Stuart’s Tuesday Blog!

Hi there, everyone! How’s it going? Stuart here with the usual Tuesday blog.

There’s no doubt Covid has had a substantial effect on life. It’s gotten worse in lots of ways. But, as creative people, I think as a society, we’ve managed to make the best of it. For instance, we started the SHAC Shack. That’s a great way to help cope with restrictions and lockdown etc. But I bet we ALL want to keep it even when we’re back to normal, right? Our current situation drives us to discover something we’d be delighted to have otherwise! So, you know, silver linings and positives coming out of a negative. It is funny how the world works, right?

Just a little uplifting thought for you this day. I was inspired to that comment because this coming Sunday, I’m excited that my church is running a drive through carol service. Actually, it’s three services. That’s about three hundred cars expected. We were initially disappointed not to be able to hold our traditional carol service, like most churches do, to be enjoyed by church-goers and non-church-goers alike. But, a little creativity and thinking outside the box gave us the chance to do something that’s really quite incredible. Amazing how the world works, right? Amazing how good things can sometimes come out of bad.

Good to remember that, I think.

And, we at Clarity we’re always looking to be optimistic and to spot the glimmer of a star in the darkness of a night sky.

So, here are a few of my favourite things to share with you that are coming up this week. Things that I think are uplifting and helpful!

Firstly, YouTube Tuesday. We’ve just published the video and you can see it here. I love grungey stuff. And this week’s video is grungey to the max. Grunge in craft terms really means textured, right? And texture can look good on its own but does really show its benefits when used as a layer in a bigger piece of artwork. Grungey stamps, especially are great ways to release the potential of the other elements in your artwork. See the video below and let me know what you think?!

https://claritystamp.com/collections/youtube-offers

Next up, elf hunt. I know, you’re all well into it already. I don’t really need to tell you it’s happening. But, isn’t it just great fun? I mean, I had loads of fun hiding them on the product images using Photoshop. Especially yesterday’s really, really sneaky one. Yes, it’s intentionally sneaky. I can’t make them all too easy, right? Anyway, I had fun hiding, you have fun finding and we all get a big kick out of it. Here’s today’s clue again if you need it. Do let me know how you’re all getting on. Have you found them ALL yet?

And, lastly, because I’m going on a bit, there’s one more thing I wanna share about. So, all of you who have been watching the SHAC Shack on Facebook Live, you’ll know that Barb keeps going on about the little set of 12 Polychromo pencils that she keeps using so often. It’s full of greys and pale colours that are really effective and basis of so much of Barb’s technique. And, I’d like to give away a set.

The essential set of 12

So, if you’d like to be in with a chance to win, all you have to do is guess the name of the shade below. It’s one of the colours from the set of 12, and Barb has used it to wonderful effect during the colouring in of the Gud family of Gnomes this week and last week in the SHAC.

What colour am I?

And, just to be nice, I’ll give you three options:

  1. Pale Pink
  2. Soft Peach
  3. Beige Red

Let me know in the comments below which you think the answer is, and I’ll choose a winner out of the hat next Tuesday. Sound good?

Well, that’ll do from me for now. I’ll let you get on with your days. I look forward to your answers and can’t wait to hear from you. Good luck in the giveaway.

Stuart

48 thoughts on “Stuart’s Tuesday Blog!

  • 15th December 2020 at 11:30 am
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    Hello Stuart. How lucky to have a drive through carol service! I am going to miss our service so much this year. Sing one for me please (preferably Hark the Herald Angel Sing!). I have found all the elves so far – some of them have been well hidden lol. As I already have the pencil set I won’t give away the answer. Stay safe and Happy Christmas. God bless. Alison.

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  • 15th December 2020 at 12:00 pm
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    I think it’s beige red. Our local church is holding on line services which is something at least. Have a wonderful time with your family Stuart.

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  • 15th December 2020 at 12:29 pm
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    I am not doing too well with the elf hunt but I keep trying. The pencil colour is beige red.

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    • 15th December 2020 at 11:08 pm
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      Hello
      I think it’s beige red.
      I am enjoying the elf hunt .
      Glad you will be able to enjoy your carol service.

