Dylan's Blog

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyy.!!!

2012-01-24T11:52:00.000-08:00

And breeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeath...!!!!

Yes it's here.

The day has finally come when I can reveal this.....

Many of you already know I have been appointed as a Signature Designer for Ranger, a lifetime ambition for me and I am so excited to reveal the products I will be launching at CHA.

First up is my new range of spray inks. They have been especially made to my requirements and are simply frikkin fabuloso. They are in my trade mark bright colours as you can see from the following chart.

And here's what the bottle looks like, with my label on it....Cool or what.??

AND to complement them we have teamed up with the fabulous Crafters Workshop. I just love their stencils and have used them for a long, long time. I feel they are the best in the industry and I am over the moon to work alongside them. As is totally me, they are all hand drawn, for the eclectic look that I love.

Each stencil comes in two sizes...9 x 12 in and 5 x 8 in

As well as stencils for my backgrounds etc I wanted to have some some of my trade mark border designs.

love love love dots and checks

distressed harlequins

random dots and flower border

of course my favourite leaves

This one I haven't stopped using

And have you ever seen all sizes of alphabet in one jumble.?

Here's some backgrounds in progress. You will notice that the stencils are not only fabulous for spraying through, but are perfect for doodling as well.

And my final reveal are my stamps. Six sets that all work in conjunction with my previous sets, manufactured, of course, by the wonderful Stampers Anonymous.

Bordering on the edge... can't get enough of borders. The solid one on the end is for stamping in one colour ink or paint and doodling over the top. The alphabet makes a wonderful frame. Everyone needs a swirly swirl. and the doodle borders will fit in almost anywhere.

Bits of this - love this one. The little insects are such fun for stamping in unexpected places. The plants make fabulous borders and hair. And the heads...oh my.!! They are bigger than previous heads but will still mix and match with the others, just imagine skull head on Curious Corrin's body, lol. The 2 at the bottom are perfect for adding other stamps as hair, especially stamps from the next set.

Doodle parts - more solid leaves to doodle over. The swirls feature a lot in my journaling and are ready doodled for you. Larger toadstools are always a must. The arrows make perfect frames and page corners and the part flower, well what can I say.

Inbetweenies - are exactly what they say they are. bits to go in between your journaling and your borders.

Background Love - you can never have enough backgrounds, fabulous for edging as well.

Word Love - words, you just got to have words haven't you. Large and small, some solid, some not so solid. Use them singly, group them together, make a background, love them...

A few journal pages

They are all up on our website so you can see and read about them in their entirety.

So there we have it. I hope you are all as excited about it as I am. I am positively giddy and still keep pinching myself at what I have achieved. From my kitchen table and dreams of teaching to being a part of THE best company ever - RANGER. Obviously the bestest ever news so far is that my products will now be available worldwide, from every Ranger retailer, so you too will be able to get your grubby little mitts on the delightful goodness.

I want to thank you all for your support and well wishes, it is so nice to know that you are all behind me, showing me encouragement throughout my journey.

To all of you I salute you...

I am going to leave you with my favourite ever quote, from Louisa May Alcott.

."You are an extraordinary woman.

How can you expect anything ordinary to happen to you"

Enjoy xx

I'm here.....

2012-01-21T23:57:00.000-08:00

So there we were, 3am going, hauling our ass's out of bed. Considering I only finished packing at 12.30 am, I wasn't that impressed I can tell you. Anyway off to the airport ready for my 6am flight. Said my sad goodbyes to Mr Babe of Deliciousness and off I trotted through the airport. Looking impossibly glamorous, of course, with my Beehive, Bobbly, boucle coat and my trusty Dr Martens. Tip no 537....don't wear hi top dr Martens to airports, who now insist that you remove them at every opportunity.!!

Cue, the first glitch in the well laid plans...!!

Flight from Leeds to Amsterdam delayed by nearly an hour. On arrival in Amsterdam I had to pick up my coat tails and hi-tail it across the length of the airport. I arrived breathless and panting at security. Boots off, hairpins out, and still I set off alarms and had to be patted down, lol. Anyhow I made it onto the plane by the skin of my teeth, the last remaining passenger!

As many of you know, I am always unfortunate with my seating. I always, always get sat next to the crying baby, the whiny child, the annoyingly nosy person, the male chauvinistic obese man or the escaped loony on day release..!! So I know you are all waiting with baited breath for todays tale of joy. And I am so sorry to disappoint you but....... I had the whole row to myself. Yee hah, Glory be to God.....all those Hail Mary's and Novenas to St Martha paid off. I quickly parked myself in the middle seat so that no one would be tempted to join me, hee hee and settled down with my journal for the 11 hr flight.

I landed in Portland, Oregan to the quickest immigration time ever, but was deemed a suspicious character and marked down to have my bags checked. Unfortunately there was a small problem as my bags, apparently were still in Amsterdam..!!! Still they inspected the contents of my handbag and my carry on, which created a bit of a stir as it was full of my journals. Mind you I think they took one look and thought it will be safer to just let me through, than try to work out was going on in my head, lmao.

So after a 3 hr layover in Portland it was time for my last flight, and guess what it was delayed..... I eventually after a 23 hr journey landed in Sacramento. Yayy...!! and guess what one of my suitcases was there waiting for me. Hallelujah.!!!!

The gorgeous Richelle picked me up as she had offered to be my lovely host whilst I was here. We went out for a Mexican with her family, and then it was back to hers and to fall into bed. It was only 8.30pm here but I had been up 27 hrs, so I was out like a light.

This morning it was a shock to see that most of the stuff I needed was in the missing suitcase, of course...So I am having a make up free day...shock horror. Mind you I figured they didn't really know what I looked like yet, so would think it was normal, hee hee. We are spending the day at Carol's store... Stampers Corner....as Richelle is teaching two classes here. They are a lovely bunch of students and I am looking forward to my day of teaching. If you are anywhere in the area come join us. Ring Carol on 916 686 0651 to book a place or look on her website stamperscorner.nethttp://stamperscorner.net/ for more details. I am teaching 3 classes, an accordion book with gesso resist and colorwash, a mini Distress stain book with Kraft resist and a canvas with paint effects and pearl finishes. Hopefully I will have reclaimed my luggage, so not only will I actually have the samples to show you, but I should have my face on and be looking impeccably glamorous.!!! Ha ha well as glamorous as I could ever be.

Today however is NOT that day and I have developed a large hole in my cardi....maybe it's extra ventilation, not sure. So here is Scruffy Outfit of the Day. With the holes and no make up it is more like a before photo don't you think..?? Must try harder...except I haven't any clothes to try harder with !!

Here's some of the ladies in Richelles class.

Just look at these gorgeous Melt Art flowers.

And this is frikkin gorgeous. Richelle very kindly offered ( oh ok I made her ), to make me one to wear at CHA.Yee hah.

Here's Carol the store owner

Can you guess what these are.?

Yup they are crunchy dill pickles...could soon get addicted, lol

and chocolate, of course...

I made a bit of a mess in the corner, as usual. Here's some of the backgrounds I was playing with.

And I ended up just a little mucky, lol, sign of a good time.

Tomorrow Richelle and I are holing up in her studio making samples for the show, and what a studio. Just wait till tomorrow and I will give you a little tour.

Okay time for sleep and to dream about my luggage turning up intact..he he !!

Enjoy xx

It's not what you know, its who you know.!!!

2012-01-18T12:16:00.000-08:00

And boy has that saying been true just lately.

As you all know I am a Vintage freak, with my choice of dress being the fifties. I find it quite hard to find authentic clothes in my size, so end up wearing a lot of repro or altering originals to fit. Now I can sew, but coats are a problem for me, too hard to alter. I do have my "pretend" furs, as you all know. The infamous Beaver, Mink and Leopard.!!! But what I have been searching for, for an age, is a coat like my Mum used to have. It was typical of the era, a sort of bobbly boucle fabric, with a huge fur collar. I think she had a two piece in it as well. I always thought she looked so glamorous in it. I have looked high and low and every one knows what I mean but nobody knew where to put there hands on one!!

Then one evening, not so long ago, I was on ebay, hunting for outfits for CHA, when I got a text in the middle of the night from the gorgeously barmy Kirsty, threatening my life.!!! Eeeeek what had I done now>??? Apparently it was a bit of a misunderstanding on the QVC face book page. People had got the impression I was leaving QVC, to venture over to the dark side. So I hopped onto the thread, telling them it was a load of bull and would they kindly stop interrupting my Vintage buying, lol.

One lovely lady joked I would probably love to see inside her Mother's wardrobes. Yes, wardrobes!!!!!.....all six of them.!!! Her Mother, at 94 indeed, isn't well and it is time for a clear out. One thing led to another and she sent me some photos.

This is the lovely Di, with her Mum in 1949. Such a cutie.! And how stylish was her Mum, look at those brows and the streak. Fabulous.

Well today, the lovely Di paid a visit to my studio. Here we are.

She brought her daughter and adorable grand son. It was so lovely to meet her in person, and guess what..!!!

Oh yes, I am now the proud owner of one bobbly boucle coat. Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay
Ha ha Di couldn't get over my excitement, as she thinks it is disgusting, but I am in lurve with it, and it will probably never leave my back, lol

And how about this for a touch of glamour.? Might take this with me to wear whilst demoing, lol. If you take a closer look at one of the pictures further up , you will see tons of items hanging from the studio door. Oh yes, fabulous goodies, especially for me. Such a lucky, lucky lady, don't you agree.? Big, big thank you to Di, firstly for thinking of me and secondly for making the journey and making my week.
And a big thank you to her Mum for having such wonderful taste. She has obviously cherished these items and it is now my job to carry that on. How wonderful, and how privileged, to actually know the history behind what I am wearing.

Here she is in 1962, with her husband looking ever such the distinguished couple. Di's Mammy...I salute you xx

DINA, DINA, DINA - EXCITED, EXCITED, EXCITED!!!

2012-01-17T07:52:00.000-08:00

Details - HERE

Oh yes...

