December’s Skill Challenge was singing and dancing in the form of a Pantomime; Kirsten auditioned at the Royalty Theatre to be part of their Old King Cole: “Oh yes she did!” With cheers of it’s behind you, Kirsten never thought that she would be part of a Pantomime. Kirsten admits, “the singing, dancing and acting talents went to many of members of my family and skipped me; so I felt that this would indeed be a challenge!” Kirsten was given the part of a villager/courtier and with the help of the talented group she was shown that she did in fact have a left and a right foot (not 2 left feet after all). There were many rehearsals and a lot of understanding from the very talented group who taught everyone, as well as from the talented group of singers, dancers and actors Kirsten was lucky enough to work with; a big surprise came when she was given 2 lines to say; after the first night’s performance she had the bug and enjoyed every show. The panto was a great success with sold out shows and very happy audiences.

Our Enchanted Dust was offered to the Fairy Godmother brilliantly played by Helen Bowie, the cast loved the sparkle so much it wasn't long before everyone wanted "to get in on the act", with sparkling eyes, nails, hair and more, it was indeed a truly sparkling production (go to our Enchanted Dust page to see how you can add a sparkle to y)our crafts and go to the Product Information page to find out how you can use it as a cosmetic.
Kirsten would like to say well done and a big thank you, to everyone who took part in the Skill Challenge, to every company and organisation who swapped skills and to all of the people who offered support, were inspired to learn a new skill and be proud of the skills they have “you are all stars!”
Through our monthly "Skill Challenge" we hope to inspire and encourage people to try a new skill and hopefully develop this to a level where it becomes their hobby or even gives them a career opportunity; which may prove vital to some people in this current economic climate. Everyone has an aspiration to try something new and they don't always have the opportunity or inspiration to pursue it; through these events, all involved are offering people a way forward to pursue their dream. We want to show people that you can step out of your comfort zone and pursue a new interest which may prove to be life changing!  Every month throughout 2009, we will be working with several companies, each from a different background in sports and hobbies, and various business organisations. We are proud to announce that Fiskars are sponsoring the "Skill Challenge" workshops; why not visit www.fiskarscraft.co.uk to see their full range of products.

Kirsten will be "Swapping-A-Skill", teaching non-crafters involved how to make and create paper crafts and cards, which proved surprisingly popular with rugby league professionals earlier this month, and in return being given a chance to "try" their training techniques. We will be adding contact details of all companies and organisations on our website, with a list of skills that each have to offer. We will also be supporting non-crafters who wish to develop their creative side. Is there a skill that you have always wanted to try?
What skill would you like to learn?
Kirsten Lapping Designs launched the "Skill Challenge" to encourage people Kirsten will be learning a new skill each month. Some of these new skills will indeed be a challenge, as she intends to vary the skills and looks set to step out of her "comfort zone!"

We have had a lot of people asking about computers and suggesting that this be one of the skills we should do to inspire people. So, for October’s Skill Challenge that’s exactly what Kirsten did (the owner of Kirsten Lapping Designs, who also enjoys designing, demonstrating and tutoring workshops – all things craft!); although the design team love to draw new designs, before they are “tweaked” on computers, a lot of designing is done on the computer. The main thing that we come up against on our computer system is literally housekeeping or it keeps getting lower on the things to do list. Many a call has been made to help us out of tight spots with computers, so we thought of a great way for Kirsten to learn something new with computers, could be her least favourite job “housework” oops I meant “housekeeping” (although she says both are true).

So we called on our favourite I.T. specialists: C.J.F. Computers; where Kirsten was taught some great computer skills by Clive, the owner of C.J.F. Computers; which we will definitely be putting into practice too and Kirsten says she really enjoyed learning this skill!

In return Kirsten taught Clive the art of teabag folding, to create a rosette slider on a gate-fold card and a teabag Christmas tree; with our FREE downloadable Christmas Exploding Box proving to be such a hit, Clive also enjoyed creating his own. These are skills he has said that he will pass on to others, including his children.

For September's challenge, we worked with 100% Team Extreme, where Kirsten learnt self defence.

