SN Links?

In case you are wondering about the SN Links tab on the top row, it is short for Spectrum Noir Links. The page contains a number of links straight to relevant areas of the Spectrum Noir blog so that you don't have to spend time searching for resources we mention in class at Crafty Capers.

On Holiday

If you've been
 to this spot you'll recognise it!
Hint - we're in Busselton for four days, staying at Restawhile. Usually we head off to the above spot for lunch and a swim. This time it was lunch and no swim, thanks to a big black helicopter and a siren. The only fins I could see belonged to two dolphins - mother and calf. Just as well I wasn't one of the lifeguards on duty!
In complete relaxation mode - morning beach walks, leisurely lunches, maybe a swim in the pool. Wish I'd brought my SpecNoir pens to try some freehand sketching. Having to make do with pencil sketches.
Back to reality tomorrow :(

Pen Storage

A number of our customers have asked how we store our Spectrum Noir pens. I thought I'd share my low cost storage system:

 
I have used a box (Artwrap 210mm x310mm x130mm) which I was given. This is not quite large enough for the full 168 pens but it works for now. I cut it so one long side drops open and put a frame of coverboard 'shelves' inside. I also kept the plastic 'trays' from the 12 starter packs and trimmed them to use as pull out shelves for the top layers:

The box closes for travel thus:

I have my warm and cool greys in one 24-set box and my turquoises and blue-greys in the other.

The box sits on a top shelf of my desk open and ready for use thus. The turquoise pack sits in a gap behind the tan and gold-brown pens. An empty 24-set box keeps the other pens pushed forward (shown more clearly in second photo). The greys go on top. Note that all pens are horizontal.

If you are wondering about the elastic band around the TN7 (in the second photo) - it is a visual reminder that this pen is overfilled and that I need a paper towel handy when I'm using it! The protruding pen here is my Memento Tuxedo Black ink pen.

Winter Blues Banished!

Woohoo!!! From the Spectrum Noir Blog I quote -

"Also, we need to choose a winner for our December Challenge!  Congratulations to Jill Groom!  You will receive two sets of six pens (you choose the sets) and a Humphrey’s Corner stamp of your choice!"

Off to check out the Humphrey's Corner stamps and to email a big thank you to Crafters Companion ...

The Winter Blues

Am I wishing for winter after Perth's past few weeks of scorching temperatures? No (well maybe when it's still over 30C at night but mostly no) - this month's challenge on the Spectrum Noir blog is The Winter Blues!

Here's my blue girl - just in time.

Spectrum Noir pens used:
Clothing - TB1, TB2, TB4
Skin - FS2, FS3, TN2, PP1
Shoes - EB1, EB2, BG2, EB5
Hair - CT2, GB8, GB10
Plant - EB2, EB5, CG2, CG4, CR1, FS2
Hair Elastics TB4, TB5

Additional info - Spellbinders Nestabilities for the iron railing, paper crimper used to make the seat. The stamp is Tilda with Magnolia.

Recycling

One of the cards Austen received for Christmas had a Woodland Trust please recycle request (thanks June and Andy). Since we're a bit far from any UK Simply Food stores I've recycled it MY way!!

 I've used a Spellbinders Nestabilities Die - Romantic Rectangles and a Sizzix embossing folder plus some Kaisercraft Rhinestones. This is what Marks and Spencer are doing with their cards - Woodland Trust.
That's my first Christmas card ready for 2013.

7 Cards in 2 Hours

No not me - Tim! What's more he has drawn all images freehand, fussy-cut holly and berries, trees, presents, bells and done all his own writing on the cards! No input from me at all (except the genes ;) ).

Here are three of his cards.