Allsorts and everything

Glorious Greens

2012-01-26T23:30:00.000Z

is the colour theme for the Gingersnap Creations challenge

& this is the card I made for my MIL's birthday tomorrow.

Firstly I used 3 or 4 green distress inks to make the background which I then cut into squares & backed with dark green.

I added the ribbon & buttons & the birthday sentiment stamped with green stazon ink, mounted on white card.

The flower/vase image was stamped using the green stazon again & cut out leaving the white border.

The butterflies were punched using my Martha Stewart punch in the dark green backing paper for the base & multi coloured greens for the top, which I enhanced with crackle medium (doesn't show too well in the photo)

So there you have it - Happy Birthday MIL!

I've discovered

2012-01-26T00:01:00.000Z

that I really like altering tins!

Now how did I discover this? I took part in an altered swap over on UK Stampers.

and no I'm not spoiling the surprise - this tin is not the one that is winging it's way via Royal Mail to the recipient as I type :-)

This started life as an Altoids tin - full of peppermints!

I covered the tin with paper & made the insert compartments from mount board which I coloured with alcohol ink.

I stamped the image & coloured with distress ink & Copics, then used Crackle accents on the clock

just love the effect :-)

on the hair I used bronze Glitter Gel giving it texture as well as colour

and I used Inka Gold on the key which was the same colour as the Generation embellishment

I stamped & mounted various words

and added a little lace, flowers & the Generations embellishment which was just the right colour!

I'll reveal the other altered tin as soon as the recipient lets me know that she has received it ......

Thought I'd share

2012-01-24T13:51:00.001Z

some of the pressies I made for family for Xmas

Slippers for my MIL to keep her feet toasty warm

Both the slippers & flower were crocheted

I bought an inexpensive hat & used my handmade felt

and cut the flowers out using my Big Shot & a Sizzix build a flower die & sewed them on using buttons for the centers.

I made a Dressing Table Tidy for my niece

I painted the insides a plain antique white & the outside & top rims were given a coat of colour then painted white & crackle glazed

The recipient :-)

Other members of the family got Snoods - hand knitted & with handmade buttons that I crafted from Fimo

So there you go - a few of the handcrafted pressies ...

My MIL got in on the act too making the boys of the family (including the dog!) knitted hats :-)

Hearts again

2012-01-23T15:39:00.000Z

Another card using my lovely hearts stamp

this time with just the one image mounted onto a pretty doily

I used my silver pen to colour the hearts & again chalked the backgrounds

The center heart embellishment & inked red to make it stand out & again used the silver pen to tie it in

Cut it Out

2012-01-22T15:47:00.001Z

Is the theme over on Less is More this week.

I stamped this lovely stamp straight onto the card & then using a craft knife cut out the background behind the image, which I then coloured with my Copics

I popped a piece of red velum behind the cut out to make it 'pop'

To finish I stamped the birthday sentiment onto white card & layered it onto the velum & used a strip of the vellum as a 'ribbon' to co-ordinate

Just sneaking in .........

2012-01-22T10:14:00.000Z

with my entry for the Gingersnap Creations colour challenge - soft yellows & white.

To make the background on this card I used my embossing folders to create texture & then used chalks to delicately colour - the first highlighted on the top of the pattern & the other in the valley of the pattern.

The other background I made by using a script stamp stamped onto bazil. I then 'aged' the edges using inking.

I used the script background & stamped the flower & used my Copics to delicately colour the stems & leaves.

I stamped the sentiment onto white card & coloured with my Copics & added the white & yellow & white spotted ribbon & finished with the forever friends sentiment.

I'm delighted .....

2012-01-17T20:08:00.001Z

To tell you that I've been chosen as a Ginger Gem :-) for my card for the candelabra chandelier & candles challenge

With this card

There's lots of lovely artwork so please pop over for a look & stop by the blogs for a more detailed look :-)

Less is More - Birds

2012-01-16T19:11:00.000Z

I'm joining in with the LIM challenge this week which is a one layer card with the subject of birds

I stamped the images in brown ink, which looks better in real life than in the photo (I'll keep practicing my photography as it really lets me down!)

Then coloured the bird using my Copics

and finished off by chalking around the images.

Colours prescribed ..........

2012-01-14T13:09:00.001Z

Purple, green, pink & white are the colours for the colour challenge 29 at Creatalicious Challenges blog.

I stamped the heart stamp twice using olive ink, then coloured them in with inks using a cotton bud to give the naive feel to the card.

The heart stamp is the first ever stamp I got way back when in Australia when I was introduced to rubber stamping & gorgeous craft shops full of gorgeous goodies!

I used plain green bazil to back the card.

I added a white flower & pink clip & used my Martha Stewart branch punch for the foliage.

I finished with the 3 pink buttons.

Something old, something new

2012-01-14T07:13:00.001Z

The first of the new year Time to Create challenges on the Crafts by Carolyn forum is Something Old, Something New

The old here is the background paper which I've had for yonks!

The new is the sentiment which is from my new Lindsay Mason stamp set (bought with my Xmas money :-) )

I coloured the castle using my Copics, & mounted the image using sticky fixers to raise it.

