Judy Balchin studied art at Cardiff College of Art. Following this, she specialized in graphic design at Kent Institute of Art and Design in Maidstone. After working as a graphics assistant at the BBC Television Centre, she joined Adverkit International Ltd as a lettering artist. This began her love affair with letters, producing book jackets, logos and television titles over many years. During this time, she also became involved in the craft world. She has appeared on television, worked as a craft demonstrator, designed craft kits and run workshops. She has produced more than 20 books on various crafts and is the author of many articles for craft magazines. Judy lives in Maidstone, Kent. Paula Pascual was born in Zarazoga, Spain and grew up in Mallorca. She became interested in crafts at the age of twelve, and by the time she was fifteen was selling her own handmade cards. In 2002 Paula moved to the UK where she continued to make and sell cards, later becoming involved in demonstrating and teaching. She now works as a freelance tutor and designer for several craft companies and has had numerous articles published in several popular craft magazines. A former translator and interpreter, Barbara Gray stepped out of the corporate world into the world of art and craft when her children were born. Whilst living in California in the early nineties and developing her illustrating and design skills, she invented a brand new type of art stamp: a transparent one. She has been pioneering the art of transparent stamping ever since and now runs the largest transparent stamp manufacturing company in the world. She has been a regular contributor to art and craft magazines both at home and abroad for many years and is a well respected stamp designer and artist in the UK. Barbara lives on an old farm with her young family and pets. She rides a Harley Davidson and plays the piano, neither very well and never at the same time. Joanna Sheen's passion for crafts has been a life-long affair. She started Joanna Sheen Ltd in 1979 and has been immersed in various crafts ever since and has written over 30 books on various craft related topics. Joanna's first passion was for flowers, she trained with the world renowned Constance Spry Flower School in London. Having successfully run an international pressed flower business for 20 years, Joanna turned her focus to card making and has gradually progressed into her very popular vintage feel designs and products. Joanna is fascinated by the Victorian age, it's values and the charm of the immensely skilled craftsmanship that is so evident in all handmade treasures from that age. In her card making, Joanna tries to re-create the keepsake souvenir feel of many Victorian cards, which once you have made them for someone, you know will be treasured for ever. Today Joanna appears very regularly on TV on both Ideal World and the Create and Craft channels with new ideas, demonstrations and best selling products. Joanna has a very enthusiastic following who all share her love of timeless design, traditional skills and sentimental treasures.
