Happy Christmas Everybody !

All of us at HugBinders Headquarters would like to wish you a very Happy Christmas - hope you all have a lovely day.

This time last year Mr S was amusing my Children whilst I was cooking the meal - and only took a couple of minutes out to advise me on the gravy ...... (cheeky s** I make the best gravy in the world!!) -

 but the best advice he did give me was  to 'Treasure The Good Times' 

Good advice I am sure you will agree xxx 

Very important point about copyright.

Please ensure any images you use are copyright free. But more importantly is the matter of using stamped images. The majority of stamps are covered by the Angel Policy, this allows you to use stamps for commercial use on a small scale, but does not allow you to take copies of your work. This may obviously be a problem as far as HugBinders is concerned.

However, I am sure a lot of stamp designers would be happy to give their permission for us to copy the stamps as this is on a very small scale and is all for charity and non profit making HOWEVER they must be approached and asked, we cannot take it as said - they must have the opportunity to say no.

 Jennie from The Artistic Stamper, Paperartsy and Docrafts have already kindly given their permission - this ONLY applies to HugBinder Pages!

I have written a draft letter - you are welcome to copy this and send to any companies whose stamps you would like to use. If you do have a reply, please let me know so that I can add them to the list and email us their reply artytat-craftyevent@yahoo.co.uk

Please also check the list before emailing companies, so that they do not have several enquires from different people.

Thank you .....

Of course an easier way, is to not use stamped images!

Please don't let this deter you from joining in - this isn't a problem its an opportunity!

Nicks, Lynn, Bev and Debs x

If any stamp companies are reading this and would be happy for their stamps to be used in this way (or definitely would NOT) please let us know - each company will be listed in the book and cross referenced back to the stamp used - as the book will be mostly purchased by stampers its all good advertising !


PS the list of companies who have given permission will be updated on the tab at the top of this blog and on docrafts 

Hugbinders example page

Pen and ink doodles, friendship quotes around the face, within the hair, binding her with love and friendship.

This was inspired by the book Collage Unleashed by Traci Bautista and referenced to her at the foot of the page.

PLEASE NOTE this is published for the purpose of getting you off the starting blocks as there have been queries about what to do/not to do for scanning/printing - well anything goes as long as you are not breaching copyright and using lots of one coloured background/large object with single colour which will be very colour hungry for us to copy and print.

Referencing copyright - if you have been inspired by another artist and you have taken on their style of working and design, do reference somewhere on your page the artist and their blog/website or their publication you have adapted their design or style from. You can see at the foot of the page I have done this. I think I should put the publisher and the year and edition as well to do it properly, but the artist and publication are what matters really and I am waffling now.

Signature - do put your artist signature on your page, it is your work, so sign it if you want to - as you can see I did this on the bottom right corner.

It goes without saying that your work is going into a book and the element of suspense and surprise should be respected so please do respect this and refrain from putting your pages on your web, in galleries etc.

Wishing you lots of fun with your creativity and secret mission xxx

Hugbinders example page

Example page

Simple inkwork - stamping and lettering.

I have had several queries about what to do and what not to do.

Simply follow the instructions that Nicks has issued on this Hugbinders blog. Anything goes as long as it can be scanned and does not empty a reservoir of toner per page!

A critical look at this page sees the border is on the heavy side and it could be produced again with not quite so much border, less is more! It does look on the heavy side - and I did it! lol

Angel Policy and stamps - check on the Hugbinders blog and DC Chitchat sticky for updates for the companies that give permission for their stamps to be used for this purpose - i.e copying, printing and selling over the internet. The stamps used in this page are by companies that have given their kind permission to do this. There will be an acknowledgement to those companies. If you are not sure then don't use your stamps - simple. Nicks has produced a letter which can be used to contact your favoured stamp designer to ask for permission - do check on the DC message and Hugbinders first as they may already have given permission.

I hope this has helped to give you some vision and got you off the starting block and over the blank page syndrome - have fun with your creativity xxx

Hugbinders covers

Couple of covers for Hugbinders books, another one being formulated as are a couple of pages. Yes, the heart is made of sticking plasters - what else?! (Covers will be made at the workshops).

I hope this gives some inspiration for making your page(s) for Hugbinders, please remember, block colours are not printer friendly and your pages need to be flat so they can be scanned.

Thank You Docrafts..

Docrafts is where this all started, Docrafts brought us all together I'm not sure they really understand the amount of love and friendship there is on their site. John warned Sparkles about posting on a forum and meeting people -  little did he know how much fun HE would gain from it, I think the shenangans on Chit Chat made him smile even on his darkest days.

Back to the plot.... DC have donated one of their Goody Bags, which is bursting at the seams with lovely stuff, just waiting to be won on the HugBinders Raffle!

Board, Board Board...

Hope you aren't Bored with these posts because look what arrived in the post today... Three (yes THREE) lovely Keepsake boards, donated by The Lovely Glitter Girls Babs and Kathy - if you haven't seen them in action at a show then you haven't lived!

