on our Pinterest page

 

 

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Workshops and Workshop Timetables for July

Firstly a thank you for your patience, we still haven't got everything back up and running but we are making progress in the background.

We have also been having difficulty with our phone and answering service for some time with the message recording being a bit hit and miss. What we really wanted was a service which followed us around, and offered an effective answering service, but unfortunately we have had to change service provider to achieve this.

The new studio number for booking workshops etc is 01793 629062 and if there is no one in the studio available to take your call, it will automatically forward, at no additional cost to you, to the studio mobile number where you can leave a message too. You can also book your workshops by email at snazzy@snazzysstudio.co.uk - just tell us the date and time of the workshop you would like to book, the number of spaces you need, and for whom, together with a contact number should we have any queries.

Don't forget you can save 20% on your workshop if you pay with Snazzy Workshop Vouchers (SWV) which must be bought in advance of the workshop you want to use them for.

Now without further ado, if a little later than planned, here is a REVISED workshop timetable for July 2014 - I am returning to the old format for these timetables as I have had so many hitches with the new layout.

Thursday 10 July 11am to 3pmTechnique Thursday Fee £5

This month's session is all about layers of stamping to create beautiful backgrounds for your scrapbook layouts, cards, journal pages, mini books or mixed media pages. I will be sharing lots of tips, techniques and ideas to get you past that scary blank surface. Just drop by and join in, all tools, consumables and materials are included, kettle is on for tea/coffee and biscuits which are included too!

 

Saturday 12 July 10am to 1pm

Layered and Distressed £15/1 SWV

We will make a selection of cards using distress inks, stamps, stencils and water to create beautiful backgrounds to showcase your stamping. I have used Lynne Perrella stamps by PaperArtsy in the workshop 'for instances' which stamps will you choose?

Saturday 12 July 2pm to 5pm and Wednesday 16 July 10am to 1pm

Take One Stamp £15/1 SWV

Using the pretty Wisteria Lane stamps from Chocolate Baroque we will use four very different techniques to create cards suitable for all occasions.

Wednesday 16 July 6pm to 9pmDylusions Divas £15/1 SWV

Create one of these quirky hangings using stamps inks and paper.

 

 

Tuesday 22 July 2pm to 5pm

July Layout Workshop £15/1SWV

In this month's layout I am using a paper blocking technique, shared by Hels Sheridan, as the base for the layout using a single photograph but which can easily be adapted to include multiple smaller photos.

Wednesday 23 July 10am to 1pm

July Layout Workshop £15/1 SWV

In this month's layout I am using a paper blocking technique shared by Hels Sheridan, as the base for the layout using a single photo but which can easily be adapted to include multiple smaller photos.

Saturday 26 July 10am to 1pmMini Wallet Book £15/1SWV

Here's a little wallet style book which you could use for all your leftover Project Life style bits which is an ideal mini scrapbook or journal to document your Summer with lots of space, pockets and tags to take your photos, memorabilia and journaling.

 

Sunday 27 July 11am to 3pmArt Journal Sunday Fee £5

Join us and have a dabble with Art Journaling. We supply all the inks, paints, stamps, masks and stencils, you just fetch your Art Journal - or if you are just starting out and are not sure it's for you then, we will provide the paper too!

 

 

I will add the missing photos of the layout workshop sample as soon as I have them and will be back with the August workshop schedule very soon. I will include a couple of longer workshops too for those who prefer the all day format.

PS I am struggling a bit with the photo placement so do bear with me until I get a bit of practice in xx

 

Join us again soon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted with Blogsy

June 2014 Workshop Timetable

Finally, here is the workshop timetable for June.

I'm afraid that as a result of all our computer problems I am still not able to add 'photos to the blogs or to access the main website to update the information there. All the samples can be seen in the workshop and I will also try to add the 'photos for each week's workshops to our Facebook page as we go along.

I have listened to all your comments on the new timetable layout and as some of you travel quite a way to attend our workshops we will in future have at least one all day workshop each month, plus I have tried to timetable similar half day workshops together so you can combine them to make a day of it if you wish - hope that helps! I have also moved the Mixed Media slot from a Tuesday to a Wednesday evening each month (to suit our youngest son's rugby training!)

Outside of these timetabled slots I am happy to organise custom workshops at a time to suit you and your friends with project(s) designed just for you, or from previously timetabled workshops, do just ask!

Tuesday 3 June 11am to 3pm 

Stop by & Stamp Fee £5

This month's session is all about clean & co-ordinated cards featuring some of the great new mixed font greetings stamps from Hero Arts. Just drop by and join in, all tools and materials to make up to 6 cards are included, kettle on for tea/coffee & biccies too!

Wednesday 4 June 10am to 1pm 

Dylusions Divas £15 or 1 Snazzy Workshop Voucher

In this workshop we will be using Dylusions stamps and inks to create our own quirky diva hanging, with matching card and gift tag. 

Saturday 6 June 11am to 4pm 

Style Canvas Collage £30 or 2 Snazzy Workshop Vouchers

Make you own stunning wall art on a fashion theme using stamps, inks, paints, stencils, texture paste, papers and old dressmaking patterns.

Wednesday 11 June 10am to 1pm 

Saturday 28 June 2pm to 5pm

A Little Bit JOFY £15 or 1 Snazzy Workshop Voucher

In this workshop we will make a selection of cards using the gorgeous new stamps by Jo Firth-Young for Paperartsy.

