Thanks to all who came to Art and Hobby for my demo today

I'm back home again after a really lovely day demoing in The Art & Hobby Shop - Jervis, Dublin. It was great to see some of my "old" friends (you know who you are!) and to make some lovely new friends too. Thanks so much to Steph and the guys in the shop for having me and to everyone who came along for making me feel so welcome. The enthusiasm in everyone, from the young girls to the "more experienced" ladies (and gentleman!), was infectious. No excuses now for not colouring those stamped images with Promarkers! I'm so pleased, too, that the Decomache has inspired some of you to have a go....even to cover a coffee table - don't forget, I want to see the photos...The Trimcraft/ Dovecraft Forget Me Not range seemed to go down a treat

A special thanks to Catherine for the lovely present and beautiful card! I really appreciate your kindness.

Irene...if you are reading this, here's a link to the Aquamarker tutorials I was telling you about

Letraset Aquamarker backgrounds

It was the one where I've added the salt to the wet ink that I was going to tell you about.

We Wish You a Merry Christmas!

 Another of My Tonic Studios "Christmas in June" cards today. I've used the new " We Wish you a Merry Christmas"die set  to make a secret message part from the front with some of the 2013 Tonic Christmas sentiment dies on the front and inside.

The border down the edges was punched with the Tonic Studios Simplicity Star Border punch.

Papermill offer - Off White Pearlised card

 Offer time again at Papermill!

This week it is beautiful A4 Off White Pearlised 300gsm card.

You can buy a small box (approx 75-80 sheets) fro £7.50.

It has a gorgeous subtle sheen and is perfect for wedding stationery etc.

Check out the offer HERE.

I've used the Tonic Studios Balloon Weight box die to make this little wedding favour box.

Pulp to Paper - A tour round the Papermill

A visit to the Papermill in Burneside, near Kendal is something I have looked forward to for a long time. I'm seriously fascinated by seeing how things are manufactured - especially things which I use on a daily basis.

I took so many photos that I couldn't possibly post them all here but I do hope you enjoy the ones I'm sharing today and that you get a little insight into how much care and attention goes into creating the top quality paper and card which is produced at the Papermill.

Top quality card and paper has been made in the Papermill since 1845.

               Steve ready for the tour of the factory - I'll spare you the sight of David and me with                                                                              goggles and ear plugs!

 The raw materials at the beginning of the process

Paper pulp being mixed in huge vats

The dye is added and mixed - a pale shade today

 The early stages of paper - a very hot and steamy part of the factory

Some of the moisture has been extracted

Going through huge rollers

 Keeping an eye on things!

 A roll of card - these are MASSIVE!

Steve and David

 The rolls of card are cut into smaller sizes on this machine...

...and smaller again on this one.

 Check out my shoes!! That will teach me to turn up for a factory tour wearing sandals ;)

This navy paper/card is being embossed with a pattern on this machine.

 What could I not do with all this?!

 Fascinating automatic forklifts..

..being loaded.

And eventually we got to meet the lovely Julie :)

There's something not right about this photo ...yes, you're right! They gave me an XXL Hi Vis vest to match my lovely shoes ;) !!

For lovers of the beautiful English Lake District - I've added some of the photos which I took of the outside of the mill and the immediate surroundings .

 The school

Finally, a great big thanks to Steve for showing us round the mill and to Julie for making it possible (not forgetting the tea!!).