2012-01-05T11:21:00.000-08:00

....I'm still here,

I have just been buried under a mahoosive amount of work and deadlines.!!! No sooner do I get to the bottom of one than another pokes it's grubby little head up. So apologies for my blog posting tardiness, but it looks as though it might be a little sporadic for a bit longer. If you want some cool blog stuff to read then get yourselves over to these beauties.

The gorgeous Ellen

and the lovely Hels

have been having a Dylusions challenge and you can see the results on their blogs.

The lovely Heidi from Norway who has been doing some really unusual things with my stamps.

Lady in Waiting Kaz, has the usual eclectic mix of Dylusions and Tim Holtz. And you need to go see her birthday card she made for Tim, AND the comment he left for her. She was squealing for hours and had to breathe into a paper bag, to regain composure.!!! She was so excited and I love her for it.!!! One talented lady indeed and it won't be long before people will be squealing about her. I do regularly, lol.

The fabby Kate has always got lovely eye candy for you to peruse. If you are joining in with the Art Calendar challenge again, there are loads of samples there to see, and if you aren't joining in, it's good to see anyway.

I have a new monthly challenge starting for you soon. It revolves around my love of quotes. The idea is that every month I will give you a quote, and then you will create something around it. Mine will always be art journaling, of course, lol. You can do the same or you can utilise it on a card, a tag or a scrapbook page. Or indeed on anything that takes your fancy.!!! You know I love a sprinkling of altered objects. I will post up the rules as soon as I have run them by Our Ben, who you just know will be overseeing all of this. If he left it to me it would probably not get off the ground with my schedule. But with him behind me bullying (oops sorry, gently cajoling me) it will be fine. I just need to work out how to attach a Mr Linky, so that we can see every ones work and we will be good to go. You will get the quote on the first of the month and you will have until the first of the next month to upload your work. See, a whole four weeks, even I can manage that, lol. !!!

I did manage to squeeze in some relaxation over the Christmas period, taking in an all nighter at Nottingham followed by a dayer at Brighouse. Spending over 12 hours dancing to my beloved R n B certainly blew a few cobwebs away. Here we are looking extremely tired but happy. Not sure when I smuggled in the two melons.!!

I'll leave you with this little beauty

Enjoy xx

Christmas so far...

2011-12-30T07:44:00.000-08:00

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas. I certainly did.

As you can imagine, with four beautiful grown up kids, one gorgeously delectable grand daughter, one Mr Babe of deliciousness, one gorgeous girlies birthday, an extremely dangerous gas leak !!! AND tons and tons of deadlines to meet ( some I am meeting on the way back.!!!), mine was eventful to say the least. I am up to my eyes in samples so I will just give you a quick run down of events at Reaveley Towers.

Christmas Eve I did the rounds, calling first at Ben and Katies, and then on to the girls, for a quick sherry.!!

The Goddess seemed to enjoy her pressies, but the resident bit of glamour declined to be photographed, due to just getting out of the bath, lol.

Then on to Our Tom's, where the most gorgeous grand daughter in the whole world, was really excited about her non girly pressies.

Then it was home, where in my absence, Mr Babe of Deliciousness had installed a television in the front room.!!!

Only to find it didn't work very well..!!! He he he , the best laid plans and all that.!!!

I got totally spoilt as usual with pressies.....loads to add to my vintage stash...

Original Babycham glasses, plus Babycham...

Beautiful vintage tree decorations for the naff tree

Her's the photo I forgot to post before of my beloved radio/record player.

A vintage mirror

I have always collected Nativity sets, but this is my fave. It is the one we used to have when I was a child. These are the only bits left, unfortunately.

more vintage glasses

crockery

Yes that is tinsel on that gorgeous cake stand, but it is vintage so I am allowed, lol.

|I think this is a jam pot, not sure, but love it what ever.

I also got a kindle from my boy's. I have always had kindle on the laptop, but this is so much more convenient. I frikkin love it. So all in all, a very happy Mama.

Wednesday was all about The resident bit of Glamours birthday. 26 yrs old and looking frikkin gorgeous.!!

I think she has turned out mighty fine since I told every one I had given birth to my third boy.!!! Gas and air has a lot to answer for, lmao.

I had the pleasure of Maisies company the day before, and when she wasn't bossing Andy around in the garden she was helping me make Jay a birthday cake.

I had left the decorating up to her, and she insisted on using snowmen.!!!

We had a tea party round at Jay's where Maisie entertained us all in her Transformer outfit.

And of course no party is complete without a go on the Sing star, is it.

Ok, must dash, before He who must be Obeyed from Ranger, spots me slacking off.

Have a fabulous New Year.

Enjoy xx

Big apologies.....

2011-12-20T12:10:00.000-08:00

....for the long delay in posting....

Here is my excuse...I have been running around like a.....

tee hee hee....

I told you that a while ago I went to a Vintage fair, and so here is some of the pictures.

Look at this fantastic Steampunk outfit...

This lady was an absolute doll and I bought quite a few things of her, including this tapestry sewing box.

You can't beat vintage fabric, can you...ready to be transformed over the Christmas period.

And this was one of my favourite finds of the day. Fabulous oil painting, and the frame is divine...

Here is my sewing box in situ

and one corner of my living room

We finished off the day with traditional Yorkshires and gravy on vintage crockery...bliss

I am so lucky with my lovely students. I never get round to even making cards, and yet they bring me the lovliest of gifts. This gorgeous cup and saucer is from the lovely clog dancing Anne.

And the lovely Gill got me this gorgeous tin ornament

This gorgeous ensemble was from the lovely Pat. She wrapped the large parcel with a map of Whitby, especially, lol. And she handpainted the tag after learning how in one of my workshops.

He he, look what she found for me

How fabulously naff is this.!!! Love it

At Sundays art journaling I dressed for the occasion in one of dresses I made. This is my Cougar dress, lol. Rarrrrr..!!!!

It calls for 7inch stacked heels

Clare brought along her Steampunk Iron Fist shoes. But seen as she can't walk in them, let alone stand up, I had to model them.

And if Father Christmas is listening, this shower curtain is on my list

And this wallpaper from this frikkin fabulous website Dupenny

At £196 for a 10m roll it's not cheap but in my eyes it's worth every penny.

So Santa....Is it too late to negotiate...??

Enjoy xx

Long, long post.....

2011-12-13T10:09:00.000-08:00

grab a cuppa and a sticky bun, put your feet up and we'll begin...

Well Saturday was our Winter Workshop Preview and Taster day. It's always a relief when people turn up..!!!

All the classes were laid out in order for people to inspect.

Ben was ready with the diary for the bookings...

Here's a closer look at the classes ( now all online Here)

The lovely Sandy Poppins arrived bright and early and raring to go...

My class in progress

THE most wonderful cup cakes...

Courtesy of Teresa, Amelia and Claudia.

Kates class....the calm before the storm, lol...

People travel a long way to attend our Preview days lol. Here is the lovely Debra Ann all the way from Washington. Well, actually she is over here studying in Lancaster and thought she would call in to make all the girls at her regular classes back home really jealous. Turns out her local shop is Paper Pals owned by the lovely Karen Tews Lien and they have my stamps in stock and love using them. Yee hah, how frikkin fabby is that.???

No peace for the wicked, I demoed the rest of the day...
#

And for those who may be wondering if I have altered since being made a Signature Designer for Ranger....

Guess that answers that, then, lmao

Sandra got collared for the job of sorting and cleaning all the stamps...big mistake..tee hee...this is what she ended up like.

I managed to snaffle a cup cake

Andy decided to ordain me with the tea cosy...Hope that means I am now part of the clergy as well as Royalty.!!!

Big big thanks to everyone who helped, special amazing thanks to Bezzie Su who somehow got conned into doing the days catering. |Yes you heard me right, the Culinary UnGoddess, was locked into the kitchen. And to be fair, no one has claimed damages, so far.....

Also big thanks to all who came and supported us and made it a fabulous day.

Sunday was spent at a Vintage Craft fair, where I met the most lovely people and nabbed myself some fabulous retro stuff for Reaveley Towers. Will blog about that in the next couple of days when I hjave everything in situ.

So onto today's workshop.The lovely Sue arrived with a card for me. I was decidedly nervous, and rightly so...

Cheers and all that Sue, peel offs...hmmmmm my fave !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The lovely Tracey heard my plea for naff tea cosies, and brought me this beauty... Just frikkin perfect...

I just love things that are multi purpose..this can double as a turban on bad hair days.

Which do you prefer, the tea cosie or the card...no contest really...!!!

Here it is in all it's glory.. All you knitters out there, can you top that.!!! Prize for the naffest, of course..

The gorgeous Amy Shaw, of QVC crafting royalty brought some of her pals along for the day. I think I was a bit of a shock to some of them, as you know I can be an acquired taste !!! Still they put on a brave face and got on with it, despite ending up all clarted with ink and paint.

Lollies always make for a peaceful afternoon.

Amy is such a doll, pop over to her blog and see what she has to report...

Right, have you survived all that..??? Good on ya...

Enjoy xx

Ooooh busy busy busy.....

2011-12-07T13:23:00.000-08:00

The days are just whizzing by and i am surrounded by lots of whooshing noises as deadlines seem to be flying past, lol. I am putting the finishing touches to all my new releases for the trade show in January. It is sooooooooooo exciting to be launching as a signature designer for Ranger, and I want everything to be "just so" and so I am busy dotting every I and crossing every T, and then changing my mind and starting all over again, tee hee. Well it's a woman's prerogative, isn't it.??

Been busy in the studio as well, yesterday found me teaching this canvas.Many of you will know I started my crafting life as a folk art painter, and I love nothing more than introducing others to painting. It is so calming and relaxing. I really need to do more of it to preserve what little sanity I have left..!! Oh okay, too late then, lol.

I got a brill surprise yesterday as Our Ben forgot he had said I couldn't get my grubby little mitts on Tim's new fantabulous boxes. Too late, he brought them in to show me them, (the new delivery had just arrived), and I had them unwrapped, before he could say Beejeezus. Ha ha, look at the expression on his face, too late....they are mine, all mine.

I just had to promise not to deface...sorry, customise...them before this weekends preview. Speaking of which...