So here are the three prizes for the HugBinders Raffle - best you buy a few tickets or else you wont have a chance of winning one, or indeed any of the other wonderful Prizes!

Thank You Glitter Girls!

http://www.theglittergirls.co.uk/

Can you see what it is yet? revealed!

Tis the season of goodwill so I shall tease no more!
As you can see it started life as a kitchen thing and was sent to a charity shop, sad and unloved in the corner.

It leapt out at me to be given a new lease of life.




So I altered it and faffed it up to become - what else but a craft stash unit?!
It is done but doesn't quite feel finished!
So herewith - my contribution to the Hugbinders raffle prize.
Click on the photo for an enlarged version.

IT COULD BE YOURS!
If you can see your craft stash stored in this unit or another use for it, please contact Hugbinders for your raffle tickets. To buy a book through Hugbinders, to experience the fun and create a cover or two and bind books come and attend the day, read the entry at the top of the blog for more information.

Inspiration

I hope this gives some inspiration

It forms a part of the raffle prize I am making.

I might repeat it as a cover - it is somewhat colour hungry for printing into a page.

Also as it is in 3d - heart embellishment and gold cord, it isn't suitable for scanning.

Can you see what it is yet?!

As you can see,

it is starting to come together,

so here is another pictorial clue for you!

Yes that is alcohol inks in greens and browns.

No - it's not carpet or lawn! lol

WOW WOW WOW calling all Mabel Lucie Attwell Fans

and who cant be a fan of Mabels's?? 

The Artistic Stamper has donated their ENTIRE - yes ALL of them -

 Mabel Lucie Atwell Stamp Collection, 

Thats over £90 pounds worth!

Plus a few more stamps and something else rather exciting which we can tell you about when we have more details

THANK YOU JENNIE YOU ARE A STAR!

Psssst! want a clue?

Done a bit more work on the raffle prize.

This might give you a bit of a clue! lol

Another Wonderful Company!

THE CRAFT BARN - Surrey (a favourite haunt of Sparkles and me - plus Mr S liked it due to the comfy sofa, friendly staff and tea shop next door) have very generously donated two fab prizes

A  Letterpress starter kit  (£49.99)  
Carol Cockbain’s Dreaweaver Stencil  DVD  (£14.99)

Scroll down to see a picture, or click on the link and that will take you straight to the shop and while you are there please vote for them in the 2010 craft awards

THANK YOU SANDY!

also take a look at the
Spellbinders New Grand Calibur Cut & Emboss Machine
kindly donated by OYSTER STAMPS 

Can you see what it is yet?!

It's not looking much like a raffle prize here is it!!!

Rest assured I am having fun faffing this up for the Hugbinders day raffle prize.

Have you got any idea what it is yet?

I will leave you guessing whilst I try and get some idea what to do with it! Debs xx

Raffle prize from Ejay

Docrafters will know Ejay - what they may not know is how talented she is wielding a paintbrush!

She has very kindly painted, framed and donated this picture to Hugbinders to be used as a raffle prize - so get buying your tickets! If you would like a ticket or twenty please email Hugbinders on artytat-craftyevent@yahoo.co.uk

Thank you Ejay!! We loves you we do!

Wow we have had some wonderful offers!

of help, donations of stash to help us along the way, cash by an anonoymous (well I know who it is but am sworn ro secrecy!) to help offset some of our costs, and raffle prizes - so be sure to buy your tickets - only £1 each - conatct me for my address if you would like to buy some

Oyster Stamps/  - Spellbinders New Grand Calibur Cut & Emboss Machine - retail price £95

The Craft Barn  -  Letterpress starter kit  (£49.99)  plus 1 of Carol Cockbain’s Dreaweaver Stencil  DVD’s  (£14.99

Ejay - Framed Painting, painted by the lady herself!

Capture the Magic - prize to be confirmed
Nicks  - A piece of Altered Art - picture when its done!
Hels Sheridan/ - A wonderful work of art by a wonderful lady 


Ruby Summer - http://rubysummervintage.blogspot.com/ - Make Up Bag Kit - fabric design may vary

http://fuchsias-craftynotions.blogspot.com/ - TBC
http://katherinesdabblings.blogspot.com/ - something akin to her wedding album
http://www.debsalteredmind.blogspot.com/ - a work of art! its a WIP atm
Docrafts - Special Goody Bag - when it arrives I'll tell you what is in it!


Cupcake Fairy   TBA
keep popping back to check the list as it will be updated ! 


Claire Jessiman - A GORGEOUS handcrafted bag!

Katrina Balmer  Handmade necklace and Bracelet Set 

Ann of Ayshire   - A beautiful necklace 

Selection of Gorgeous Crafty Stuff donated by Laura Jewel aka Bluespero  (please note this will be split into several smaller prizes and one or two bits will be used in the production of the book covers and the items which will then be part used will be sold - all profits to HugBinders) 

Set of Artemio Stamps - Donated by Jeanette Cameron aka The Black Isle Crafter

A 'Tatty' original painting by Ange lee 

So What Is It All About?