Thursday 12 June 11am to 3pm

Technique Thursday Fee £5

The focus of this month's session is Alcohol Inks and I will be sharing lots of ideas for making beautiful backgrounds and a really clever resist technique on glass. Just drop by and join in, all tools and materials are included, kettle on for tea/coffee & biccies too!

Saturday 14 June 10am to 1 pm 

Cards from Scraps £15 or 1 Snazzy Workshop Voucher

I seem to accumulate leftovers from 6x6 paper pads so often make cards simply to use them up, so in this workshop we will create 5 clean and simple cards that you can use for any occasion, rustle up quickly and have in your stash for when an unexpected birthday or other celebration appears.

Saturday 14 June 2pm to 5pm

Wednesday 18 June 10am to 1pm

Clean & Simple Cards £15 or 1 Snazzy Workshop Voucher

Come along and make 5 fresh, summery cards you can adapt for any occasion.

Wednesday 18 June 6pm to 9pm

Saturday 28 June 10am to 1pm

Dragonfly Collage Frame £15 or 1 Snazzy Workshop Voucher

This pretty mixed media piece uses a variety of materials and consumables in the colour way of your choice.

Tuesday 24 June 2pm to 5pm

Wednesday 25 June 10am to 1pm

June Layout Workshop £15 or 1 Snazzy Workshop Voucher

This month's layout has a very summery feel with bright colours and will use 1 6x4, 1 4x4 & 1 2x4 'photos.

Sunday  29 June 11am to 3pm

Art Journal Sunday Fee £5

Join us and have a dabble with Art Journaling. We provide all the inks, paints, stamps, masks and stencils and you just fetch your Art Journal - or if you are just starting out we will provide the paper too!

Workshops, workshops and more workshops!

Hello there, you might already have guessed today's post is all about workshops lol!

In recent months we have had a number of issues around classes in our little studio.

Firstly, we have been oversubscribed on too many classes, which is not good news for you or Snazzys. Secondly, we have seen a surge in custom workshop bookings so I need to free up more teaching slots for them and thirdly, I have been struggling to keep up with the sheer number of workshops I have been teaching each month - over 20 different workshops with 50+ individual project samples in March alone! - so I must also admit I am pretty frazzled just by the sheer volume of work and Mr Mojo is threatening to leave the country if I don't lighten up a bit on the workload.

We are therefore going change a few things going into the Spring 2014 schedule to see if we can improve the situation.

To address the oversubscription of workshops, each month we will repeat the most popular workshops such as Take One Stamp and the monthly layout workshop,but it does mean the overall number of different workshops scheduled each month will reduce from 8-12 to just 6.

In order to create more available slots for custom workshops we will only be running the Stop by & Stamp and Technique Thursday sessions monthly rather than weekly, which will also have the knock on effect of reducing the number of new projects/samples which will need to be created each month -we will however be reintroducing the Tuesday evening Mixed Media workshop as we are aware the daytime slots simply don't suit everyone. I have added some general information on the type and content of the workshops we teach on the Our Workshop page on the main website.

In future I will only be in the studio on workshop days, from approximately one hour before the workshop starts to approximately one hour after it finishes, but there will still always be someone available at other times to offer help and guidance should you require it. We are however asking you where possible to book your workshops either by email, or by leaving a message on the studio number, details here, as there won't necessarily be someone available to take your call.

I have revamped the workshop timetables to reflect these changes and you can now see the revised version of the March timetable complete with images, together with the April and May schedule with those images to be added early next week. I think however we may have to revert to the original chronological order of workshops on the timetables and create a monthly blogpost linked to this, with all the images, as often people are searching for information by date rather than by workshop but we'll see how it goes - as ever we would be interested in what you think so do let us know.

I will be back with some more news on the workshop front during the week but don't forget to check out the DT blog on Monday where Diana finishes off this cycle with a wowwzer of a project.

Thanks for stopping by.

Val xx

Art of Life Workshop Projects

Hello and welcome.

This cycle the Snazzy DT are working with the beautiful Art of Life collection from Kaisercraft and all the DT projects can be seen over on the DT blog. I have also been using the collection in some workshop projects, (apologies for the very poor photo - I am thrilled to say we have been blinded by sunshine in the studio today) .....

 

The Art of Life book was on the DT blog earlier in the cycle and was today's workshop, the cards are for the workshop on Saturday 22 March. The set of drawers is a workshop piece only in that I really needed something to store all my Prima and Tim Holtz metal bits in, and the notebook is so I can write down things as I go along - we'll see how long that lasts lol!

 

Back early next week with some news on the future shape of workshops at Snazzys, and some more March workshop samples.

 

Thanks for stopping by xx

A bit of Hero....

.......Arts that is!

Here's a peek at some of the new Hero Arts stamps in store this month.

First the Polyclears...

 

.... and I've had a little play with some of them....

 

 

 

 

 

Next the Clings, my favourites are the newest stamps from the Stamp Your Story range....

 

 

and last, but certainly not least, the woodblock stamps.

 

 

Like most people I don't tend to buy too many wood mounted stamps these days, but hang the expense and the storage issues, some designs just sing to you and you have to have them.

 

 

I just loved the beautiful detail in these stamps, which are so striking I felt I had to use them very simply. The black and white is very typically 'me' but wouldn't they look beautiful in sepia on cream too.

 

I'll drop by again on Thursday with the newest designs in from Chocolate Baroque, hope you can join me then xx