Don't forget it is our fabulous Preview day on Saturday 10th December, where you can come along and see all the wonderful workshops we have lined up for you in January, February and March. We have taster workshops going all day long, and I think Our Ben is making me part with some of the 100's of samples I have made over the years. Pop HERE for more info

Here's some sneaky peeks...

How are you doing following Tim's Christmas Tags.??Are you managing to keep up.?? Frikkin fabby aren't they.?? I haven't even put my own spin on the first one yet, so busy I am with my other stuff, but I am storing them and will play as soon as I get a breather.

Don't forget everyday Our Ben is adding bargains into his daily deal. See HERE for more

Got a wonderful surprise in the post today, can you recognise the hand writing..??

Yes it's from the one and only Lady in Waiting, Kaz. She is an absolute darling and always seems to know when I need a bit of a lift. Today's treasures included...

That all important sherry vessel

Hmmmmm.!!!

Handy for ones Royal engagements...

I shall have to put these safely in the Tower.!!

Scarf rings, to hold ones bits in place...

And......

THE biggest frikkin earings in the whole wide world.!!!

I also had a visit today from one of my bezzies, The gorgeous Sandy Poppins, who took the Outfit of the day photos. Err seems we forgot to take a photo of the pair of us.! oops.!!

Still I thought I had better pop my teeth in, just in case they may be used for "official" Royal engagements, lol

Chin, chin

Enjoy xx

Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooh.......

2011-12-02T11:13:00.000-08:00

Oh yes, have I got a little treat for you...!!!!

Here is the naffest tree in the world in all it's entirety..!! In fact, it is so naff I frikkin love it.!!!!

Even though they are nearly as big as the tree itself I just had to hang my glamour girls from it, lol

You know you all want one, lmao..

Here's today's daily outfit.

I had a vintage dress of which I loved the material but hated the style, so I cut it up and added a gingham top and matching head band. Certainly calls for some understated wedges.!!

Ooops couldn't resist a bit of a soulie spin, lol

I have had a few questions about the dresses I make.

No I don't have a pattern, I cut up old things that I love and juggle patterns together out of them.

The fabrics I use are either vintage, old dresses, even curtains, lol...or just from the local material shop.

Hope that helps.

Some pages from The Ledger

Enjoy xx

Yes...it's been a while...

2011-12-01T11:41:00.000-08:00

...since I blogged..!!

Sorry about that, not sure how I managed to go so long...

Apart from the fact I have a frikkin fantastic excuse...the best yet..!!!

I have been busy working on top secret stuff..!!!

He he...told you it was a good excuse, didn't I..???

All will be revealed in good time, and you will love it..promise.

Well Christmas has officially arrived at AFTH headquarters. As many of you know I was a bit of a Mother |Christmas. I say was, cos the last two years I am just not feeling it really. So I have decided to bring my Christmas from home into work.

Pretty parcel packer Ali was round mine, bright and early, and we tackled the loft, hunting for all the deccies and trying not to get too distracted with all the things up there.!! I am not sure how my loft appears to be getting fuller since the kids left home. I think they secretly sneak in while I am not there and deposit stuff..!! Don't laugh, I once came home to find two mattresses up there that weren't there in the morning.!!!

Anyhow, I digress, so we hauled it all down, dusted it all off and whizzed it up to work. Now you may be wondering what Our Ben had to say about all this.!! Well.!!!!!!! as long as we get to Dec 1st before mentioning Christmas then anything goes. And 1st of December it is. Yayy.

Here are some of my favourite decorations that I have made over the years. These are painted lightbulbs.!!!

And these are glass baubles I painted.

This was painted in 2002 and it was my first ever attempt at drawing my own design. I was so proud of it.

I think it looks fabuloso..

Because it is now officially Christmas in the Headquarters, Our Ben is continuing with his tradition of wearing a crappy Christmas jumper every day for work. So we may be adding Jumper of the day to my daily outfit. As you can see he is overwhelmed with Christmas spirit.!! lmao.

In case you were wondering what he was clutching, here is a close up.

Ha ha it's his new cd for the shop, mellow sounds from Mr Buble. I think he might stick it for a couple of days and then tell me where to stick it.!!

Onto other news, my middle kids class have all now finished their canvas's and they are absolutely gorgeous. Take a lookie for yourselves.

I have had a very busy weekend playing with fabric and my machines, running up new outfits. This is from one of my fave fabrics, if you look closely you will see that it is covered in red roses and white skulls. Yummy.

This was my favourite fabric..

I actually made myself 4 dresses, to which I shall pat myself on the back for, lol. Even though I am absolutely stacked out with work, I really needed to take some time out for myself, so I did.!!

And, of course, it's Dec 1st, which means........

Oh yes...Tim's tags and Our Ben's daily deal...

It's that time of year again - Tim Holtz's 12 tags of Christmas!

Check out Tim's blog (http://timholtz.typepad.com/) for the first 12 days of Christmas where he reveals a new tag every day. This is his fifth year of doing the 12 tags and you can check out each years tags by clicking on the left hand side of his blog.

Each day of Tim's 12 tags we will be offering products Tim has used on his tags at a special price until they are gone. Each deal will be released on our Facebook page each day HERE, so if you're not a fan of our page please check us out!

All offers are subject to availability and no back orders will be taken.

Get in there !!!

And in case you are worrying about the lack of decorations at Reaveley Towers, I have a back up plan...

Those who know me well will know I have an inbuilt aversion to anything, shiny, tinselly, naffy.!! and will go to any lengths to avoid such offending items. But I seem to have mellowed in my old age, as I have decided that it is probably not PC to discriminate against such items, equality to all and all that malarky.

Sooooooooooooooooooooooooo...

I've only gone and bought myself the naffest tree I could find. Three whole feet of artificially pink tinsel. With...wait for it...inbuit lights...which, unfortunately only seem to go down one side, lol. But what can you expect for a fiver. Mind you imagine my disgust when I went into Asda today to find it reduced to £3.75..!! How ruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuude.!!! So I consoled myself by buying some equally naff sparkly lime green baubles. Yes you heard me correctly the first time.!!

I, Dyan, of Reaveley Towers, must confess, I have now become a Christmas, naffaholic. Hopefully it will only be temporary seasonal madness and I will appear relatively unscathed out the other end. Time will tell, lmao.

Enjoy xx`

News from Art from the Heart Towers...

2011-11-20T13:38:00.000-08:00

Well.....29 years ago today I gave birth to this bouncing 10lb 9oz baby boy. Where on earth did the frikkin time go..??? Surely I am not old enough to be his mother.!!!!

29 years gone...just like that..unbelievable really...

Many of you will know Our Ben, he is my shop manager, mail order manager, web designer, newsletter chief, purse string holder, maker of sensible decisions, man of little words, reigner in of my antics and the mainstay of my business. Without him there would be non business, as I would probably be quite happy living up a tree making collages with mud and leaves.!!!

But no he makes me focus, he makes me turn up for work, he makes me behave appropriately (well almost), he makes me make business decisions, he pushes me, he calms me when I am on rapid cycle, he puts up with me when my ADD is bad and most of all he understands me...!!!

He is not only my first born son, but he is my business partner...and for all these things I love him to death. I know you shouldn't love one child more than another, BUT, I can safely say he is my favourite eldest child, lol.
Tom is my favourite youngest boy. Jay my favourite eldest girl and Emmi my favourite youngest child...!!!!

Here is wearing some of his pressies from the lovely Katie. A new hideous Christmas woolly for his growing collection and a rather snazzy personalised apron.

It actually says Master of Sunday roasts and not Taster..!!! lmao

As you can see he is overwhelmed with emotion that I pooped round for a hug..!!!

Other things that have happened this week include the lovely Liz bestowing upon me this gorgeous Royal teapot. What can I say..!!!

Here's some piccies from the technique journal workshop.

Here#'s the lovely Jeanine showing off a finished spread from an earlier class.

On Saturday the lovely Tina travelled all the way from Wiltshire and popped into the shop to see us. Of course we had to have our photo taken didn't we..??

I've taught two lots of journaling classes this week, one Friday and one today, both packed to the rafters which was great to see. I taught the same thing on both days. We were embracing our dark side, by using
only the really dark coloured inks with a ghosting technique over the top.

I then made them practise doodling with a white pen, freehand and through stencils, to make the pages pop. These are all works in progress and will be finished at a later date. Thanks to all who came, we had a ball. Special commendations go to the following.

Friday class....The lovely Chrissie for her totally unintentional double entendres, and thankfully my Mary is not a light up one, but you never know..!!

And Sunday's goes to Paula for her cautionary tale which included miniature pot bellied pigs, hospital appointments, and rear fastening gowns.!!!! I am still giggling away at the thought. xx

You don't pay any extra for the constant stream of entertainment at any of the journaling classes, but unfortunately, due to over excessive demand, Tena ladies are no longer provided and you will need to supply your own..!!!

Enjoy xx

Those of a nervous disposition....

2011-11-15T12:09:00.000-08:00

...please look away when I say....!!!

I received this parcel in the mail today..

notice the HRH..!!!

Beautifully wrapped goodies...

can you see what I can see...??

It was from the gorgeous Lady in Waiting. Kaz..

Now is the time to look away...

The parcel contained a note...which said..

"Enclosed for your pleasure:-

1.One very Royal headscarf...to be worn on Royal duties when ones hair may be having a bad day.!

2.One set of Royal dentures for photographs and special occasions.!

3.One set of Royal sugar lump prongs to be used when serving the finest tea..

4.One cup, saucer, plate (Royal of course !!)to be used when one needs to be reminded that they are the most wonderfully creative Queen that ever did walk the land.!!

Enjoy. Love and big Royal hugs.!!

Your Lady in waiting...

Kaz"

How fabby to receive such thoughtful gifts from ones staff...!!!

I will leave you as usual with a page from the Ledger

Enjoy xx

Ledger Pages

2011-11-14T10:17:00.000-08:00

This was the class I taught and made on Friday. Double spread in the Ledger.

Short and sweet today as I am all tied up with designing for January and the days seem to be merging into one.!!

