Wednesday
Gina was one of the few that signed up for a 1-2-1 workshop during the crowdfunding stage of this challenge and also the first to be completed!
Maisy nestled into the drive at Gina’s house, just.
Here is the lovely lady herself, meet Gina!
When talking about what Gina wants to do in the workshop she had asked about ideas for montage stamping so I unloaded the stash of stamps and we started playing.
I showed Gina some simple masking and single layer techniques using the visible image quotes, and a variety of distress inkpads.
After trying two or three variations we worked directly onto cards.
Gina created a fab card that I think everyone should read and heed!
Here were a couple more of those creations.
Gina also asked for some advice on the scan n cut so, after lunch we went through some techniques for designing in canvas and then exporting to the machine.
Now, the plan was that I would leave at four, head back and do three hours of prep for the group workshop that would take place the next day.
What I need you to remember though is that this is a challenge.
When driving over to meet Gina, Maisy started flashing a warning light at me.
Normally, I’d ignore it but I’ve got to take care of my girl as she is my home, my transport, my office and my constant companion on this journey. I had a rummage through the manual, donning my best butch mechanic hat (it has feathers) and it said that the oil had been exhausted and if it wasn’t changed within three hundred miles it could present and real and immediate issue for the engine.
Not believing the drama queen style of the manual, I gave the folk a ring. They advised me that warning lights should be investigated and sent out a man from the RAC.
After a good old prod, poke and plugging various things into Maisy (I whinced for her) he confirmed what the manual said.
Long story short, Maisy needed an oil change and fast.
Over the next three days I was planning to do more than 150 miles of driving and that was halfway to the ‘real and immediate issue’ threshold. Worrying.
For those with anxiety issues, you’ll know that at this point the onset of a panic attack is potentially imminent and you know what that is going to feel like. You can see it coming. The phrase ‘real and immediate issue’ has already grown from a probable squeak of a wheel into the whole Motorhome catching fire and you driving down the motorway looking like an advert for a rock metal group whilst fighting for your life.
Your breath is short and your heart is racing. You sweat. You shake.
More often than not you can’t stop it and, left unchecked, it will probably become debilitatingly consuming within 10 minutes to the point wear you have become a little detached from what is and entered an inflated version of what might (or might never) be. I’ve been there, I know.
Thankfully this journey is already having a positive impact on me. The fact that I took control of the situation and did something about it is already a step forward, the follow up nonchalance shown after this event also shows that I believe I am getting back to a place nearer where I was before this aspect of my life hit.
I am grateful.
Ok, more on the Maisy situation later.
Given that the manual and the RAC guy had given Maisy 300 miles grace, I decided that it was safe to head back to the caravan site and crack on with the prep.
I pre-stamped the sentiments for a couple of reasons; to save time, the project was more about creating the canvas than about stamping, to get a uniform centre piece for each workshopper.
I also spent a couple of hours prepping the die cuts that would be used during the session as I wanted their workshop time to be about playing with the media.
Good old variety there.
Final thing before bed was to pack the bits and pieces ready for action in the morning,
Crawling into bed at just gone midnight I finally felt ready for the next day.
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GENTLEMAN CRAFTER 
A truly fabulous, enjoyable and engrossing read. Such wonderful memory making happenings and joy shared with others. Thank you so much for sharing all this with us. I couldn’t make it to the workshop you had near to where I lived due to illness, but keeping up with your travels is the very next best thing. ~ Cobs. x
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Fabulous, I really enjoyed reading about your antics and seeing tthe happy faces and lovely projects! When are you coming to Wiltshire?Wx
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Yes take notes and get the book under way! Great style of wrighting. If your up Chester-Le-Street way, can you come and show me how to get to grips with my ScanNCut. Like your style of teaching, Mel gets too excited!
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Shame there is no camera crew filming all this for a documentary wouldmbe hilarious.
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Well done John for coping with Maisie’s oil change. I had a hospital appointment I like to arrive early to avoid my panic attacks. A week early is probably a bit too much!! I wrote it on my calendar at the same time as a second appointment for 6 July – oh well a bit of retail therapy and then settled in for watching you on c&c.
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Lol, bless you!
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Thank you so much for sharing your adventures with everyone – it’s great to feel as though we are part of your journey. Take care xxx Liz
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Hope you’re keeping notes on your travels for your book! What ? You mean you’re not going to write a book? Well you should , I like you’re writing style.
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John
Thanks for the update. The workshop at mountain ash crafts was superb.
Hope your shows go great have set the recorder as I’m at work.
Stay safe
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Hi John
What an epic week you’ve had! Firstly, I have to say all the artwork I have seen by your participants has been wonderful. Some terrific work there I’d happily hang on the wall.
Well done on dealing with Maisie’s little issue. That must’ve felt so good. Proud of you :-)
I’ll be watching during the week when I can, might try and email in and say hello!
I love reading your diary, it’s like I’m travelling round the country with you.
Big hugs and happy thoughts to you and your readers!
T x
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Well your life isn’t dull!! I know I keep saying this but wow! I mean you just got up and went for it!! Looking forward to seeing you back on TV tomorrow
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Great blog John. It’s lovely to hear of your ventures – warts and all. Your workshops always look like a lot of fun.
Keep up the good work x
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brilliant account of your journey, hope to hear more soon xx
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love your adventures John, but you must be bushed!
when are you going to get your oil changed.
crafty hugs sarah x
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Your blogs are wonderful and it is a joy to read them because it is as though you are sitting in my study telling me of your adventures. I am still hoping you can come up to Gretna, and my offer of free parking on my enclosed drive is genuine. I know there are lots of crafters round here, and I am sure I could organise something for you given a little warning.
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Great blog John, love following your journey. Looking forward to seeing you on TV this week, have learned much about my SnC from you. Xx
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Thanks for your updates John, I enjoy reading them and seeing all the creations. I applaud your honesty as to how you are feeling at times, I can relate well. I just hope you don’t feel anxious when I have my one-to-one with you……I will be the anxious one 😝
You’re doing brilliantly
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Wow – what a week :)
Many, many congratulations for dealing with all that!
You dealt with some potentially challenge-stumbling issues and made some beautiful creations and friends along the way :) – I thought I recognised Jean from the Surrey workshop!
Looking forward to your shows on C&C this coming week and reading more of your journeys – good luck with Deano ;)
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I look forward to your blog, and today it couldn’t have come at a better time. I’ve had one of those days when you are fed up for no reason, and haven’t got much done because you couldn’t be bothered……..then later on think about all the things you could have done, which makes it worse. Sorry, I won’t go on, but then your blog came, and I chuckled several times, so that’s one of your good deeds for today. Looking forward to seeing you this week. x
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I’m glad that it helped you chuckle, believe me I know what one of those days can feel like.
J:)
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