I'm travelling into a new way of working, a new country, a new language, and a new hobby which I'm passionate about. Come with me for some of the journey...

Monday, 17 February 2025

Words and Pictures YouTube is one year old!

I can hardly believe it's been a whole year of regular episodes on my YouTube channel - what a lovely new adventure it's been!  I hopped on to say hello "in person"... the first time of having my face on camera on the channel (though those who've seen PaperArtsy lives will be familiar with me doing that!).

I'm particularly proud of the generous, positive atmosphere in the comments section on the channel -  especially when you consider some of the interactions which go on in social media comments sections! - so when some people suggested that I should set up a Buy Me A Coffee page to allow them to make contributions to the creative journey.

So that is what I have done, and the anniversary message also talks about why and what that page is for, so do take a look if you're interested.

There are several new episodes available since I last posted here - one of them in a very surprising colour palette!  Check out the colourful journal cover, using my PaperArtsy Printed Tissue.

There's a chance to dive into one of my tag crates in a bit more detail, so come and enjoy that inspiration too.

You might enjoy these Window Women... they inspired lots of different storytelling ideas, not only from me but also from lots of the audience in their comments below the video.

Or how about some little rusty Valentine's envelopes - made with altered teabag sachets - perfect for popping a little love note into, or even a chocolate.

I hope you're all surviving February... there's some exciting news coming your way next week to brighten these winter days.  Do watch this space, and happy crafting all!


The time for action is now.  It is never too late to do something.
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

This time, like all times, is a very good one, if we but know what to do with it.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.
Marthe Troly-Curtin

Friday, 24 January 2025

Happy New Year (belatedly!)

Hello all!  I thought I'd better hop over to wish you a happy New Year before January is over.  We're going to need all the happiness, creativity, light and beauty that we can get in 2025.  So here are some 2024 highlights to start that off... 

(First up - the top nine IG posts by numbers.)


Things are very busy behind the scenes. (When are they ever not, these days?)  I'm heading off to Frankfurt in early February, to make an appearance (or two) on the PaperArtsy stand at Creativeworld, the last of the large craft trade fairs, now that the US one is out of action.  

(Next up - my personal favourite top nine tag posts.)

And then in March, if you're in the Netherlands, you'll find me at the Art Specially fair in Nijkerk, demo-ing with some of my PaperArtsy stamps for De Hobby Studio - one of the Dutch PaperArtsy stockists. 

(And finally, my personal favourite top nine non-tag posts.)


And of course there are lots of exciting things bubbling in the pipeline at PaperArtsy that you'll need to keep an eye out for in the coming weeks...

For now, I'll just share a few links to recent YouTube episodes over at
Words and Pictures (YT version!)There's a new midweek series called Tag Time, as well as the usual Few Minutes of Fun to enjoy every Saturday.  Click the links below to join me at the craft table...

Long-time followers may notice there's a new colour creeping into focus!!




























And once I'm done bopping around Europe, there will be some news about more UK workshops coming in the spring too.

I hope you're all surviving the winter cold (or the winter heat if you are on the other side of the globe), and finding time to be creative.  Happy crafting, all!


Year's end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instil in us.
Hal Borland

Your success and happiness lies in you. Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties.
Helen Keller