Enjoy xx

Good night God bless

2011-11-11T09:29:00.000-08:00

The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, you soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my Church have you been true?"

The soldier squared his soldiers and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills just got too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand."

There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgement of his God.

"Step forward now, you soldier,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."

Author Unknown

prize giving and workshop info...

2011-11-10T09:27:00.000-08:00

I have a couple of prizes to give away today.

The first is for leaving a comment on the UKS blog hop post, and the number is...

Ifa said...

Gorgeous page Dyan

And the winner of the caption comment is....

TonyR said...

"i think we're gonna need considerably bigger buns!"

You lot look like you had a great time!!
xx

Ha ha have always loved that film..!!!

Congratulations lfa and Tony...please send me your addresses so that I can get your pressies out to you.

Heres daily outfit for you.

Dress...sale item from Dotty P
Cardigan... thrifted from the Oxfam shop

Shoes...one of my £1 bargains from Primarni
Headband...bit of leftover fabric and wire

Oooh you can't beat a bit of thrifting...can you.??

Just thought I would give you a bit of info on some of the classes coming up at the studio.

Tomorrow is your chance to recreate one of my journal pages.

Fri 11th Nov - Dy’s Journal pages - 10-3pm

A chance to be taken step by step through one of Dyan’s multi layered journal pages. Starting with inks and a gesso resist we will slowly start to add depth to the layers, you will learn many techniques along the way, including colour, collage and composition, all the time maintaining your own style. We will be inking , gessoing, spraying, stencilling, stamping, painting, cutting sticking and embellishing.

Our Price: £20.00 Book HERE

Next up is the fabulous ABC Primer from Graphic 45

Sat 12th Nov - Graphic 45 ABC Primer double gate fold album - 10-4pm

The quality of these papers is superb, a real traditional back to school theme for kids and grown ups alike. This album has a real quirky way of unfolding, first one side and then the other to reveal page after page of delight. Pockets, tags, envelope, and more and more.

Our Price: £35.00 Book HERE

Another Graphic 45 treat for you...one of my famous pocketed star books

Tues 15th Nov - Wizard of Oz Star book - 10-3pm

Star books are one of our most popular classes in all the years I have been teaching and I am sure this one will prove to be no exception. Graphic 45 have done it again with their stunning release of the Wizard of Oz. I don’t think there’s many of us who don’t secretly melt at the thought of watching it again and again!! Every page is pocketed so you can store all those precious memories that ensure “ there’s no place like home”.!!

Our Price: £30.00 Book HERE

And on Tuesday one of my taggy technique journals

Wed 16th Nov - Technique journal - 10-3pm

It maybe that you are well experienced in the creative delights of paint and inks, or it may be the opposite and you are a complete beginner. Either way this is the workshop for you. To me, the best journals are those made from scratch with love! Therefore we will start by making the pages, playing with inks, sprays, paints ets in various ways for stunning effects. We will then mix them with lined papers to make a hard back journal with a canvas binding. The addition of tags, envelopes, files and doodling ensures that you can really put your own personal stamp on it.

Our Price: £25.00 Book HERE

I also want to tell you about my last weekend workshop of the year. This is the altered book weekend, and is suitable for those dipping their toe into the journaling pond, as well

Fri/Sat/Sun 2/3/4th Dec - Altered book weekend - 7.30 – 10pm/9.30-5pm/9.30-4pm

After repeated requests and dozens of desperate pleas, lol, I have managed to squeeze in a weekend of altering. We will be taking an old book, making a hidden drawer, folded pages, hidden pockets, layering techniques, windows, flaps, tags and pull outs. You will experience techniques galore and have a ball putting them into practise. Painting, inking, spraying, folding, pleating, layering, cutting, hiding, doodling, stamping, colouring, eating, drinking, chatting, laughing and generally having a ball.

Snacks and lunch on both days included

Our Price: £150.00 Book HERE

And I will leave you with a page from The Ledger

Enjoy xx

When you wish upon a star...

2011-11-09T15:01:00.000-08:00

A mahoosive thank you to every one of you for your fabulous comments, they fair warm the cockles of your heart to read them.!!

To become one of Rangers Signature Designers is a dream come true. Not many of you know my story, my roots or my beginnings, but I have come a long way.

Briefly, my marriage broke down, extremely acrimoniously, when I was 23 leaving me with 4 children under the age of five. I picked myself up, dusted myself down and got on with life as a single mum, always teetering on the breadline, lol, only to become bedridden with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome 10 yrs later. Although I wouldn't wish such an illness on anyone, this is what led me into the world of crafting and my ensuing passion
.
Life hasn't been easy, I wasn't handed my business on a plate, it was started around my kitchen table, with 5 students, and slowly over the years has built into the business it now is. It has been as a result of a lot of dedication, hard work, and tears and, at times, has seemed like the longest road ever to travel. One step forward, two steps back... bit like practising the Cha Cha Cha !!!

So why am I telling you all this.??

Because throughout it all, I was determined not to just sit back and accept my lot in life. It wasn't the easiest of roads but it was my frikkin road, and it was travelled how I wanted to travel it. I always had a dream at the back of my mind, that one day I would show those who dissed me as, just another single Mum, that dreams can come true.

If you believe..!!!

" To BELIEVE is to know that every day is a new beginning.
It is to trust that miracles happen, and dreams really do come true.
To believe is to see angels dancing among the clouds.
To know the wonder of a stardust sky and the wisdom of the man in the moon .
To believe is to know the value of a nurturing heart, the innocence of a child's eyes
and the beauty of an ageing hand,
for it is through their teachings we learn to love.
To believe is to find the strength and courage that lies within us,
when it is time to pick up the pieces and begin again.
To believe is to know we are not alone,
that life is a gift and this is our time to cherish it.
To believe is to know that wonderful surprises are just waiting to happen.
And all our hopes and dreams are within our reach.
If ONLY we believe"

Author unknown

My journey to where I am now, has many twists an turns and if it wasn't so frikkin long would have made a good book, lol. But what it has done is, it has provided me with a wealth of material for art journaling, without which, where would I be.

If you are struggling with your lot, just take the time to remember to believe. It might not be just around the corner, but if you believe hard enough it will be there for you.!!!

Enjoy xx

End of a fabulous weekend....

2011-11-06T12:20:00.000-08:00

And what a weekend it was. We all had a blast creating the journals and learning the techniques involved. In fact we were so busy having a good time that I forgot to take any photos. Sorry about that...

I have got photos of what we actually did though.

All it needs now is the doodling and the journaling.

Kaz did actually send me this fabby photo of Yvonne and me. Pop over to her blog for her account of the events.

You will also get the story of this next picture and the teeth.!!!!

Not quite sure it's a good look, but I am loving the twisted bandanna..

Enjoy xx

Fun and frolics...

2011-11-05T11:51:00.000-07:00

Oooh had a lovely surprise gift this morning from the lovely Kaz... A gorgeous pair of shoes...What more could a girl want. And, unfortunately you can't see them, but they have the most fabulous leopard skin lining. Get in there..!!!

The Journal collage weekend is well underway and as you can see we are as serious as ever...!! Last night a few people were having problems with their flaps, Kaz was even complaining of hers being a bit fluffy..!!! But this morning everyone seemed a bit more relaxed about them..

This was the mad dash for tea and croissants

Lunch, made by the gorgeous Pam, was soup, Vegetable and the world famous Pea and Ham....

And trifle..yum yum..

Here's Yvonne and Jen taking photos of....

Kaz...taking photos of...

Outfit of the day...

I even wore my pinny especially for the occasion...

Kaz wanted to try on my infamous Red or Dead wedges...looking good

Shame she couldn't even walk one step.

Just to prove that they actually did do some work...

And here's a little bit of fun for you...Can you think of a caption for this photo... Best comment will win a prize...

Have a happy and safe Bonfire night...

Enjoy xx

SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLL!!!!!

2011-11-02T11:22:00.000-07:00

Omg, omg, omg......I hope you are all sitting down, as I have the most mahoosive, ginormous fantabulous, can't frikkin believe it news to share with you. It is the culmination of a lot of hard work, a passion for my art, a lot of trust in me and the culmination of a dream.!!! I feel like Cinders being told she can go to the ball, lol.

Sooooooooooooooooooooooo what is this news...????

Press Release

Signature Designer
Dyan Reaveley

Fall 2011

Ranger is excited to announce mixed-media artist Dyan Reaveley as Ranger's newest Signature Designer. Dyan's unique, eclectic style comes through in her vibrant color combinations of inks and paints, using text as an insightful design element, and the clever use of imagery in her artwork.

Dyan and Ranger are developing a signature line of craft products called Dylusions, and she is already an integral part of the Ranger Designer Team. Dyan has been teaching and demoing with Ranger for several years and is known for her creativity with layering color, images and thought-provoking collages.

Dyan owns and operates a teaching and design studio Art from the Heart in Harrogate, in the north of England. Dyan shares a little about herself: "My mission is to introduce everyone to the fabulous therapy that is art journaling and creating mixed-media art. Art is not the finished result; it is the actual act of creating that emerges when you let yourself play. It is the journey it takes from the soul."

"Dyan's an inspiration and I look forward to seeing where she takes the Dylusions product line. Her passion for inks, paints and mediums knows no bounds. Dyan's ability to teach everyone from new crafters to seasoned mixed-media artists will complement all that we do at Ranger."—Alain Avrillon, Sales Director

"Creative innovation is always at our core here at Ranger, and we are excited to add the talents and artful stylings of Dyan Reaveley to our team."—Tim Holtz, Creative Director

Look for the Dylusions product line debut at the January 2012 Winter CHA Trade Show in Anaheim, California.

Are you squealing with me...???

Yes you read it right. Ranger has appointed a new Signature Designer, and it is MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

It is official HERE

Happy dance, happy dance...

I am beyond excited, I am beyond exhilarated, I am beyond everything.

I just keep thinking of my quote at the top of the page

" you are an extraordinary woman...how can you expect anything ordinary to happen to you."??

I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone at Ranger for showing their trust in me, especially Alain I will do my damndest to make you proud, and be the best monkey ever.!!!