To finish I stamped the sentiment inside, using the same set of stamps in the same font

January Postcard Swap - Numbers

2012-01-13T11:58:00.000Z

Over on the UK Stampers forum the January Postcard swap theme is Numbers.

I decided to use lots of numbers on my postcard.

Firstly I used my distress inks to make the background, blending them together where they met.

I then used my new Andy Skinner stamp set, suplemented with other number stamps from my stash.

I then stamped the sentiments onto card, number spelled out on one, cut out & inked the edges then stuck them firmly in place.

So there you have it my postcard to join the other 11 so far this month - why don't you join in - it's lots of fun & it's lovely to receive something special in the post :-)

Starting 2012 with a challenge!

2012-01-12T14:16:00.001Z

Thought I'd take the plunge & enter the Gingersnap Creations Random Redhead Challenge which is

Candelabras. Chandeliers and Candles

I stamped my images, the candelabra is from my new Andy Skinner stamp set & I believe the chandelier was a freebie with Craft Stamper magazine.

I layered the matted images which I inked the edges of to give a vintage look, using toning papers.

I used stickles to accentuate the candelabra & added a touch of ribbon behind the matting & then added the spiral metal embellishments to finish.

My December Postcard

2011-12-15T00:29:00.000Z

The theme for the December postcard swap over on UK Stampers is 'The top of the tree'

I chose a star for the top of my tree & wanted it to be the 'star' of my postcard.

I started with a base of blue card & used blue stazon ink to stamp the background - Santa, presents & Christmas writing

I then stamped my star stamp & Happy Christmas & heat embossed them using gold embossing powder to make them 'pop' & become the focus of the postcard.

I kept the subtleness & stamped the wording underneath the star again using blue stazon ink in a triangle to represent the top of the tree.

I tried various attempts at this using more colour & bling but much preferred this version.

It was very difficult to photograph though, so hope that the recipient finds it better in real life :-)

Graduation ...................

2011-12-04T13:41:00.001Z

Our daughter graduated from the University of Cumbria last week, hence the green & silver colour theme for the card, with a First Class Honours Degree in midwifery - we are very proud of her.

I used the university colours for the matting layers

and the punched circle sentiment that is hand written

This is a background stamp

and to finish I hand cut the mortar board in two pieces which I stuck together & finished with a piece of twine

The list goes on .....

2011-12-03T00:06:00.001Z

Hubby has written off my car - or rather the STUPID bus driver that ran a red light into the passenger side of my car wrote off my car!! Hubby is fine *Phew* but days are now spent talking to/negotiating with the Insurance co & answering endless questions ............. same questions multiple times ............

It seems it never rains but it pours!!

But the good news is that I won the gorgeous Indigo Blue stamp set Poppy Meadow on the Craft Room Treasure Hunt 2!

Thanks so much.

It has arrived safely & is gorgeous in real life - can't wait to get it out & have a play - when I get near my craft room again :-)

Craft Room's Christmas present is now up for grabs

Treasure Hunt 3

http://craft-roomchallenge.blogspot.com/2011/11/craft-rooms-christmas-present-to-you.html

pop over & join in for the chance to win another gorgeous Indigo Blue stamp Wild Meadow

These stamps are so lovely that I'm running over to try my luck again :-)

Recovering.................

2011-11-19T18:03:00.000Z

After a dreadful few weeks which started with my MIL being rushed into hospital with heart problems, followed by losing my precious kitty to a tumour & the next day having surgery myself, the electrics failing in our house .....

the list just seems to go on!

Well I'm finally recovering & managed to do my first crafting for a while ........

This is my postcard for the November postcard swap over on UK Stampers

The theme is fireworks

I used my 'blob' stamp which reminded me of the burst of a firework & used Perfect Medium & glitter embossing powders to achieve the firework burst effect.

I used blue distress inks for the background 'sky'

and a small alphabet set for remember & the November & 5 from a stamp set to do the wording.

I love to join in with the postcard swap - it's lovely to get something nice in the post each month :-)

Challenge Notebook

2011-10-26T07:13:00.001+01:00

To get myself more organised I've made myself a little Craft Challenge Notebook to note down challenge requirements & the date they need to be done by.

I covered the notebook & used the toning back of the 12x12 paper for the title block

I stamped the sentiment

I then cut out the flowers & positioned them in the corner

and in the lower corner popped them on the end of the stamped stems.

Finished with some faux stitching round the edge using my white gel pen after handwriting the title.

Have you seen................

2011-10-25T10:50:00.000+01:00

the Mega Candy over on the Charmed Cards & Crafts blog?

See my side bar! :-)

This is a Charmed Mikey download that I coloured with my copics. Just love him lounging against the car :-)

Halloween postcard

2011-10-24T00:09:00.000+01:00

This is my postcard for the postcard swap over on UK Stampers

Can you guess this months theme?

Yes it's Halloween :-)

Firstly I used my distress ink pads to lay down the blue & orange & where they overlap they give a spooky greeny colour.