For August's challenge, we worked with The Bunker recording studio, Sun FM radio station and rising star B.E.X; Kirsten is learning skills from behind the scene in the music industry discovering the process involved in the journey of creating a music CD to the CD being aired. As Kirsten describes herself as having great taste in music, but being completely tone deaf; it was decided that having B.E.X a rising star to record the CD, would be best for all.

The CD was recorded at the Bunker recording studio, which offers many and varied courses including DJ skills, event management, instrument tuition, live sound engineering and sound and music technology; as well as supporting talented musicians. Kirsten was shown behind the scenes of the recording aspects of the music industry, as well as up to date recording techniques. Ever the professional, B.E.X kindly sang 3 times, DJ Gavin taught Kirsten many effects and techniques such as comping, reverb, EQing and more with the first 2 recordings. Later, Kirsten was shown how to put the backing music with B.E.X voice, this final recording was without effects, which is known in the industry as being “dry”.

B.E.X sang “From Yesterday”, by 30 Seconds to Mars, which was voted number 2 in Kerrang’s official top 100.

Kirsten learnt many different terms used in the music industry, such as, comping- which means to record several sounds separately and then “compile” them (mix them) together. EQing is to change the tone of the sound recorded for to sound how one would like to improve the quality of the sounds recorded. Reverb is used to add the sound of a room onto a recording such as adding the effect of being in a church hall or tunnel.

B.E.X stands for:

B. – Believe in
E.X – Extraordinary

We also worked with Sun FM radio station in August.

Katie McClements who is one of the newsreaders, showed Kirsten behind the scenes and guided her through learning some of the skills needed to work on a radio station. She was taken through the process from how news is sourced to how it is aired; Kirsten was taken through the process of editing an interview from scratch where she edited a Sue Pollard interview to go with the script she wrote based on the (pyramid system), which was aired the next day. Katie and the DJs were most helpful and informative. When Kirsten was interviewed she let the listeners know more about the Skill Challenge including the skills which she has learnt during August learning more about behind the scenes of the music industry, as well as about our up and coming event on Tuesday 17th November 4:30 – 7pm at Gateshead International Stadium.

For July's challenge, Kirsten was taught First Aid skills, alongside the Gold participants from Gateshead Duke of Edinburgh, which is part of Gateshead Council Youth and Community Learning. They were taught by the First Aid instructor from Rugby League North East Duke of Edinburgh Award Group. They were taught basic first aid, which also included basic first aid for hill walking/mountain climbing. They were taught many essential skills and were able to put these into practice, with scenarios, as well as practicing CPR on resuscitation dolls and applying dressings; for part of this Kirsten was almost turned into a mummy.

Kirsten said “I do hope no-one is in a situation where they need to use first aid; however, I feel this really is an important skill to learn, as you never know when you might just need to use first aid. I really enjoyed learning first aid, the instructor was really great, we were able to learn this skill in an informative and fun way. If anyone would like to learn first aid, they should contact their local first aid provider. For those who are 13 - 19 and are interested in learning a variety of lifelong skills and gaining recognised qualifications, I would highly recommend the Duke of Edinburgh.”

For June's "Skill Challenge" we worked with the Coastguard. June celebrated “Volunteers’ Week” and the “Skill Challenge” celebrated this in their own unique way, by swapping skills with Her Majesty’s Coastguard. H.M. Coastguard provide an emergency service along the UK’s beautiful coast line. We welcomed the opportunity to highlight the importance of this emergency service; voluntary work is a skill in itself! The UK is blessed with beautiful tourist areas including coastal areas which are very popular especially during our "days of Summer", we hope to encourage people to learn more about keeping safe in and around the coast.

Kirsten’s fear of water and slight aversion to heights made this a real challenge! The Sunderland H.M. Coastguard team “taught Kirsten the ropes” by having her abseil off a 30 metre cliff. The team were true professionals, covering all safety aspects and precautions, whilst being patient when Kirsten’s nerves kicked in.