Thanks to all my friends who believed in me, even when I didn't..!!

My kids for supporting me.

Pam for covering for me through all the discussions.

Thanks to Our Ben for pushing and pushing me.

And to Mum and Dad up there in heaven.......... your little bad girl did good.!!!!

Phew, is my Oscar on it's way...??? lmao

Okay back to reality and teaching the kids workshop.

Enjoy xx

UK Scrappers Blog Hop

2011-11-01T02:52:00.000-07:00

Hi all, glad you could join us for the UKS blog hop. If you have arrived at me you should have hopped over from A Trip Down Memory Lane HERE

Here is my step by step. A journal page as usual

Materials

Dylusions paints... Tangerine, Cerise
Dylusions Spray inks... Bubblegum, Granite
Dylusions stamp sets... Further Round the Edge, Birds on a Wire, Bits and Bats
Jet Black Archival Ink
Black Posca pen
Sakura Gelly Roll pen

Method

Add the Dylusions paints to the page with a baby wipe

Spray 3 blobs of Dylusions Bubblegum ink onto the page and let it drip down.

Repeat with the Dylusions Granite ink

Ink up the leaf border stamp from Further round the edge and stamp at the top of the pages.

Ink up the spiders web stamp from Bits and Bats and stamp over the top

Stamp the bats and spiders from Bits and Bats

Stamp the birds and hats from Birds on a Wire. Draw 2 paper hats on old book page, cut out and stick onto the large crows.

Paint in the leaves with Dylusions Grape ink

Splatter and add rings with Dylusions Burnt Orange Mica Ink

Add highlights with the Gelly Roll pen. Write words with the black Posca pen, and go over the top with the white pen.

Hope you enjoyed my page, and will have a go at creating one of your own.

Please go to the next Blog, The Artistic Stamper HERE

If you go HERE you can see the list of everyone taking part.

Please leave me a comment as we have a set of Dylusions stamps up for grabs.

Enjoy

News from the studio

2011-10-31T13:16:00.000-07:00

Just a quickie tonight, as I am in the middle of doing a step by step journal page for the UK Scrappers blog hop which goes live at 8 in the morning. I hope you will join us.

Here's a page from the journal

Enjoy xx

Remains of the weekend

2011-10-30T11:49:00.000-07:00

Sadly, after much hilarity, blood sweat and tears, the Fallen Angels have had to part for another few months. We had the bestest ever time, and I love them all very very muchly.
I kept forgetting to take pictures, but here are some of the high lights.

The kitchen has now been transformed into vintage china heaven

And the bunk beds have now been transformed into storage for the cups

This is how I was woken Saturday morning..!!!

This is a stew going into the slow cooker. I had to tempt them with something tasty and nutritious, as I was calling upon them to lend me their muscles all day..!! You might be wondering what for.??

Well, when we moved premises 18 mths ago, we had so little time to conquer such a mammoth task, that things were brought in and stashed in the back without being sorted. This has been slowly driving me barmy, as contrary to popular belief, I like everything to be sorted and in it's place. But I don't like to start a job if I haven't the time to finish it. So 6 hours later, umpteen tip runs, complete reorganisation and declutter, first name terms with the guys at the tip, complete advantage taken of Bezzy Su's lovely hubby, numerous pots of tea, copious amounts of Quality Street and we were done.!! Thank you girlies you were fantastic. Love you all xxx

At some point in the day I decided to recreate the beehive on one of the others...

|Yup it was the gorgeous Bezzy Su. I think she looks fab but she wasn't convinced...

It was back to normal for her this morning, but strangely enough she opted to cook the breakfast. Now you may know she is not exactly renowned for her skills in the kitchen, so we rallied around with helpful hints and tips...

And...

wait for it...

She produced this..!!!

Not quite sure how she managed it but no one was complaining. Sexy Susie was speechless...

It was found over the weekend that my blow up mattress was on it's way to mattress heaven, with a slow puncture, so it was assigned to Sandra to deflate it ready for the tip. She was struggling with it, so Susie thought she would help and pressed on it only for it to ping back up sending them both rolling off the sides.

After I eventually stopped laughing, we discovered they had only forgotten how to take the bung out, lmao

The girlies had been on a Ikea run and returned with a tray of, the one and only Krispe Kreme's.
The Goddess couldn't decide which to have, she's useless at making a decision.! So Bezzy came to her rescue, with a slice of each lol.

Which left behind a rather bedraggled selection.!!

I am now trying to put the studio back into some semblance of order and then I am off home for a long bubbly soak.

Here's a page from the ledger

Enjoy xx

Fallen Angels weekend...

2011-10-28T15:47:00.000-07:00

I am a member of a secret society, known as the Fallen Angels....Membership is extremely exclusive and only by invitation and successful completion of the initiation ceremony. I am the Master of ceremonies.

I may drink out of china cups and saucers, but I still like to dunk my ginger biscuits.

Think Jay went a bit over board with the mini party rings.

Sandra bought me this fabulous retro dress, so of course I had to oblige by wearing it..

Not sure what we were doing here, lol.

Just love it Babe, thank you xxx

Emmi seems a bit confused with the proceedings

Jay is always happy after a cup of Rosy Lee

Sandra was on the wine and turned bright red within ten minutes

She was busy transforming this little set of bunk beds into a new display for my vintage china.

Here's Ali, temporarily relieved from her pretty parcel wrapping.

Although she swore blind she wouldn't, Bezzy Su is loving the teacups.

We spend the weekend laughing, crying, bonding, healing, comforting, advising, bitching,and eating. It is the best medicine you could ask for, to heal a damaged heart and soul..

"There is an intimate laughter to be found only among friends"...May Angelou

"You know you've got the greatest friends when the only time they make you cry is when you are laughing too hard"

I am in the middle of another quote canvas for the wall.

And I will leave you with a page from the Ledger.

Enjoy xx

Pages from the ledger

2011-10-27T10:46:00.000-07:00

Enjoy xx

Ooooh lots to tell today.

2011-10-26T13:08:00.000-07:00

I've been having a funny old time of it lately... Although my professional/business life couldn't be better, with fabulous opportunities in the pipe line, my personal life has just been going from bad to worse. But I am not a quitter and find it extremely hard to give up on anything or anyone. I will go over and above to help someone, and want to help save everyone in the world. Unfortunately there comes a time when you owe it to yourself to walk away. Cue for a quote, lol...

"There are some things in life that even chocolate or wine can't help with.!"

or two..

"Some people feel that holding on and hanging in are signs of strength, but sometimes the strength comes in the letting go"

With those in mind I have been trying to be kind to myself, with lots of love, little treats and positive affirmations. I decided to turn my little bedroom into a journaling snug, leaving my bedroom free to just be a beautiful boudoir, to aid restful sleep, lol. So I have lugged one of the couch's up from the lounge, moved all my journaling and sewing paraphernalia in there, loaded it with candles and have set about creating art for the walls.

We have tons of large painted canvas's in our house...well what do you expect with both me and Jay at it, but as I've decorated and tastes altered, they have been lying unloved. So I have decided that what my journaling room needs is journaling...!!! At first I was going to write all over the walls, but then I remembered the canvas's and thought them the ideal candidate for the job.

So here's the first one finished. Its over 7ft tall and looks very impressive.

First of all I wrote everything out in draft.

Then I filled it all in with black paint

Then I went to town with my doodling

Just frikkin love it and have started three more, in a slightly different style.

Have had a lovely day today. It was the kids day workshop and we were making canvas Christmas decorations. It went fabulously, and who came and joined me for the day, but this lovely lady.

Yes it's the one and only gorgeous Kaz. She had brought her family with her and is staying a few days. Millie attended the workshop and hubby Daz was ushered into the kitchen to make copious amounts of tea.

They came laden with gifts for me...such a lucky girl.! Its not everyday you get a suitcase full of china, is it..??

I tell you, in my neck of the woods, china teapots are few and far between.

I am in the process of clearing out all the mugs in the kitchen and replacing them with china cups and saucers. Their will be a plethora of teapots, milk jugs and sugar bowls, all tastefully mismatched. Oh and little cake plates for your choccie biscuits or slices of Battenburg...

Why? you might ask.. because I want to, is the reply. I am going to introduce some Old English charm, lol. Plus, it's my studio, lol.

Now stop moaning Bezzie Su, I have a mug here especially for you.!!!

This was amongst Kaz's gifts. A fabby 1940's teapot, with plenty of room for many a brew.

This little beauty was earmarked straight away for my house. I even found a Queen teaspoon, courtesy of Sexy Susie.

Ditto with this gorgeous set, six of each, en route to my dining room. And no, Jay, don't even think about it, they are mine all mine..!!!

Here's a few of the cups.

And this gorgeous set was courtesy of the lovely Liz.

Here I am with My Maisie and Kaz's Millie, who hit it off like a house on fire and bonding over their love of art journals.

Kaz had sent me these earlier on in the week as a little cheer up gift, but I wasn't sure how to fit them.

Can you tell what they are.??

Oh yes, my car is now sporting luscious long lashes...Tres chic..

And I have saved the best till last, any ideas..?

Does this help...??

Correct...

Just take a lookie at this little beauty she brought me.

How fabulous is that.?? I was sooooo excited I nearly peed myself.!!!

I am hoping Our Ben is going to start using it to do the newsletter.!!!

The following two pictures are purloined from the that gorgeous bundle of gorgeousness's blog...the one and only Dina Wakley. Pop over and see her write up.

There is also another fabby write up on the lovely Kat's blog

I will leave you with one of my pages from the ledger,

Enjoy xx

News from the studio...

2011-10-20T06:38:00.000-07:00

Well she has flown the nest and returned to her native America, and life is sooooooooooooooo quiet without her. Here she is on her last day at the studio.

Here are the last two of her projects. I spent some spare time finishing them off and just love them.

this is the journal, that made you think where you where, where you are and where are you going. Very thought provoking.

And this was from the intuitive art journaling day. I just frikkin loved this day, messing playing and finding images in what we had done. I added extra tags into the slots and doodled it for all it's worth.