Saturday 5th March 2011

This would have been John's (Mr S!) 70th Birthday - so is very apt!

Hainford village Hall

Hainford

Norwich

Norfolk

in aid of

http://www.macmillan.org.uk

When we came up with the idea of raising some money we wanted everyone to be involved if they wish. Obviously this is difficult since the nature of an online forum is that we are scattered far and wide - but this is the plan!
We are asking people to make a page for a book.
The pages will be copied and made into books by people attending the workshop on the 5th March at the above Venue.
The Books will then be sold.
There will obviously be some costs involved but we hope to keep these minimal and ALL profits will be given to Macmillan.
so.......
PAGE
If you would like to make a page - here are a few 'rules'
The page can be anything you like - within reason! - we reserve the right to not include any page which is deemed inappropriate/rude/defamatory (not that we are expecting any but you never know!) - so it can be a drawing/poem/piece of writing/painting/scrapbook type affair - whatever!!
It must be two dimensional - i.e. flat! no embellishments etc. . Your page must be able to be scanned/photo copied.
If possible, it would help greatly with costs if you could do some copies of your work (maybe 20 - 30 ? but this will be confirmed when we have more idea of how many books will be sold) If you are not able to do this please don't worry but it would be really appreciated by us and will add to the profits made. Please use a fairly good paper rather than cheap copier paper. we hope the books will be well loved and well thumbed through!
We welcome coloured pages, but if you feel you page will look better in black and white (if it is just text for example) then these will be will be easier/cheaper to copy so feel free to send them - no reason why you can't print onto coloured paper!
Please do not use a lot of blocks of colour - these are thirsty on ink (unless you are prepared to print the copies off yourself)
Pages must be A5 (A5 is half of A4) - but bear in mind that by the nature of the binding two holes will be made in the left hand margin approx. 1cm from the edge.
The orientation of the book will be 'Portrait' but your page can be either portrait or landscape
Please put your name somewhere on the FRONT of your work, so people knows who it is - Please send the original along with any copies before 10th Feb, even if you are coming to the workshop

THE BOOK

The copies of the pages will be made into books by people attending the 'workshop' on the 5th of March – Each book will be unique and made with love
They will retail at £10 each plus P&P.
We will need orders and payment before the day so we know how many need to be made and how many pages need to be copied

RAFFLE

There will be a raffle which will be drawn at the Workshop £1 a ticket – If you would like a ‘ticket’ or tickets please add this to your payment and we will put your name in the hat!! There will be some original Works of Art donated as prizes along with lots of other prizes.

THE WORKSHOP

This will be held on the above date and everybody is welcome.
The cost will be £25 per person, which will include Tea/coffee/soft drinks light snacks served by a band of very handsome men and a copy of the book.
At the workshop you will make one or more covers for the book and help assemble them ready for posting.
There will also hopefully be some demonstrations going on - is there any technique anyone would particularly like to learn?
To keep costs down it would be good if people could bring along a plateful of food to add to the lunchtime buffet!
We are also holding a raffle to add a bit more to funds so if you would like to donate a prize all the better!
At the end of the day we will be having a Fish and Chip supper – if you would like one, orders will need to be placed in advance @£5 a head - bring your own wine!!
Please bring your own personal craft kit if possible

Cant come to the workshop???

We would love it if this could be a national event on the day - so could you hold your own crafty event/coffee morning on that day ??

OTHER WAYS TO HELP!

Donations please!

offers of help printing the pages

Backing papers etc. that can be used on the book covers

Ribbons, twines etc.

BOOK RINGS!! Silver or coloured

Raffle Prizes

But most importantly make a page and BUY A BOOK!

Thank you xxx

I’m sure we will think of other stuff so will keep you posted

If you have any questions please email Nicks artytat-craftyevent@yahoo.co.uk

Keep an eye on this Blog to see what the prizes will be!

Would you like to know more about our Mr S?

Have a look here.....

http://www.sparklessimplestuff.blogspot.com/

http://nicksartystuff.blogspot.com/2010/09/my-bessie.html


and meet the lovely peeps on the Docrafts Forum

http://www.docrafts.com/crafttalk/forum/yaf_postst4101581.aspx

A tribute written by KathKat - who also thought up the name HugBinders

"Armed Salute" by the Huggers.

A tribute to a much-loved King of Hugs, and to the courageous fight of a gentle man against illness.

Let Chat be hushed

A while today...

The King of Hugs

Has slipped away.

For those who loved him,

And held him dear,

May comfort come

From far and near.

A tribute to courage,

A thought for the way

He faced up to illness,

Yet little did say.

How to express

The sadness we feel?

Our pain isn't virtual

For a cyber-friend real.

In memory of John

At Nicks' request...

May hugs continue!

Our King is at rest.