Sunderland is fortunate in that it has a super stretch of sandy shores, which always proves popular with locals and greets visitors from far and wide with the annual air show. Beaches are a great place to have fun especially during sunny days, however, there are many reasons H.M. Coastguard’s skills are put to the test, some of these include: cliff rescues when people are caught unawares by the rising tide, dogs off leads falling down cliffs, people not wearing lifejackets, the “don’t drink and drown campaign and the fatal “game” “tombstoning” which has claimed many young lives. It is vital that people dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard when they spot anyone in trouble on the beaches, cliffs and seas around our coastline.

“For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a fear of water, especially the sea and rivers as well as a slight aversion to heights; however, I have always had a healthy respect for our coastline admiring the beauty from afar. I think the enormity of this challenge only really sunk in when I was driving to the coast and noticed that the tide was in. I was really scared and most definitely stepped out of my comfort zone with this challenge. Stepping with my back to the cliff and sea was very daunting, however, I surprised myself, I could liken it to waiting in line for a scary roller coaster, which you are scared of going on, then once you’ve tried it you found it so exhilarating you want to do it again.” Kirsten admits. “With this experience I can safely say that if you would like to rock climb or abseil, contact your local climbing wall to see what they offer, ensuring safety first!”

Kirsten taught 5 members of Sunderland’s H.M. Coastguard how to make a specially designed waterfall card, with a coast and rescue theme and helped them discover their creative side. Neil Mearns said “It brought back memories of early childhood and reminded me of the reason why I wanted to serve the community.” Simon Tait (Sunderland’s C/O) said, Neil’s wife Maureen will be so pleased to receive a handmade card for their anniversary.” Martin Routledge said “A great laugh and an excellent team bonding experience.”

Kirsten’s husband Kevin is part of Sunderland H.M. Coastguard team, this has given her an insight into the importance of their work. Kirsten says, “We were really pleased to work with H.M. Coastguard, they provide a vital service and we hoped to highlight this; it was also a great way to say well done to these, all too often, unsung heroes. If anyone would like to share or enhance their skills then why not find out more about volunteering; I would highly recommend H.M. Coastguard for anyone who is able to.” Kirsten said.

Becoming a volunteer is a great way to offer your skills and learning more, it can be tough and very rewarding; if you would like to become a volunteer for H.M. Coastguard, visit www.mcga.gov.uk or email greg.albrighton@mcga.gov.uk You can also find out more about how to stay safe at their website.

May’s “Skill Challenge” saw a unique twist, which brought two diverse ‘relaxation’ techniques together. Susan Irving Consultancy offers many and varied courses and development programmes for both the work environment and personal development, including: coaching for performance, effective leadership, problem solving and decision making, effective communication, self development, time management, train the workplace trainer, team building to name but a few. Kirsten from Kirsten Lapping Designs, was fortunate to have Sue herself teaching her “Self Hypnosis”. Although Kirsten is very open minded, she admits she was somewhat sceptical about being able to achieve this skill. Sue’s coaching and development, prior to hypnotherapy were a boost in itself, prior to hypnosis. Self hypnosis was fully explained with tuition, before Kirsten was guided to undertake it herself. “Sue had been amongst my support to enable me to undertake April’s Scuba Diving Challenge, she was a real boost which went a long way to enable me to complete the challenge I was most nervous about! I was reassured that I wouldn’t remain in a permanent state of hypnosis as I was afraid I may not be able to “wake myself up”. Sue being a true professional, guided me through the entire process with positive reassurance.

I was amazed at how aware I still was of my surroundings, whilst being totally relaxed and able to feel my positive affirmations. Sue gave me a length of time to be under and each time I put myself in self hypnosis, I came out of it at the exact time which she had given me, I thought that was amazing. I would suggest that if anyone would like to learn this fantastic skill that they try to book with Sue from Susan Irving Consultancy. I have tried relaxation techniques before, however this was truly a unique experience and gave me so much more than relaxation; I would highly recommend this skill to everyone.

Sue was amongst the first to make one of Kirsten Lapping Designs specially designed notebook holders, this was made using several craft techniques including stamping and chalking, along with wire and bead work.