On Monday we went Vintage shopping in Knaresborough and came home laden with products. Tea cups and saucers, 50's tureens, battered wooden boxes, trinkets and tons of books. Phew all in the space of an hour.

We then stopped for a small snack

Not sure Dina has got used to British portions yet

We then skipped over to Leeds to continue our shopping journey. I couldn't resist taking her down the Victoria Quarters to see the Vivienne Westwood shop. Just happened to see this shop which is opening next week. Just loved the art work on the shop door.

It looks as though I have been let loose with my journaling pens, tee hee,.

We couldn't resist browsing in the Schuh shop. I managed to break the zips on a pair of boots, and all I did was zip them up. The assistant was amazed until she did exactly the same with the other boot. Much hilarity and red faces all around.

Still it would have been a shame to come home with nothing.!!! Queue these little beauties... Ooops sorry Ben. :-

We came home to traditional Yorkshire fish butties, and then it was time for the great farewell. Soooo sad, missing her already, but I will get to see her in January at CHA and she will be back at ours probably in March.

It was the last kids workshop before half term and the older ones were all finishing off their canvas's. haven't they done a fantastic job.??

So proud of them

I need to run now to go and make me some shoe storage, as I popped into Primarni yesterday and picked me up 3 pairs for a bargain price of a pound each. Yes I did say a pound each.!!! How frikkin amazing is that.?? And they are just perfect, big clumpy wedges, just the ticket.

Enjoy xx

Dina days 3 and 4....

2011-10-14T12:11:00.000-07:00

Soooooooooooooooo Wednesday she broke the toilet seat........

Yesterday she nearly got food poisoning...

And today she thought she had a broken iPad...

Hopefully that is the last of her misadventures for a wee while, lol.

Here's some piccies from yesterday's fabulous class

Hard at work.....Oh wait....maybe not.!! lol

Massive excitement when our Pan Pastel shipment arrived. Seriously you don't realise how much you neeeeeeeeed these babies till you play with them. Not sure how I got to the grand old age of 48 without them, to be quite honest.!!! For those of you champing at the bit, Our Ben will have them on the site by Mon night, but at the moment as fast as we are unpacking them, the ladies are whipping them off the shelves, lol. So even though we had a mahoosive and I mean MAHOOSIVE delivery, he is already placing another order. I suppose it was a bit mean to open them and play with them in the workshop, but you know what I'm like, can't wait, so it had to be done!

The lovely Kat is from Belgium and brought us some of her local delicacy. It is a kind of gingerbread biscuit and I am hooked.

I managed to snaffle the head lol

|See... she does do some work occasionally.!!!

And that was the end of that run of three days. Everyone had to be prised from their seats and gently persuaded that they needed to leave the studio and go home, to make space for the next set of students. It took some doing I can tell you, as no one really wanted to go. I thank you all for coming and yes we do miss you.!

Today brought 22 new students all fresh and raring to go for the next 3 days.

As you can see Steph is almost euphoric at escaping the city to get all messy

And Bezzie Su is setting her voicemail to "do not disturb".

After demanding a girlie moustache...oh ok, having one thrust upon her.!!! she didn't quite know how to use it.!!

So in true cowgirl fashion I showed her the correct pose.

Dina, after inexplicably losing hers, was sporting a new design. Unfortunately she decided to do the extremely dangerous action of walking talking and gesticulating at the same time as taking a sharp intake of breath, and proceeded to inhale some of the fluffy bits into her throat. We left her to choke on her own for a bit, but when it became clear she wasn't going to become quiet and would continue to disturb us with her coughing, we showed her a little sympathy and performed CPR and the Heimlich manoeuvre..!!I think she was overcome with gratitude as she turned a strange colour and went very quiet, lol.
We were never in fact worried about her as we were in the company of a trained nurse, a very competent doctor AND should things have taken a turn for the worse a specialist in palliative care. So all bases covered I think you will agree.!

Su eventually worked out where to place it but still managed to get it upside down.!!!

Ah well I give up....

Just to prove it wasn't just a day of tomfoolery and fripparies...

Today's mission was to learn to paint birds Dina style. I wasn't too sure how I would take to this as I like my birds little and black with pointy wings...but I frikkin loved it and can see lots more gracing my journal. Here's my first attempt.

And here's my finished canvas

You see what you are all missing.???

Fun, frolics and fripparies...

Tons and tons of terrific tuition...

Fabulous food from the Lovely Pam...

Marvelous moustaches for the mature Momma..

PLUS.....

My daily vintage wardrobe and my magnificent beehive....in the flesh..!!!

Consider yourself reprimanded and be quicker on the buzzer next time...

Can't wait for tomorrow...Bring it on......

Enjoy xx

Dina is here.!!

2011-10-12T11:52:00.000-07:00

Yes she is back, the one and only, gorgeously talented, Dina Wakley......

We have her for six whole days this time...yee hah. Here's a recce of yesterdays class.

My best side, lol. Setting up before the class.

Looking for images to use

We can't seem to take one decent picture between us, but as you can see we have a right laugh trying...

These are my pages in progress...worship the white space.

Here's everyone else hard at work

And that was as far as I got with photos yesterday, sorry about that. Plus I never got to post them as I had to teach a kid's class and then my normal Tuesday night ladies. Plus a Post Office run, a long long International conference call, amongst other things just ate into all my time. I was only left with a tiny amount of time for a glass of vimto in a candle lit bath before I had to close my eyes for what seemed like 30 secs.

So onto today. The gorgeous Sexy Susie used her day off wisely and trotted up the A1 to join us. I welcomed her with one of moustaches for the Gentile lady...!!! I think she looks fab in it.

Dina kept losing hers.

A lady should never be seen in public with a naked upper lip.!!

Adds a certain touch of glamour don't you think.??

The heat was getting to us so we switched locations.

In case you where wondering if we actually got any work done. here is my almost finished book from yesterday.

We are having a fabulous time, can't wait for tomorrow and the day after and the day after AND the day after..!!!

Enjoy xx

Another step by step journal page for you...

2011-10-05T10:28:00.000-07:00

I thought you might like to have another step by step journal page, using Dylusions Write between the Lines stamp set and an easy masking technique.

Materials

Dylusions stamps, Write between the Lines, Further around the Edge, Curious Corrin, Basic Backgrounds, Bits n Bats.
Adirondack paint dabbers, Pink sherbet, Cool Peri, Lemonade, Willow, Cloudy Blue
Colorwash, Sunset Orange, Lettuce
Archival Ink, Jet Black, French Ultramarine
Dylusions ink sprays, Sunshine, Grass, Turquoise
Non stick craft sheet
Black Glaze pen

Method

Add the dabbers all over the journal page and blend in with your fngers. I have chosen 5 colours all from the Lights . If you stick to one of the colour tones, Lights, Brights or Earthtones, no matter how many colours you use they will always coordinate beautifully. I am normally know for bright colours, but wanted a paler look for ths page.

This is the Write between the Lines stamp set. It includes all my favourite lines to journal between and the tags are fabulous when masked.

Ink the medium tag with Jet Black Archival ink and stamp onto the journal page.

before you clean the stamp, press the image onto some scrap paper.

Cut out the image exactly on the lines, and place over the image on the page. This is your mask.

Ink up the large tag and stamp onto the page slightly overlapping the mask.

Again, stamp onto scrap paper and cut out.

This is what your stamped images will look like. Cool isn't it..? It looks as though the small tag has been placed over the large tag.

Place both masks back onto the stamped images

Ink up the leaf border from All around the Edge with Jet Black Archival

Stamp the image starting at the top of the page.

Re ink and stamp again, over the masks

When you remove the masks this is what you should see

As you can see the excess is on the mask

Ink up Curious Corrin with Jet Black Archival ink

Stamp at the bottom left of the page

Stamp the image onto scrap paper and cut out exactly on the lines

Place the mask onto the stamped image and stamp the leaves over the top as before

This is what it should look like, as though she is standing in front of the leaves

Place all the masks back on the images, and lightly spray the Sunshine all over the page.

Take the Sunset Orange and spray through an alphabet stencil

Repeat further down the page

Roll the kitchen roll over to mop up the excess ink

Ink up the number stamp from Basic Backgrounds with French Ultramarine Archival Ink

Without placing the stamp on a block roll it onto the page

Ink up one the journal line stamps with Jet Black

Stamp across the page, over the masks

Continue down the page

Remove the masks.... Cool effect, don't you think.?

I took the following spray inks

and spritzed a little puddle of each onto the Non Stick Craft sheet.

The leaves were first painted with Grass

Whilst the Grass was still wet I added a touch of Lettuce to the base of the leaf.

Leave to dry and you will find they blend together beautifully

Paint all of the leaves and start painting in the other images

Write in between the journal lines. I have written a quote that I really like.

If you didn't hear it with your own ears,
or if you didn't see it with your own eyes.
Then don't invent it with your small mind,
and don't share it with your big mouth...

Add spiders and a bird from Bits n Bats

To make Curious Corrin really stand out, go all around the outline with a black glaze Sakura pen.

And here's the finished page.

Why don't you try one yourself.?

Or even three, one with the each colour set of Adirondack Dabbers, the Lights, the Brights and the Earthtones.

I hope you found the simple masking helpful

Enjoy xx

Unfinished business...

2011-10-04T07:06:00.000-07:00

Things are calming down here a wee bit, and that is always a danger point as I start to lose my concentration.!!! I usually find that indulging in a spot of retail therapy helps, but Our Ben has gone to severe measures to keep me in the Studio..!!!

Did you spot it..??

Oh yes...he has literally chained me to my desk, lmao... Ah well.!!!

Seeing as I am sat here I thought I would take a load of piccies of lots of my unfinished journal pages for you to see. Most of them just have the backgrounds and a main image on them. A few have the start of some doodling. All will be returned to, no doubt over and over again.

This one is a start to finish. I finished all the doodling last night.

Enjoy xx

More news from the studio...

2011-10-02T09:32:00.000-07:00

And so on with another Canvas workshop...

Here's today's ladies enjoying their selves.

And the finished product...

