Hi there Jo-Anne

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Jo-Anne te Raa : Staff Reporter

Hello! I’m Jo-Anne te Raa. I live in Bunschoten, The Netherlands with my husband and little boy Samuel, the two biggest loves in my life.

I am English and have lived here 7 years. It's not always easy being far from home!

I am blessed to be a Fashionista on Scrap in Style TV where I have made an amazing group of friends. I believe in honest journaling and not scrapping for the sake of a photograph. My heart and soul is in each layout or project I make, if it's not I can instantly see it. My greatest joy is when my son tells me “mama dat vind ik heel mooie”…….

I adore vintage mixed with funk whether that be in my scrapbooking or my needlework, painting....you name it! Using the unconventional in my art is my " THING".

I want to celebrate the insignificant in my day, be inspired by my faith and feel secure that my story will be told and is set into the future. I dream of writing a children’s story book and not being part of a commercial existence. I love the 30’s , Gone with the Wind and the crafts of the past.

My life is not always easy but it is always inspired , that’s the greatness in my days. I never felt creative as a child, but as an adult I can't stop. I have built dolls houses, knitted 12 scale clothes on piano wire. I have crocheted EVERY baby pattern known to man, embroidered a million Peter Rabbits and spent 5 years making miniature teddy bears.

Basically my head is full!

Sometimes I think my brain is still full of the aeronautical engineer (yes thats my university degree!!) but my spirit is desperate to create. They don't always mix and that can be frustrating because creating is my thing!

I am proud to be part of the Craft Critique team, exploring and seeking out new solutions to share. Thank you for reading my bio and look forward to sharing stuff with you!!!!

Pink Persimmon Stamps

Pink Persimmon is a new clear stamp company, formed earlier this year by two sisters Darcy and Judi.

Designs are innovative and fresh providing the crafter with inspiration and quality clear stamps. Images are clear and the stamps easy to use. I ordered my stamps directly from Pink Persimmon and USA orders qualify for free shipping over $50. There is a huge choice of designs ranging from alphabets to vintage images of children. Also great examples of journaling stamps and “build it yourself” images.

Prices range from $15 for a large alphabet 3/4” to $7.50 for the smaller version ½”. Larger designs such as the "little red wagon” retail for $20. These larger sets are real value for money as they contain many different images making them versatile.

Using these stamps couldn’t be easier. Simple to use with an acrylic block and easy to clean and store. Clear stamps come on a smooth storage sheet and are ready to be used. Select a clear block that is slightly larger than the stamp that you are going to use, on the site you will also find a great range of acrylic packs sold in packs. You gently remove your clear stamp from the acetate storage sheet. Place the stamp on a clear block. The smooth side of the stamp should be against the clear block. You can also put multiple stamps on the clear block for ease of stamping. This is useful when stamping text with alpha stamps.

Place your clear block on a flat surface with the stamp side up, and then tap your inkpad down directly onto the surface of your stamp. Use firm and even tapping pressure. Don’t twist your stamp or drag it across your inkpad. Once you have inked up your stamp, you can stamp onto your project surface. You will get the best image when your paper is on a flat solid surface. Sometimes a softer surface like a magazine underneath your paper will help distribute the ink. 
To keep stamps clear, clean each stamp immediately after use with a damp cloth or a baby wipe. You can also wash stamps in warm soapy water.

My personal favorite would have to be the Banner stamp. Coming in two sizes this stamp gives you the chance to reproduce birthday banners, birth announcements etc. Combined with the Carnival alphabet set you have one unique stamped image.

I am not usually a “stamping” fan but I admit to being addicted to this manufacturers stamps. I love the unusual images and the way that all sets can be combined and mixed around. Just purchasing 2 stamp sets could give you a great base for working.

My only criticism would be the packaging. Initially it's attractive but I have a feeling as time goes by it would be damaged and I would much prefer to pay a dollar or so more and have these in a solid case. They are so cool I would want to protect them!!

This is a young business and already plans on releasing a second set of designs this fall. Friendly, open owners with artistic flair really pushing the design boarders of stamping.

Pros:

• Great image choices
• Regular release of new stamping sets
• Price point attractive

Cons:

• Packaging is attractive but not durable
• Not so easy to buy away from the official store

So have you had chance to play with these cuties yet? Let us know and share your tips and thoughts.