I stamped the images & then used distress crackle glaze to highlight & give the spooky feel

I distress crackle glazed the body of the spider & attached it to the spider web stamped in the corner using a drawing pen.

Finally I stamped the date

A Huge Thank You

2011-10-24T00:07:00.000+01:00

to my wonderful blogging friends for not giving up on me with no blog posts for so long.

Unfortunately life got in the way in the form of dodgy health problems, the building work we are doing atm is causing chaos, the good news is that we actually have the heating back up & running finally!!, the house is such a mess everywhere & I couldn't get near my craft room (it's not much better now but I've beaten a path to my work desk after the withdrawl symptoms kicked in majorly!!) family members health problems, my poor puss cat is really poorly ............................ the list goes on & on

but we did get a weeks holiday in Cornwall at the time of the beautiful weather :-)

Followers of my blog will know that I usually take some crafting bits & craft & blog whilst on holiday but this year it just didn't work out ......

So a Huge Thank You to you all for hanging in there

Take 3 Challenges

2011-09-02T14:10:00.001+01:00

We have chosen a Recipe this time

Take 3 Challenges

We want you to choose 3 from any of our previous 29 and combine them in your design.
There is a list of our previous challenges under the tab heading at the top of our blog and you can also see the previous sketches under a separate tab.

Please state which 3 you have chosen.
NB There is no need to adhere to the One Layer if that is on the week you choose.

You may wish to go for your favourites or maybe your least...acetate springs to mind!

Most of all, be creative, have fun, remember our white space and the all important

"Less is More"

This is my card for this weeks Take 3 Challenges at Less is More

The 3 challenges are

A touch of red, In the frame & use ink

The frame is the background framing the letters

& I've used red ink.

The heart is chipboard that I've inked & embossed.

This week is a quick card as I didn't want to miss out in entering but I've been rather busy as my daughter got stuck in the USA due to Hurricane Irene & I've had to collected her (after being bumped off about 10 flights that she was booked on!!) & take her home to Cumbria & spend a couple of days with her .................. with limited internet time.

Hopefully I'll be back home & blogging soon.

A peek ..........

2011-08-26T22:58:00.000+01:00

of what I'm doing tomorrow ....

I'm doing a Craft Fair for my charity NACC

my first!

I didn't get much notice. Luckily it's a fun day & not a dedicated Craft Fair so there will be lots of fun things going on bouncy castle/face painting/shoulder massage/live music/tombola/throw the wet sponge at the Consultant/cakes/nails etc as well as craft & vintage stalls including mine.

I'm hoping that the actual table is bigger than the chest in my hall that I used for a practice set out!

I'm not allowed to do cards as one of the committee does cards on a regular basis & is having a stall so I've had to be inventive!

Hope the selection goes down well

will let you know after the event

Things that move

2011-08-23T23:14:00.002+01:00

This is my card for the LIM challenge this week.

Things that Move

This could be interpreted in a variety of ways...an actual moving component on your card, so a pop up, a shaker, a spinner, a charm, a tag... we could go on...

On the other hand your card could have an image of something capable of movement, so the scope for that is almost infinitesimal!

I chose to make a waterfall card which is a moving component

& put on it flowers (move in the wind), a butterfly,

a cloud (moves across the sky) & a bird.

I finished with a swirl stamped straight onto the card, topped with a punched butterfly in the same 12x12 double sided paper I used for the waterfall.

I'm really pleased with the way this turned out :-)

LIM use Ink

2011-08-18T16:25:00.001+01:00

Once more we are back to the second week of the month and so our challenge is for a

ONE LAYER CARD

The special feature we would like to see this week is for you to

USE INK
** This does include ink pads **

...hopefully in a way you haven't tried before.... or using a favourite technique.

I revisited a technique that I haven't used in forever after seeing the subject of the LIM challenge for this week.

I got out my brayer & a set of inks that I have hardly used & experimented with the different colourways & positioning on the page.

The inks are lovely & vibrant but unfortunately the camera hasn't picked it up very well.

For this card I placed the strip to the right & stamped using blue Stazon ink adding the sentiment straight onto the card as it's a one layer challenge.

I stamped the images slightly over the inked area for added contrast.

In this card the image is contained within the inked strip.

This reminds me of those 1970's posters :-)

and stamped the sentiment straight onto the card underneath the image.

a different colourway .....

again with the image stamped slightly over the edge.

The last placement was a rectangle in the middle of the card

and stamped the sentiment onto it

I used the same inks to colour the image of the castle using cotton buds as 'brushes' using in the main the same colours as the background.

Throughout I used post it notes to mask off the areas that I needed to protect from the ink.

I've had fun playing this week :-)

Christmas in Black & White +1

2011-08-09T09:42:00.000+01:00

CHNC this week is to make a Xmas card using black, white & one other colour.

I chose red as my other colour.

I stamped this Penny Black image in black ink onto white card

& coloured the hats using a copic pen

these cute hedgehogs always make me smile! :-)

I mounted the image onto the backing at a slight angle to give it a sense of movement.