The lovely Barbara

The lovely Olivia

The lovely Olive

The lovely Chris

The lovely Linda

The lovely Annette

The lovely right hand woman, Pam

The lovely Jayne

The lovely Jo

The lovely Emma

And the lovely Mandy

Fabulous work I am sure you will all agree. We have a waiting list still, but I am not sure if I will be able to fit another one in before Christmas. Will keep you posted.

I have had a lot of comments from people saying they wished they lived near so that they could attend my classes. Well, here's a little secret, most of my students live nowhere near me.!!! Many of them travel over 1 1/2 hours to come. And many of them travel from a lot further. Today, Chris and Linda's journey takes them 2 1/2 each way. Mandy and Olivia, 1 1/2 hrs, Jayne 1 1/4, Emma 1 1/2, Olive 1 1/2 hrs.The rest were between 30 mins to an hour. My "locals" are nowhere near "local", lol. On Friday one of my ladies is travelling from Edinburgh, approx 4hrs, a journey she makes 3 or 4 times a year. She even had her 50th birthday party here in my studio..!!!

So if you are still saying you live too far away, think again, I am sure we can make it worth your while. As well as sampling a fantastic, eclectic, Art from the Heart workshop, you get to see such delights as my daily outfit, first hand......whether there is, in fact anything growing in my beehivey updo, or whether it is all a vicious rumour...Ali the pretty parcel wrapper in action...Our Ben in all his glory sporting whatever Rugby injury he incurred that weekend....samples galore..the blue lollipop jar...and many more, far too exciting things to mention...!!! Go on you know you want to...lmao

I shall leave you with a page from the Ledger, have a fabulous rest of today...

Enjoy xx

Today in the studio

2011-10-01T09:11:00.000-07:00

By heck, how are you all coping in this typically English October weather. Simply amazing isn't it. And all those of you who say it's too hot, stop mithering and enjoy it. I had the day off yesterday so we whizzed over to the seaside ans spent the day lazing on the beach. Did me the world of good, I can tell you.

Here's a few piccies from my older girls class as they have been finishing off projects.

Here's Mia and Katie with their sugar skulls.

Sooooo cool.

And this is Georgina, hiding behind her gorgeous Christmas tin.

Today was another repeat of the ever so popular canvas painting class.

Everyone worked extremely hard and produced, as usual, stunning results

Here's the lovely Mell

the lovely Toni

The lovely Jane

The lovely Gill

The lovely Sue

The lovely Amelia

The lovely Sara

The lovely Teresa

The lovely Trish

The lovely Donna

And the lovely Colleen
.

Now you have to agree they have done a fabulous job haven't they. And tomorrow I will be doing it all again with another 11 students. Fabby.

I'll leave you with a page from the ledger.

Enjoy xx

Just time for a page from the Ledger...

2011-09-27T12:20:00.000-07:00

Enjoy xx

Give away result...

2011-09-26T11:46:00.000-07:00

Sorry this post is a bit late, I have had a really hectic weekend and have spent today in bed feeling as though I have been run over by a bus.!! So there is quite a bit to catch up on.

Firstly, it was one of my boys birthdays last Friday. Our Tom was the grand old age of 27 yrs. Yup this is the one no one sees. He is in fact Doting Daddy to the most beautiful grand daughter in the world.

Before we get on to the tag give away, I just want to show you the following 2 tags by Anne Marie's hubby, the lovely Chris. He was bullied into coming on a class on our birthday weekend, and really enjoyed it. So much, in fact, that here's his versions of the tags

Cool aren;t they, well done Chris, I shall expect you in class more often, lol.

So to the winner.

Drawn using Random number generator....

It is........

No 14...

Lynn W. said...

Oooooooh, I need to try that! I just took delivery of the new distress stains from Art from the Heart yesterday but haven't played with them yet. I phoned your Ben to thank him as I only ordered them on Thursday afternoon and they were here at 9am on Friday - how good is that?!

Lynn Wild

Well done Lynn, if you can email me at info@afth.co.uk I will mail the tag off to you.

And thank you for your lovely comment about our mail order. Ben works really hard ensuring that all the orders are processed as quick as possible and it is much appreciated when we get a thank you.

Saturday saw us trolling down the M1 to Judy's affordable Vintage fair, which was being held in Sheffield.

We had a fabby time, that is the Royal we of course.!! Him indoors escaped upstairs asap with a pot of tea and some blueberry muffins.!!!

I had a right old mooch around and found quite a few bargains.

Just couldn't resist these and can foresee a new collection starting...ooops

And this little Kewpie doll was an absolute bargain. He deserved to be brought home and loved, lol.

I was hoping to bump into the lovely Karen whilst I was there but we seemed to miss each other. Shame but I did see the back of her head on facebook later, sporting a new hairdo...!!!

Oooh nice one babe.xx

Here was my daily outfit

I couldn't resist adding to my already bulging Vintage attire....

Well it was the BEST Beaver in show..snigger, snigger, and so I just had to have it. AND according to the label it is a Royal Cast Off, tee hee,

vintage brooch and clip on ear rings, completed my purchases to make me a very happy bunny.

And then it was home to a good old hearty meal of home made stew and dumplings. Life is frikkin good eh ??

Well it was before I started feeling rough, lol. Last night we watched films 2 and 3 of the Stieg Larsson trilogy, which btw, if you haven't seen, you need to frikkin hotfoot it to Play.com and get them ordered...NOW. I was art journaling at the same time, and was just starting to feel a bit head achey. This is the result, which I love.

Enjoy xx

Ranger and Dylusions step by step and a give away....

2011-09-23T14:34:00.000-07:00

So here's the promised step by step tag from yesterday.

Materials

Dylusions stamps...Bird on a wire, Further Around the Edge, Basic Backgrounds, Dependable Dotty, Pondering Petunia, Say what You Mean.
Manila card
Distress stains...Barn Door, Broken China, Mustard Seed, Crushed Olive, Peeled Paint, Dried Marmalade.
Archival inks...Venetian, Aquamarine, Vermillion, Jet Black
Perfect Pearl Mist...Sour Apple
Stormy Sky Distress Ink
Blending tool
Tim Holtz ruler ribbon
Tim Holtz tiny attacher
white Posca paint marker
Non stick Craft Sheet
Craft Scraper
white card

Method

I started with 2 pieces of Manila card. frikkin love this stuff, it is my fave stuff to work on. My tag is extra large. These pieces are 6 x 81/4 in

When using the stains I always like to have spritzed the card with a little water first, as I prefer a blended effect. Always work on a Non Stick Craft Sheet.

The Distress stains are really fluid, concentrated dye ink, and so the colour doesn't dilute, but stays true. Press the bottle down onto the surface to release the ink,

Add the other colours. Don't worry about going over previous colours , the tops will clean.

Spritz over a little more water and tip the card up so that the inks blend into one another.

Take the 2nd piece of Manila and place over the first. Press down firmly to mop up all excess ink.

Both pieces of Manila will now be dyed.

Take kitchen roll and roll over the top to blot dry.

The non stick craft sheet will have the remains of any ink squeezed out.

Gently pick up a tag and press it into the ink. Dry with a heat gun and repeat as necessary, to build up the layers.

You can also add extra colour using your fingers to blend.

When everything is bone dry add a line of ink across one edge of the tag.

Immediately take a craft scraper and drag the ink down the tag.

Repeat at the opposite end with another colour.

Your tags should look something like this.

These are the colours I used in the background...Mustard Seed, Barn Door and Broken China.

Make sure everything is bone dry.

Take the Perfect Pearl Mist in Sour Apple and give it a really good shake to mix in the mica particles.

Spray lightly through a stencil.

Flip the stencil over and press to use up the excess ink, and form a reverse stencil.

At first you may not see much, as it is very subtle, but the shimmer will start to appear as it starts to dry.

Roll the kitchen roll over the tag to blot any excess.

The beauty of the Pearl Mists is that the colour is only from the mica particles and not from the solution. Most Mica sprays are suspended in a solution that is includes a dye ink. This will alter the colour of whatever you spray on. But with the Pearl Mists the background colour will always stay the same and just leave a shimmer.

Place both tags together and cut off a corner of both tags.

Turn one of the tags around and use the outline to shape the other side of the tag.

To add more layers I then used the new colours of Archival inks

and my Basic Backgrounds stamps.

Ink up the stamp a little unevenly

I designed these particular stamps not to be used with an acrylic block, just on their own. roll the stamp slightly and add to the tag.

This way you will get a slightly different image every time you stamp.

Add it to the tag randomly.

Repeat with the number stamp in a different colour ink.

Take the leaf border stamp

and ink with the Jet Black Archival ink

Stamp onto one of the tags.

Repeat as below

Take the border stamp and ink with Jet Black.

Stamp around the edge of the tag between the leaves. Stamp all around the edge of the other tag.

Stick both tags together with double sided tape. Take a black pen and draw a curved line at the top of the tag.

Take the birds from Bird on a Wire, and ink with Jet Black ink.

Stamp along the drawn line

Ink up the blending tool with Stormy Sky Distress ink

and apply to all the edges of the tag, front and back.

Stamp all the images as below, with black archival ink onto white card.

The Distress stains are fabulous for colouring in all your stamped images. Press each colour down lightly onto the non stick craft sheet to leave a little puddle of stain.

Add a puddle of water and wet your brush.

Dip into the puddle of stain and paint in your images.

I find it best to paint in everything in one colour before moving onto the next. This ensures that all the colours are dry and therefore won't bleed into each other.

Continue with all the other colours of Distress.

Colour in the leaves on the back of the tag.

Whilst the stain is still wet add a drop of the red onto the base of each leaf. Because they are still wet they will blend together beautifully.

These are the colours of Distress stains I used for painting the images.

Cut the images out and add them to the tag, as below.

Cut off approx 3in of the Ruler Ribbon.

and add to the top of the tag with the tiny attacher.

Add highlights to the top of each leaf with the white Posca paint marker.

This is the reverse of the tag.

and this is the front.

I hope this step by step has inspired you to have a go yourselves. If so please send me some photos of your tags,I would love to see them.