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  • 15th December 2020 at 12:38 pm
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    The drive through service sounds brilliant. Enjoy.
    Beige red colour

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  • 15th December 2020 at 2:06 pm
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    3 Beige Red.

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    • 17th December 2020 at 7:44 pm
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      Hi really enjoying the elf hunt ,I do it every year, managed to find all the elves so far
      The colour of the pencil is beige red
      Have a good week

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  • 15th December 2020 at 2:46 pm
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    I think that colour must be beige red

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  • 15th December 2020 at 3:32 pm
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    Beige Red.

    Love reading all your blogs! Love a good Carol service – watched a great one on Facebook – a local school. Bless , they usually invite the community in for a tea party – but this year they gave beautiful gifts including my dear elderly mum and we watched the concert together. So thoughtful. It’s great that everyone is finding different ways!!

    What can I say- the Shac Shack has helped so many and continues to support us during these strange times – I got one am so grateful !

    Finally I love looking for the elves – the First was the only one that stumped me – only bacause I didn’t really know what I was looking for. I love finding them especially when they are cleverly camouflaged.

    Happy Christmas to all at Clarity and here’s to a better and crafty 2021🥰

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  • 15th December 2020 at 3:38 pm
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    Loving the elf hunt 🤶🏻 The answer is beige red.

    Thank you !

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  • 15th December 2020 at 4:14 pm
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    It’s beige red. I have the set but would love to be able to give a set to my daughter as I bought her the pergaliners and Barbara keeps saying these are needed with them.
    Enjoy your carols. We are having outdoor carols instead of our usual service but I doubt there’ll even be 50. It’s a small village!
    Waiting for inspiration to hit on today’s elf.

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    • 15th December 2020 at 4:17 pm
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      Just read the clue to my husband and he got it straight away without knowing the products! 😂

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  • 15th December 2020 at 5:06 pm
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    It’s great that your church doing a drive through service so you can sing together save and sound.
    I watch service on the telly every sunday.
    The color is beige red — it sounds very strange but I like how it turned out with the gnomes family Güd.
    Stay save and healthy Stuart-see you in the Shac
    Trijntje Huppel

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  • 15th December 2020 at 5:12 pm
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    Beige red.

    I love this annual quiz. I have managed to find all the hidden elves so far – not always immediately though. As you say they can’t all be straight forward – what would be the fun in that? I got yesterday’s clue straight away but obviously had the wrong specs on!

    Thanks Stuart.

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  • 15th December 2020 at 5:35 pm
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    Beige Red
    We have been carol singing in small groups outside people’s houses. I didn’t realise how much I was missing singing the Christmas carols. Your Drive in services sound like fun. I might mention this to our church leader. Take care. Hugs xxx

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  • 15th December 2020 at 7:09 pm
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    Beige Red.
    You are right Stuart in that some really good and/or nice things have come out of this horrendous pandemic. I talk with my grandchildren about all the nice things that have happened throughout the year despite the situation. Things that in a usual year we just wouldn’t get to do due to work or school commitments. We also discuss how much we are all looking forward to spending time doing the things we used to love to do and we can’t wait to be able to rediscover those delights.
    Stay safe and I bet the Carol Service is amazing. If allowed and they film it could we be pointed in the direction of a link please.

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  • 15th December 2020 at 7:11 pm
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    BTW Stuart I have had enormous fun and found all the elves so far. Good clues – especially the tricky ones!!

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    • 15th December 2020 at 9:56 pm
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      The colour is Beige Red. Loved creating the Gud Family.

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    • 17th December 2020 at 11:49 am
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      I’ve been rubbish with the ‘finding of elves’ my brain is just not working at all. I think I’m right in saying that the colour of the pencil (which is absolutely lovely) is Beige red. (Glad i checked auto correct them, i won’t tell you what it changed to hahaha) Merry Christmas to all at the Shac Shack and everyone else too
      X X X X

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  • 15th December 2020 at 7:40 pm
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    Your carol service sounds unique! I’ve found all the elves so far but todays looks interesting….
    The pencil is beige red.