I'd also like to enter this in Simon Says - Christmas in August

and Penny Black Saturday Challenge - Anything Goes

Flag inspiration

2011-08-08T12:15:00.000+01:00

The Less is More challenge this week is ....

This week it's time for another colour challenge and for your delectation this week, we have decided to ask you make a card using the

COLOURS

YOUR NATION'S FLAG!

We should be able to see quite a variety of colours this week as we are fortunate enough to have crafters from all around the world sharing in our challenges. If you could describe the colours of your flag or include an image of it, that would be great.

This is my card based on the Union Jack

For the background I used a piece of red card & a piece of spotted Bazil both of which i put though my nifty tool to make them corrugated to give a bit of texture.

I then mounted them both onto a piece of blue card.

I then stamped the image onto the blue card using white ink & cut off part of the image & inked the edges to give a bit of definition.

Here you can see the blue base coming through the white ink.

To finish I stamped the sentiment straight onto the card.

So there you have it my Union Jack inspired red white & blue card.

Postcard swapping

2011-08-06T13:20:00.002+01:00

The theme for the August Postcard swap on UK Stampers is Tea Time

and this is my postcard for the swap.

For the background I used a torn page from an old book & distress inks.

I used a Paper Artsy script stamp & then over stamped with the pocket watch (a freebie from Craft Stamper magazine)

both of the other sentiments are Paper Artsy stamps

The cup & saucer is another Craft Stamper magazine freebie

I firstly stamped it onto the card in the position that I wanted, then stamped another onto white card & inked it & then liquid embossed to make it more prominent & shiny to draw the eye.

It was then left to dry properly & then stuck down firmly.

I'm looking forward to seeing the other participants creations now :-)

Fruity problem

2011-08-04T19:10:00.001+01:00

Less is More challenge this week has asked for

FEELING FRUITY

We would like to see fruit on your cards or fruit colours...easy peasy 'lemon' squeezy!

Well it would be but looking through my quite extensive collection of stamps I found that I was fruitless!! How could this be?

So I had to do some thinking ..... I wasn't going to let this stop me entering!!

and found a small border punch that had hearts & flowers, so used the heart pieces to make the small strawberries on my card

I drew freehand the stave & clef & popped on the hearts on which I drew on the pips & the stalk

The phrase I would have printed onto the card if I'd been able to but as I couldn't I wrote it & underlined with the red pen.

The larger strawberry I created again from a slightly larger heart punch & cut the stalk freehand from green paper, again drawing on the pips.

To finish I cut the frame border from red card.

I did try using a ruler for the stave but much preferred the arty freehand version which went better with the freehand writing.

Sympathy cards

2011-07-21T07:13:00.000+01:00

are not the easiest cards to make & I was asked to make one for my Son-in-law for his very good friend who has just lost his Mum

This is what I came up with ....

I used paisley vellum as the background & stamped it with this lovely Paper Artsy stamp

of stylised flowers in a vase

modern but traditional too....

I stamped the sentiment straight onto the card in the same way as the flower vase image & finished using my pearl pen to make the gorgeous pearls on either side.

I hope it is modern but tastefully done.

Circles - How many?

2011-07-20T09:19:00.000+01:00

can you count?

This is my entry for the Less is More challenge

We have a theme which this week is

CIRCLES

Please note that this is in the plural... we need to see more than one circle, so not just a circular card base or the odd circle thrown in just to qualify... we need you to think circles and see what you can come up with. Whilst you're thinking of your design however, we don't want you to forget the white space element and the CAS feel for your card.

I punched out the scalloped circle & stamped it off centre with the stamp

then used my pearl pens to highlight the circles - just love the effect! It really pops the image.

even the sentiment is circular!

I mounted it onto a circle (hand cut as I didn't have a punch the right size) and then onto another scalloped circle

and a closer view of the bottom circle for those still counting :-)

So LIMettes how many circles can you count on my card?

Waste not Want not!

2011-07-12T11:49:00.000+01:00

Whilst making my LIM entry I got inky fingers & didn't realise, putting inky marks on the edge of my card :-(

the rest of the card was fine so I cut off the inky edges, mounted it onto red bazil & made another card!

I added the flesh colour to the image to balance out the stronger use of the red on the card so the eye is drawn to the image.

This obviously wasn't appropriate for the Less is More challenge as it wasn't a one layer card but I have another card made ready for when it is needed :-)

Anyone else do this kind of thing?

LIM Something with legs

2011-07-09T18:08:00.000+01:00

The Less is More challenge this week is a One Layer Card with the theme Something with legs

These three cards are variations on a theme

The first is no frills at all - just the red lips & flower

This second one I've added the frame to give a bit of movement to the card

and the third I've also used a bit of colour on the figures & the 3 pearl dots.

In all of them & inked up the stamp but not the lady's mouth & popped the red onto the stamp with my Copic pen just before stamping out.

I did the same for the sentiment making the rose red to stand out

The pearls were made using my new Perlent-pen from Viva Decor - great fun to do - please go look them up if you haven't come across them before :-) They come in all sorts of colours.

So LIMettes which one does it for you?