Sue said, “I found the craft session to be really enjoyable and relaxing; I can’t wait to hang the notebook holder in my office”. I surprised myself I didn't think I would enjoy it, however, I found it immensely rewarding, I was surprised and proud how much I enjoyed this experience; with step buy step tuition from Kirsten while being encouraged to tap into my creative side - I didn't even know I had a creative side or that arts and crafts were for me, however, I'd really like to do this again and learn more."
Contact Susan Irving Consultancy to discover your full potential and learn valuable skills - on 0191 5166299 visit www.susanirvingconsultancy.co.uk

Kirsten mentioned "The Self Hypnosis will certainly be put to the test with June's "Skill Challenge" where we will be working with the Coastguard; with my fear of the water and my slight fear of heights I usually avoid cliffs!" :)

April's "Skill Challenge" is Scuba Diving! KLD are working with Sunderland Scuba Centre, teaching 4 scuba divers to make a scuba scrap page.


Kirsten was taught basic scuba diving skills. "I was SO nervous about this challenge for many reasons, but with the support of my family, friends and the instructors I managed to stay in the water and continue. I did feel panicky, but I overcame that, even to the point that I was told that if I had been doing my Open Water Qualification, then I would have done enough skills to have passed module 1; I surprised myself!" Kirsten admits "I never thought I'd being saying this, but I would highly recommend Scuba Diving to anyone who has a love of water or for those like me who look to taking themselves out of their comfort zone then give it a go!"

If you are able to learn to dive in Sunderland, then Sunderland Scuba Centre www.sunderlandscubacentre.com is the place to go call 0191 5670147. If not, then please ensure that it is a reputable centre, we would suggest visiting the PADI website www.padi.com for more advice.

March's "Skill Challenge" was to learn Sign Language; we worked with Bridge Training and Education Centre for Women in Washington, Tyne & Wear. In return for learning Sign Language, Kirsten taught 8 Bridge managers and staff how to make a special card project, with a “Bridge” theme.

Kirsten was invited to the International Women's Day lunch on the 6th March, by Bridge; there were inspirational guest speakers and a great demonstration of how to wear a Sahri, Kirsten was even dressed in a purple Sahri (conincidental since the KLD colour is purple).

“Bridge work to make a difference in people's lives and we are proud to have worked with them for the March "Skill Challenge"; especially since March celebrated International Women’s Day. I thoroughly enjoyed learning Sign Language, I think that it is such an important skill to learn, that it would be great if it could be part of the National Curriculum“.

"I have never been into doing crafts but I was amazed at how much I enjoyed the session and found it to be relaxing and therapeutic. I was also very proud with the card I produced”. From Sheila Davidson MBE

'Never had as much fun with a pair of scissors and a pot of glue!' Didn't know I had any creativity in me, good relaxation. From Jan Vincent

"I really enjoyed the session it was great fun and I picked up some useful new skills". From Janice Rokni.

'What a treat to be able to forget all the pressures of work and learn a new, exiting and fun skill. I was so proud of the card I produced! It made me feel as though I had discovered a hidden talent. A real break from the 'norm' - Thanks Kirsten. From Jenny

If you would like to learn a skill rom Bridge, they offer a variety of skills inlcuding, sign language, computers, childcare, healthcare, introduction to an "ology", crafts, to name but a few; they also offer the highly recommended "New Me" course which offers a wide variety of taster sessions, then contact Bridge Women's Education Centre on 0191 4172445 their website is www.bridgeproject.org

February's "Skill Challenge" was to learn to play rugby read on for more details . . .            
Sport and craft unite . . .
Inspire, In Sport, In Craft!
Both ends of the hobby spectrum: the calm and tranquil relaxation that is found when enjoying the very popular hobby of crafts; now meets its' alter ego in the hard hitting adrenalin packed sport that is Rugby League.

During February, Kirsten Lapping Designs worked with Rugby League North East. Kirsten carried out her challenge to be taught how to play Rugby by Gateshead Thunder, in return Kirsten taught 4 professional Rugby players from Gateshead Thunder how to craft and make a specially designed "Exploding Box" with a Rugby theme. Due to the success of the first part of the challenge, Rugby League North East have requested Kirsten Lapping Designs to be involved in incorporating the player's new found crafting skills into their community programme. In addition Rugby League North East have also asked for Kirsten Lapping Designs to be involved in their Duke of Edinburgh programme.