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  • 15th December 2020 at 7:52 pm
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    Hi Stuart,
    Beige Red is the colour of the pencil.
    Sounds fabulous your carol service, I won’t be going to church as I haven’t been out of the house for months, so will be watching the services that are on TV.
    I haven’t had much luck at all with the ‘elves’ I’m not good with clues haha.
    Lots of love from Patricia xx

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    • 15th December 2020 at 8:11 pm
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      I think it was a beige red

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  • 15th December 2020 at 9:08 pm
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    Hi Stuart, sounds a good idea for the Carol Service. Pencil colour is beige red. X

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  • 15th December 2020 at 9:09 pm
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    I seem to remember Barbara using that yesterday, and the colour is Beige Red.
    Love the idea of your drive through carol services. I am really enjoying the Elf Hunt, and found number 1 to be the most difficult. Mind you, saying that, I did get stuck on today’s, until I read out the clur to my husband and he guessed the answer right away. I did not realise there was a product of that type! Take care and stay safe everyone, Gilly x

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  • 15th December 2020 at 9:21 pm
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    Lovely to hear you, Stuart.

    What a fantastic idea! Just last night I was mourning that only 16 people can go to church at the moment, so that was carols gone. I’m straight out to my neighbour now to share the light!

    3. Beige Red.

    I’ve got all the elves except today’s – the computer had a fit yesterday and decided it was malicious? Anyway, I think it has banned it now as today’s clue did not appear. I will put my thinking cap on now I have the clue. I solve it and then someone does my seeing to check. Always a way! It didn’t feel at all like Christmas until the hunt started. It prompts all those changes for the better like putting up my tree. Then someone saw two spaces on the tree through the window and brought me baubles for them. It is amazing how one thing leads to another.

    I try to see the silver lining but, after eight deaths this year and two expected with very late diagnosed cancer, I will be glad to start again in January. There has been happiness in all the online activities as I can’t usually get to them but I would trade them all for a calmer pace.

    Great video on the mixed media. I must put more effort in. Barbara has a demo on it too on her blog today.

    Do you know how much the Christmas Jumper stamp has raised? The Save the Children site has virtual gifts like a year’s education for £158 and kits for safe births. I don’t know how to buy them but we could really achieve something with even the total Barbara gave the other day. Barbara has already changed so many lives for the better that it would be nice if we could chip in too with her. With all your skills, I’m sure you could work out how to have a definite project rather than just give the money unrestricted.

    Have a Happy Christmas, if you aren’t here next week. I hope you and the family stay safe and well.

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  • 15th December 2020 at 10:29 pm
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    The colour of the pencil is beige red – as you say sounds a odd colour but it is ideal for faces especially the Gud family.
    Our road is joining in with the carols on the doorstep on Sunday at 5.30pm so hopefully it will be a dry evening. Your drive through Carol service sounds a great idea if there is enough space around the church for everyone.
    I love looking for the elves – have found them all so far even if a couple of them were a tad trickier – just off to look for todays as I read the clue earlier but its a bit difficult on a phone to see & I was at my moms.

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  • 15th December 2020 at 10:32 pm
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    The pencil is beige red.
    Love the Elf hunt – some good hiding going on 😀

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    • 16th December 2020 at 9:40 pm
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      The answer is Beige Red.

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  • 16th December 2020 at 12:27 am
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    I think it’s beige red.

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  • 16th December 2020 at 4:02 am
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    Pencil colour is beige red. Enjoying the elf hunt with a cuppa!

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  • 16th December 2020 at 5:45 am
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    I love the idea of drive through Carol services. Such a lovely way of bringing people together for comfort and joy in these troubled times.
    I am obsessed with the Elf hunt, as I am every year, and everything gets put on hold until I find them every day! Good job I am retired 😂
    The colour of the pencil is Beige Red.
    Have a good week and enjoy the Carol Service with your family. X

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  • 16th December 2020 at 7:54 am
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    I seem to remember Barbara saying it was beige red and thinking what a strange name for a colour! So answer no. 3 it is. I bought some mixed impression stamps in the gray sale so the timing of the video is very fortuitous!