Postcard

2011-07-06T18:02:00.001+01:00

This is the postcard that I've created to join in the July postcard swap over at UK Stampers

The theme for this month is Red White & Blue

You make your postcard & post it to the thread & at the end of the month are given your swapee & you sent it as a postcard through the regular mail & you get one in return :-) Neat eh?

After sticking down the various papers, red & white squared &

red & white dots along with the 2 colours of bazil bling I then punched out a circle & used the inset as a stencil to create the red 'sun/moon'

I then used my new buildings stamp from Hero Arts (it 'fell' into my basket when crafty shopping yesterday!!) & stamped it using blue ink, then punched out the stars from the background red/white paper & another blue paper.

Finally I added the sentiment, part of a set from Paper Artsy, & inked the edges.

I really had fun doing this :-)

Do pop over & see the other works of art here

Golfing birthday card

2011-07-05T09:23:00.000+01:00

I, like a lot of us, often find male cards quite difficult to design, but this one was easier than usual as the recipient is well known for his love of golfing!

I coloured the image using Copics & used sticky fixers to mount it onto the vibrant green background bazil.

I popped the stamped sentiment onto a slightly darker green background matt & there you have it, or rather he has it mail permitting, as the birthday was yesterday! :-)

LIM Shades of Blue

2011-07-02T16:03:00.000+01:00

Think this is a first for me - getting my LIM challenge card

done on the first day!

This week the theme is Shades of Blue

This idea popped into my head

I stamped the monkey image & coloured it using my Copics

in of course shades of blue :-)

I stamped out the sentiment, again in blue & mounted it onto blue bazil.

Then came my problem! I can't print out from this computer :-( & I needed the other sentiment for the card to 'make sense' so I couldn't do the clever printing out or onto the card like Chrissie & Mandi do.

I had to go freehand!! so had a go at replicating the font freehand ...

One day soon I hope my son will get this computer onto the network so that I can print out - I find it really hampers you at times not being able to!

Anything Goes Christmas

2011-07-01T18:38:00.000+01:00

now is it my eyes or is this photo blury?

It was fine when I cropped it!

Anyway this is my entry for CHNC this week which is Anything goes as it's halfway through the year! ALREADY!!? Wow has that gone fast!

I stamped the Santa image & coloured with copics then added stickles & used a gold pen for the buckle, then mounted it on red card & onto the backing paper. I love this paper with the sparkle on it :-)

To finish I stamped the Ho! Ho! Ho! sentiment straight onto the card.

2 more for Less is More!

2011-06-30T13:42:00.000+01:00

Firstly I went red!

and white

and followed the sketch pretty literally

and varied the depth if the image/number/letter

For the second I went pretty with lace & butterflies

The butterflies were punched & layered & popped onto leaves punched with my Martha Stewart branch punch

and added the sentiment in the middle.

An inky fingers day!

2011-06-29T09:48:00.000+01:00

Yesterday I had an inky day!

The theme over at Less is More this week is a sketch

I had an idea inspired by my new stamps but they were far too big! so I finally had a 'light bulb moment' & got out my neglected shrink plastic.

After a lot of playing around - note to self & a tip for others, read the instructions! & don't use dye ink - it smudges & rubs off, hence the very inky fingers!

I started out by just stamping the images & shrinking them.

Then added the touch of gold

and finally coloured the whole image

The background was made using distress inks, firstly I used the browny colours & then used the blue after thinking of airmail envelopes :-) This was then stamped with the postal cancellation stamp

& the shrink plastic images popped on top.

I chose the sentiment Celebrate as I thought the cards could be used for various occasions & stamped this straight onto the card.

So I ended up with 3 cards on this theme :-)

Vintage Choice

2011-06-25T16:30:00.000+01:00

This is my new creation in situ in my hall

It is my entry for the Vintage Choice Competition on the UK Stampers forum

'Vintage Choice'. To be in with a chance to win we need you to make a crafty creation in a vintage theme with any colourway and use at least 2 of the following 6 items in its making:

Lace
Ribbon
Fabric
Pins
A Vintage Photo
Glitter

I started with a plain wooden frame

I forgot to take a 'before' picture! but this is the back of the frame.

I used my new pot of Inka Gold to colour the frame - it's lovely to use & gives a gorgeous finish :-) It's from the Craft Barn

I made the flowers from double sided 12x12 paper using a coil technique that I just came across whilst mooching round the web - can't remember where just atm but will let you know when I find it again as it was a well explained tutorial :-)

The image underneath the top of the photo is a rubber stamp stamped onto fabric using timber brown Stazon ink. Gives a different texture :-)

The watch was a piece given to me by my daughter for my crafting - think she will be pleased with it's use as she & her Great Gran were very close :-)

The background stamp, stamped in Distress ink - Fired Brick is by Lyndsay Mason & the stamp across the corner is from a Paper Artsy set

The butterfly is part of a necklace! & the key is from Calico Crafts & the lace from the Craft Den (apart from the butterfly & Paper Artsy stamp they are my winnings :-) )

The stamp is a new acquisition & stamped onto the same paper as the background & then cut out. The pin is from Charmed Cards & Crafts & I cut the length in half & added the beads which were from stash as was the diamonte buckle & the pearls.