If you would like to own the actual tag from this step by step, then please leave me a comment on this post and I will draw a name at random. I have already signed it and will add your name at the top.

And on to Daily Outfit.

I have to say a big shout out to the gorgeous Anne Marie who has been so inspired by daily outfit, that she is transforming the way she dresses, and turned up for class today wearing a bright circle skirt that she had made herself. Way to go girlie, you looked frikkin gorgeous.

As I posed for today's pictures I didn't realise that I had little intruder with me.

Ha ha the little monkey.!!!

When I told her she had to pose for a picture for you all this was her reply, lol...!!!

Don't think she quite has the idea..!!!

Enjoy and don't forget to leave a comment if you want to be in with a chance of the tag. xx

Just a quick one...

2011-09-22T14:04:00.000-07:00

Hi you, I have spent all afternoon doing a step by step for you, and I have spent all evening editing the photos. I am now, giving up for the evening, as I am struggling to keep my eyes open

I will however post all the step by steps tomorrow and include news of a giveaway. Ooooooh !!!

Heres my Daily Outfit.

These were taken quite late in the day, which will, hopefully explain the tired and disheveled look.!!!

Dress...altered, from the high street
Cardi...high street

Can you see what I am standing next to in the studio...???

Yesterday's thrifting bargain of the day. Its a Parker Knoll chair in fabuolous condition. Well the seat cover is naff!!!! but the rest is great. I'm going to find a really modern Retro fabric and recover it. And the best thing about it is I have TWO of them.!!! And not only are they fab but they were a gift as well. Fan frikkin tastic.

I'll leave you with a journal page fom my Ledger..

Have a fabulous rest of the evening...I have to dash as my pillow will be expecting me.!!

Enjoy xx

Tags and Thrift.

2011-09-21T15:11:00.000-07:00

Thought I would start this post by showing you two of the Taster Workshops I taught at our 10th birthday weekend.

The first is all Dylusions...paint, sprays and stamps.

Curious Corrin has been ensnared into the freely swinging cage, with a rather forlorn look on her face.!!

Here are the reverse of the tags.

The second tag was all about Ranger.

We used Distress Stains, Perfect Pearl Mists, and Archival inks.

Love my frogs head from the Pondering Petunia set.

And heres the reverse of the tag's

One of the DT, the gorgeous Bezzie Su made these fabulous tags.

Here she decided that the frogs would make marvelous chandeliers, lol.

And this one is my fave...skull and crossed legs, lmao. Frikkin hilarious...

Here's a couple of thrifting bargains.

I have had my eye on this book in my local charity shop. It is used as a prop and I am always asking if they would sell it to me. Well yesterday I struck gold. I think I actually wore them down, but hey ho.!!

It is a fabulous John Bull edition of the New English dictionary, and is about 4 in thick.

I also picked up this little beauty.

It is a Japanese book, and it starts at the back and reads forward. How frikkin cool is that.??

On to Daily Outfit.

How good am I at the moment, managing to keep up.?? Ooops do you think that is tempting fate a little..??

Repro 50's style dress
tomato red cardi..thrifted

spotty tights
and ever so faithful Dr Marten boots

Well I love it.!!!..lol

Oh and battered old fluffy jacket.

Did you spot the Union Jack hanging from my window. ?? It is an original from 1914, and no, you don't need to know how much I paid for it, lol. Suffice to say I wasn't buying any boots that month, I can tell you. But so, sooooooo worth it.!!

I'll leave you with a journal from my ledger. This one I completed in class on Tuesday. The challenge was to use an image someone else had chosen for you.

Enjoy xx

Studio news...

2011-09-20T13:06:00.000-07:00

Thought I would show you some of the first classes in the Winter Workshop Schedule.

The first one is a canvas class. We will be taking a canvas and learning paint and ink techniques to decorate it. Adding effects, stamping and doodling, and a carefully chosen quote. The image is taken from a magazine, transferred onto card, and then the fun begins. We will be painting directly onto the image, using the outline as a guide, creating weird and wonderfully wacky outfits. Then adding a photo of a family member. This is The Goddess...loooking good babes. Just need to complete one for each of the other kids, lol.

If you fancy joining me and quite honestly, who wouldn't lol. It is on Tues 27th Sept and you can book it HERE. Please note this is the only canvas class left this brochure, all the others are sold out already.!!

The next class in line is my tribute to Dina. We will be creating an accordion book from watercolourpaper and swathering it with Rangers Colourwashes, Pearl Mists and Dabbers. You will be learning ghosting techniques, gesso resists and reverse stenciling. We will be hand stitching little inserts and flaps for quotes, covering the edges in your choice of Tim's tissue tape. And for the piece de resistance we will be stamping with Dylusions stamps and ...wait for it..Dina's fanfrikkintastic range of signature stamps.

The covers are thick plastic embossed through the Vagabond, and given an antiqued finish

If you fancy joining me, it is on Tues 4th Oct and you can book it HERE

So onto Daily Outfit.

Today is a fabby blue and camel, polka dot little number, which is actually only about a fortnight old.

And teamed it with my battered old suede boots, long may they live.

Retro scarf courtesy of Primarni

And my updo is ala Bet Lynch, leopard skin...

Enjoy xx

The A - Z of Me..

2011-09-19T14:22:00.000-07:00

Saw this on Miss Indie designs BLOG.

It is the A - Z of me, and gives you all a chance to find out a bit more about me.

I changed some of the questions to suit me, lmao.

A. Age: 48

B. Bed size: King

C. Chore that you hate: Hmmmm don't really hate any of them, just run out of time a lot.!!.

D. Dogs: no animals at Reaveley towers.

E. Essential start to your day: Cup of tea, of course.!!

F. Favorite color: It used to be black, but now I would say it has to be. Hmmm can't decide between hot pink or turquoise. Oh go on then...Red.!!

G. Gold or Silver: struggle with both as really sensitive skin, so would have to go with plastic, lol.

H. Height: 5’8"

I. Instruments you play: just the keyboard, as in laptop, but would love to play the tambourine, he he

J. Job title: Errrr Art journaling Drama Queen...!! Oh ok then, Owner, designer and tutor at Art from the Heart headquarters, designer and creator of Dylusions, International Senior Educator for Ranger, giver of confidence, owner of shoulder to cry on, and bane of Our Ben's life.

K. Kids: Mummy to 4 grown up kiddos, Our Ben, 28, Our Tom, 27, The Resident Bit of Glamour, Jay 25, The Goddess, Emmi, 23 and Mama to the most beautiful grand daughter in the world, Maisie Lilly 5 and a half!!!

L. Live: I tend to split my time evenly between Cuckoo and La La land.

M. Must haves: Art journling time, Soul music, big chunky wedge shoes, Charity shops and Vintage websites.

N. Nicknames: Dylan, because everyone reads my name wrongly. Dyan Von Cleavage,...for obvious reasons.
O. Overnight hospital stays: Ooh heck , all my births, Appendix, Hysterectomy and last year, the horrible Pylephronitis.

P. Pet peeves: Rudeness. Bad service in restaurants, hotels, etc. Dog owners talking to me when I am out for a walk. I don't have a dog !!!

Q. Quote from a movie: "Theres no place like home" Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz.

R. Rhubarb or Custard: both, with a bit of crumble thrown in for good measure.

S. Save or spend: I don't understand the question, what is saving?

T. Tea or Coffee: always tea, with single cream, no sugar.

U. Underwear: always boy shorts, at the moment ones with pics of Grumpy on them. Love to start the day in my grumpy pants.!!

V. Vegetable you hate: Eeeuuugh...gotta be parsnips.

W. What makes you run late: Daydreaming and my OCD.

X. X-Rays you’ve had: tons, fractured my ankle at football, fractured my jaw at swimming.!!!don't ask..lol

Y. Yummy food that you make: OOOh I can cook most things, just invariably choose not to, lol. Most requested are my stew and dumplings, scrambled eggs and Cauliflower Cheese to die for

Z. Zoo animal: Not a fan of zoos, but I am partial to a pushme pullya, courtesy of Dr Doolittle.

If you fancy doing your own A - Z, leave me a comment with a link so I can learn all about you.

Here's today's daily outfit.

Pink top....thrifted
Spotty skirt...£2 in Primarni sale
leggings...Matalan

Boots...reduced bargains in Primarni

And what you've all been dying to see, one of my new (to me) winter coats. Just frikkin love this. Couldn't have asked for a better thrifting bargain.

Wish I could have found this somewhere. Ah well I can only dream...

I'll leave you with a page from my ledger

Enjoy xx

Dylan's Blog

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyy.!!!

I'm here.....

It's not what you know, its who you know.!!!

DINA, DINA, DINA - EXCITED, EXCITED, EXCITED!!!

Oh yes...

Christmas so far...

Big apologies.....

Long, long post.....

Ooooh busy busy busy.....

Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooh.......

Yes...it's been a while...

News from Art from the Heart Towers...

Those of a nervous disposition....

Ledger Pages

Good night God bless

prize giving and workshop info...

Fri 11th Nov - Dy’s Journal pages - 10-3pm

Sat 12th Nov - Graphic 45 ABC Primer double gate fold album - 10-4pm

Tues 15th Nov - Wizard of Oz Star book - 10-3pm

Wed 16th Nov - Technique journal - 10-3pm

Fri/Sat/Sun 2/3/4th Dec - Altered book weekend - 7.30 – 10pm/9.30-5pm/9.30-4pm

When you wish upon a star...

End of a fabulous weekend....

Fun and frolics...

SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLL!!!!!

Signature DesignerDyan Reaveley

Fall 2011

UK Scrappers Blog Hop

News from the studio

Remains of the weekend

Fallen Angels weekend...

Pages from the ledger

Ooooh lots to tell today.

News from the studio...

Dina days 3 and 4....

Dina is here.!!

Another step by step journal page for you...

Unfinished business...

More news from the studio...

Today in the studio

Just time for a page from the Ledger...

Give away result...

Ranger and Dylusions step by step and a give away....

Just a quick one...

Tags and Thrift.

Studio news...

The A - Z of Me..

Signature Designer
Dyan Reaveley