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  • 16th December 2020 at 8:52 am
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    The colour is Beige Red. I’m doing ok with the elf hunt, getting most of them straight away apart from those sneaky ones where you need to make sure you have the right glasses on!

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  • 16th December 2020 at 2:01 pm
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    Beige red. Great blog as ever

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  • 16th December 2020 at 2:48 pm
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    Hi Stuart – Beige Red is the colour of the pencil – I use it often!!! Elf Hunt going great guns – only been duped a couple of times.

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  • 16th December 2020 at 4:10 pm
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    Beige red

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  • 16th December 2020 at 4:11 pm
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    Beige red have loved the elf hunt.

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  • 16th December 2020 at 4:29 pm
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    Hi Stuart – I think we are nearly all agreed that Beige Red is the colour of the pencil! I love using all the colours in the large tin, which I would never have had a reason to buy before the Shac Shac! We now watch 2 services on Sunday – as we can see what is going on at ours plus where some other friends live! Helps us to feel connected with them. Keep safe!

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  • 16th December 2020 at 5:25 pm
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    I think everyone agrees. Its beige red
    Its a lovely gift for someone

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  • 16th December 2020 at 6:21 pm
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    Hi Stuart,
    I am loving the Elf hunt, I look forward to the next clue. I have found them all so far.
    Love the gnomes too, I hope Barbara releases a stamp of them.
    The colour is 3. Beige Red

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  • 17th December 2020 at 3:26 pm
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    Hi there, That’s a great idea for your Carol service. I think there are quite a few Churches attempting that but I’m recording ours and will use a variety of carols from Christian BSL and the Salvation Army among other sources! I have found all the clues so far and it has been good fun. Glad you are enjoying what you are doing! The colour of the pencil is beige red. The SHAC Shack has been fantastic and I would definitely hate it to stop. I have learned so much and just love it. Stay safe. Hx

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  • 17th December 2020 at 7:35 pm
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    Well, I must say, the drive-through carol service sounds like a novel way of coping with the restrictions – hope it goes well. We generally have a small brass band playing at the foot of the Clock Tower just at the corner of our street, at midnight on Christmas Eve – it draws a crowd of revellers from the pub opposite and we all gather to sing a few carols … not sure that will be happening this year (well, the pub will be closed, for a start, as we’re in Tier 3).

    I’m really enjoying the distraction the the Elf Hunt – I think it’s the most difficult it’s been, with some really sneaky hiding places and clues that have taken all day to crack! Well done to all involved for challenging us so much!

    Now, who’d have thunk it – Beige Red! The other options that you offered seem so much more appropriate, but Beige Red it is (I watched the Shac-Shac session back to make sure!). A very generous prize for someone (fingers crossed!)

    Just shut my work computer down, to start my Christmas break (yes, a nice long holiday ahead of me – time to catch up with my doodling and learn how to colour!)

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  • 17th December 2020 at 7:56 pm
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    Love Reading all the Clarity blogs
    Elf hunt going well – some days straight to it – others all day searching product by product but so far always got there.
    I’m sure i have heard Barbara call that colour beige red.

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  • 17th December 2020 at 10:10 pm
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    Gods evening Stuart,
    3. Beige Red
    Thank you to everyone at Clarity for the elf hunt, keeping me occupied and out of mischief
    Good luck every one

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  • 17th December 2020 at 10:45 pm
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    I’m Loving the Elves competition, can’t believe it’s a year since i entered my first Elves competition. I don’t have these crayons but think it could be Biege Red. Must tune into the SHAC SHACK one day soon, only retired 3 months ago and don’t know where the time goes! Merry Christmas everyone.

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  • 19th December 2020 at 5:50 pm
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    Hi, I think it’s beige red

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  • 19th December 2020 at 10:35 pm
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    Loving the elf hunt. There are 3 of us in a wee team together doing it and we’re having great fun each day.
    I think the pencil colour is beige red. 😊

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