The image of my Gran when young I copied onto photo paper

to preserve the precious original.

I really enjoyed doing this project & managed to use everything on the list, apart from glitter!

Monochrome plus One Colour

2011-06-24T23:15:00.000+01:00

Monochrome plus One Colour

is asked for over on the Artistic Stamper Creative Team Blog Challenge

this month - I chose blue as my colour

I stamped my Alice stamp & coloured her dress in blue

using my Copic pens

& mounted the image on a blue matt.

I stamped the sentiment onto the blue bazil & matted it onto the black card

The sequin waste is also black in keeping with

the theme of monochrome + 1

Christmas Wings

2011-06-22T23:18:00.001+01:00

The challenge at CHNC this week is Christmas Wings

So for challenge 25 I'd like to see some Christmas wings - in other words, I'd like you to include an angel or a fairy on your card.

This is my Angel

blowing it's trumpet!

I cut out the pieces of the Angel & positioned it over the paper doily, which I cut out the middle of, & onto the pink Xmas paper background.

I emphasised the wing edge using Stickles

To finish I added the sentiment stamped onto the background paper

& mounted on white card

I'd also like to enter this for the One Stitch at a Time challenge Things with wings

LIM Monochrome - tried again

2011-06-21T23:53:00.000+01:00

Hmmm

Lady LIM Chrissie obviously wasn't too impressed with my last effort!!

So here is my second entry ......

It's an Anniversary card for my daughter & son-in-law - not due until the beginning of next month, but hopefully she won't peak as she is

very busy atm!

I designed the Monogram ( Initials J & A) & used distress embossing powder & gold pen on the monogram itself. I used distress inks on the background then mounted it on pattered (dotty) card & then plain card

I stamped the sentiment using distress inks & mounted it in the same way.

No more embellishment as I wanted the Monogram to be the

highlight of the card

ps Lady LIM see the Too late but I'll post - as you expressed an interest ;-)

LIM Monogram

2011-06-21T22:34:00.000+01:00

This is my entry for the LIM challenge this week

The theme is Monogram

After a lot of thought I decided to go with

You (U) 're a Star

The U is a plain chipboard letter that I covered with red & then stamped with black lettering

I embossed the star shape with gold heat embossing powder

& mounted them both on black sequin waste cut in a triangular shape.

So there you have it

You are a Star!

Too late - but I'll share!

2011-06-19T22:44:00.004+01:00

This would have been my other entry for the LIM In The Frame had I not had an unexpected invite to go out & eat on Fri evening! I'd made it but didn't get it photographed & blogged in time.

The frame was made from a scrap cut out of the external part of the frame that was about to be discarded by my friend - so I rescued it (I'm sure she thought I was going bonkers taking her scrap!!) & I used a square nestie to mask off the inside, both were spray mounted onto the card & the frame area that was produced was inked using distress inks

I then stamped the image into the center & then stamped the sentiment - both straight onto the card as it was a one layer challenge.

I have to say that the meal & night out in good company was very enjoyable! :-)

Thank you's

2011-06-16T15:08:00.002+01:00

Firstly a huge thank you to the Craft Den for this lovely package of goodies that I won on the Anything Goes Challenge Blog Hop :-) Do pop over & have a look - the current challenge is on the theme Here Comes Summer

open until the 28th June

A Pearl & a Paper pen & bunches of blooms ...

Sparkly ribbon & packets of blooms ....

and a bunch of all this gorgeous lace!

I've already used some of the lace on this

Thank You card

which is winging it's way via Royal Mail to Sheffield ...

The rose background was stamped using a Lindsay Mason stamp.

The main image was stamped & then coloured using my distress inks

I used a piece of 12x12 paper for the left hand border &

one of the butterflies (cut using my Martha Stewart punch) & also

the matting of the sentiment. The other butterfly

was punched from the rose background & the sentiment stamped

onto a piece of this as well. I added a piece of the scrumptious

lace between the 2 parts & a piece of red ribbon on the left hand side.

LIM - In the Frame

2011-06-15T11:10:00.000+01:00

This week it should be simpler as we have a definite CAS challenge...

it's ONE LAYER WEEK again.

Our challenge is entitled

IN THE FRAME

We would like to see a frame of some sort or something in a frame... we'd like you to be as inventive as you like.

This is the first effort for this challenge.

The stamp provides it's own frame :-)

All I had to do was colour it!

which I did with my Copics

I then stamped the sentiment straight onto the card.

This is my second attempt.

I've treated the frame as an image in itself.

I used 2 different but similar gel pens to colour in the frame,

this gives a bit of depth to the image.

I can't get it to photograph but the gel pens give a sheen to

the colour, & shine in sunlight.

To finish I positioned & stamped the sentiment directly onto the card.

Working on a couple more ideas atm......

Will see if they work out....