Kirsten has never played Rugby before, but chose Rugby League as one of her challenges to get a better understanding of the game as her family are involved in coaching with Rugby League North East and are also involved with Jarrow Vikings Amateur Rugby League Team, to which Kirsten Lapping Designs are proud sponsors of.


If you would be interested in learning Rugby League Skills or becoming involved with a North East Rugby League Team please visit the North East Rugby League Website, northeastrl.com or contact Jade Mackie Youth Volunteer Coordinator at jade.mackie@rfl.uk.com.

Alternatively if you would like to come along and watch Gateshead Thunder in their bid to win the Championship please visit the Gateshead Thunder Website for all fixtures and travel information, www.thunderrugby.com

January's "Skill Challenge" was to learn to play the keyboard; this was chosen as Kirsten has always wanted to be able to play an instrument, as she has a love of a wide range of music. Kirsten asked her daughter Becca, as she is very musically talented, she can play many instruments, composes her own music and has the voice of an Angel; she also proved to be a very patient tutor! Although when Kirsten was younger she could play the recorder, she never learnt to read music, but memorised how to play, (this technique didn't work so well with a poor attempt at learning to play the violin may years ago!). In return Becca who already enjoys crafts, has been learning demonstrating techniques, this will in turn go towards her Duke of Edinburgh.

We'll keep you posted with more "Skill Challenges"!

A note from Kirsten - On New Year's Eve I made a resolution; I've only managed to keep one other and still do to this day; this year I have high hopes and have a great feeling about this one too. I will be learning a new skill each month - this has had my mind racing with many wonderful ideas, some more realistic than others. Among other new skills, I am looking to learning Rugby and Scuba Diving (and for those who know me, yes you did read that right!  My husband and daughters enjoy both of these and I decided to find out for myself how much fun this can be and yes, there will be photos on the website!) I am really looking forward to the forthcoming challenges; so much so that I'd like to invite you to join in and try something new. So Kirsten Lapping Designs have launched "Skill Challenge", as the name sugest: challenge yourself to learn a new skill. It really is about trying something new, a skill that may come in useful in your life, something you've longed to try or just learning a new skill to enhance that feel good factor. I intend to learn a new skill each month; you may have your heart set on less or even more than me! The choice is yours. You can take this "Skill Challenge" to the next level . . . "Swap-a-Skill" is really for people who have friends or family who would like to learn a skill from you and you wishing to learn a skill from them; a trade of skills so to speak. (This being agreed by both parties as being a "trade of skills"; details are down to you, for you both to arrange and be happy with, before the trade and both carrying out what was agreed.) The swap is: you teach them a skill and they teach you a skill that they possess; e.g. if you are a crafter and have friends or family who are none crafters (maybe those who have ever wondered what mysteries there are with this addictive craft); why not share your skill and teach them the "Art of Crafts"? To ease them in, you could teach them basic card making skills such as scoring, folding, matting and layering, or step-by-step to make a simple card, the choice is yours; our Gallery has some great inspiration. The most important thing to remember is . . . to have fun. Not only can this enhance people's lives through learning a new skill, which they may put to good use or find their hidden talents, but if people enjoy "Share-a-Skill" or "Swap-a-Skill" then what a great way to have fun, what a great way to try something new and finding out if the skill is right for you.
Let us know how you get on at our Forum or email enquiries@kirstenlappingdesigns.com it would be great to see any photos too. If you do decide to enjoy the "Skill Challenge" let others know and get them to visit our website to find out more . Good luck to all who try the "Skill Challenge", be it "Try A New Skill", "Share-a-Skill" or "Swap-a-Skill". Happy Crafting, Kirsten x P.S. I'll keep you posted about my monthly "Skill Challenge". (*We hope that you have fun, however, Kirsten Lapping Designs cannot accept any responsibility for any Skill Challenges which have not been organised directly by Kirsten Lapping Designs)