A lovely start to the day :-)

2011-06-14T11:19:00.000+01:00

I found out that I've won the Blog Hop over at

the Anything Goes Challenge Blog

What a lovely start to the day & the sun is shining :-)

Now onto my entry for CHNC this week

The challenge is to use buttons on your Christmas card

I used red buttons as the berries on my holly

I stamped the image using green stazon onto card & then

using my distress inks stamped the image again in pine needles

& cut them out & layered them.

I mounted the card onto green bazil & added the button 'berries'

To finish I stamped the sentiment again in the green stazon ink

directly onto the card.

Wintertime blues

2011-06-10T12:35:00.002+01:00

The theme at CHNC this week is Wintertime blues.

We are asked to use blue somewhere on the card - so this is my entry

I used my Copics to colour the image, & coloured 2 of the jackets in blue.

I had fun colouring the checks!

Just love this gorgeous snowman image :-)
I mounted it using sticky fixers.

I used this tartan checked paper for the background, echoing

the checks on the jackets, & mounted the sentiment onto the same background paper & inked the edges to make it stand out a little.

I'd also like to enter this for the Sparkles forum Christmas challenge which for June is snowmen, so I think this fits the bill :-)

LIM Monochrome

2011-06-08T14:09:00.001+01:00

This week I've done 2 versions on a theme for my Less is More entry.

For my Monochrome colour I chose green.

The stamp is a 2 part stamp & I stamped the base stamp using Stazon Forest Green - looks greener in real life

I then used the lighter green to do the overstamp.

This can be varied to give a naive effect.

I used the green Stazon ink to stamp the sentiment straight onto the card.

For the second card I again stamped using the green stazon,

but this time used 3 different colours of ink

each tone getting darker

and again positioned & stamped the sentiment straight onto the card.

The Postman has been again .........

2011-06-07T21:53:00.000+01:00

This time with a parcel from Calico Crafts containing some lovely goodies :-)

A lovely K&Co photo album

some peel offs & some lovely Steampunk charms

& a bag of Steampunk watch parts - lots of lovely goodies to play with :-)

Thank you Andy & Calico Crafts

LIM Pick a square Twice!

2011-06-02T17:03:00.000+01:00

The Less is More challenge this week is a recipe

PICK A SQUARE

For our challenge this week we have a multiple choice.... well sort of ... you can choose which of the 5 SQUARES from our plan you wish to use to place the image of your card, leaving the rest as PURE WHITE SPACE!

The image may overflow the area slightly if necessary and the sentiment, should you choose to use one, may extend outside the area also, but it should be obvious exactly which area of the card you have chosen to fill.

" We will allow a rectangle, but, following the strict guidelines as the squares "

I picked bottom right as placement.

I stamped the sentiment & cut it out

then stamped the rose image, cut it out & coloured it with my copics, placing it behind & in front, twining round the sentiment

I then gave a bit of colour to the sentiment using my chalks taking it over & around the sentiment onto the card.

To finish I coloured over the sentiment words with a green Copic pen.

And next

For my second card I chose the top left placement.

The image was stamped in brown ink & again I used my copics to colour the fairy & the background I chalked.

I went over the wings with my new marker

it is clear but adds a sparkle so the base colour shows through

& in the light it twinkles :-)

I also added Stickles around the edge of the wings.

To finish I added the Smile sentiment which I cut out

& chalked & added to the image

& then stamped the Thinking of you sentiment straight onto the card.

The Postman has been!

2011-06-01T10:59:00.000+01:00

With some of my prize goodies from Andy Skinners blog comp

Last Wednesday this big box full of goodies was delivered from Andy

and yesterday

these lovely goodies arrived from The Craft Barn :-)

Check out their June Extravaganza next weekend - sounds fantastic! :-)

Thank You!

I'm going to have great fun with my new stash :-)

We had unexpected (but very welcome) visitors this Bank Holiday weekend. They are teachers so didn't have to rush off for work on Tues so could stay a bit longer, hence my lack of crafting/blogging. You have to talk to/go out with/feed/entertain visitors! LOL

Anniversary Card

2011-05-25T23:57:00.000+01:00

This is the Anniversary card that I made today

The hearts I made in a batch a while ago & were just perfect for this :-)

They are chipboard & covered with embossing powder.

I mounted them onto a square of bazil cardstock.

I stamped the sentiment onto the patterned paper

& matted it onto the same bazil cardstock

This photo is a bit bleached out but I was rushing

to catch the post so I can't redo it!

A Bouquet of Butterflies

2011-05-24T18:12:00.000+01:00

It's butterflies over on Less is More this week

so here is my Bouquet of Butterfies!

I used part of a Paper Artsy stamp for the vase

(Will try to take a better picture later)

and my 2 butterfly punches to make the layered butterflies

I then positioned & stamped the sentiment

This shows the way the butterflies are raised from the base of the card - will really need a box to protect it when it is sent :-)

So I hope you like my Bouquet of Butterflies.....

Less is More - Embossing

2011-05-20T14:22:00.000+01:00

The Less is More challenge this week is a one layer card using embossing.

This was my first attempt

I used white embossing powder with Hi-boss

I then used copics to colour the flowers leaving the fan just embossed

I then stamped the sentiment in timber brown going for the 'oldy worldy' look with the gorgeous swirly sentiment.

and this was my second attempt

I used an embossing pen to colour the flower heads & did it in 2 goes.

I first used the pen to do the red embossing powder & heated it,

then I used the pen again with the pink embossing powder

& heated again hopefully giving depth to the flower head.

I coloured the leaves with copics

& then stamped the sentiment straight onto the card

for the one layer challenge

Hubby's Birthday Card

2011-05-15T15:56:00.000+01:00

It was hubby's birthday yesterday & this is the card I made him

He likes his specialist beers from independent micro breweries

so this stamp was ideal!

I coloured the image using my Copic's

and used my Craft Stamper freebie stamp for the sentiment cut out using my scallop punch

I coloured the Cheers in red to make it stand out!

Just had to .......

2011-05-10T19:26:00.000+01:00

Show you my other card for this weeks Less is More Challenge

White on white

This is it

I used my cuttlebug embossing folder for the background script

and mounted it with a very small border of plain white card.

and the alphabet lettering that I got on my last trip to Australia :-)

The white letters were just right for this card :-)

This shows the depth of the lettering.

Very simple but in the CAS mode :-)

A glimps

2011-05-09T21:09:00.001+01:00

of one of the longer term projects that I have on the go atm

and a slightly larger view for those not into the textile world :-)

I like to have different projects 'on the go'

that I can pick up & work on at different points

This is one of them :-)

White on White

2011-05-07T17:37:00.000+01:00

is the theme for the challenge over on Less is More this time

and this is what I've come up with for the challenge

it's surprising what a lot of shades of white there are :-)

I used a brass stencil in my Big Shot to produce the fish & then cut it out & inked the edges using Brilliance Moonlight White.

I did the background using a cuttle bug embossing folder

and the fronds are my trusty Martha Stewart punch

The sentiment was stamped using Brilliance ink again & punched out using my Martha Stewart small scalloped circle punch

To finish I added the 3 white pearls as 'bubbles'

LIM entry

2011-05-05T19:03:00.000+01:00

This is my entry for the Less is More challenge this week which is Thank You or Congratulations.

I chose to do a Thank You card (before my win!) & managed to photograph it finally!!

I stamped the image & used my distress ink to colour it & then cut it out & adhered it to the card.

I then used the sentiment stamp to either side of the image & to balance it out & 'finish' it I used it again in the bottom corner.

I'm thrilled!

2011-05-05T12:12:00.000+01:00

To have won the competition over on Andy Skinners blog

Prizes include

A Steampunk Goodie bag worth £30 from Calico Crafts
A Viva Goodie bag worth £30 from The Craft Barn
A Decoart goodie bag worth £30
A decopatch goodie bag worth £30 from Decopatch
A goodie bag of Ranger Products
Coasters, plaques, pendants and tiles and a set of my new A5 stamps
One set of Lindsay Masons new stamp designs
and a few surprises along the way!

Aren't I a lucky girl!

Can't wait to have a play with some new stash :-)

I'm sure it will help with my flagging mojo, although I have been doing some bits which I can't blog atm & I have a sewing project on the go atm as well :-)

Off Centre

2011-04-29T16:06:00.000+01:00

Just managed to get my entry into the Less is More challenge

photographed in time!

The challenge for this week is 'Off Centre'

It's been a hectic week this week & I managed to play whilst away in the Yorkshire Dales with my limited stash that I had with me.

I was going to play again at home as I wasn't totally happy with this attempt but time has run out on me & I've just been told that we are unexpectedly going away again this weekend - a last minute invite :-) which is lovely but leaves me no time to re do my card! & rather than not enter - this has to be it!

After stamping the elements I used my Copics to colour the image.

I left everything else & popped the appropriate colour button in place.

Not sure if it enhances or not .......

Inspired by Craft Stamper

2011-04-27T23:33:00.001+01:00

This is the book cover that I made

inspired by the article in Craft Stamper's Jan 2011 edition

by Trish Latimer

To Die For

Trish suggested using not only the die cuts, but also the 'off cuts'

I inked them using various distress ink colours.

I cut out the birds from 12x12 paper & inked the edges then realised that more definition was required so went round it with a black pen.

I used a stamp for the sentiment which I repeated at various

angles around the front of the book

& used the red yarn on the spine of the book

The swirl is the die cut piece as it is meant to be ...

The other decoration is this lovely lace material that I found, which I cut up & used the pieces from the brown piece of this gorgeous lace.

I think it all works well together to form a coherent whole.

Thanks Trish for the inspiration :-)

Easter

2011-04-25T22:58:00.000+01:00

I haven't been blogging for the past few days

as I've been away in the Yorkshire Dales with limited internet access.

Don't usually post non crafty pics

but these are relevant to my crafty posts :-)

This is me on our walk - on this walk MIL & I collected

stash!!

from these guys ....

whilst walking to Castle Bolton

- if you get chance it's a great place to visit :-)

on the way we found these wonderful fungi

and this fantastic log

check out the gorgeous textures! :-)

This is the Easter card I made

inspired by the countryside we walked through

& using the bits of wool that we collected whilst walking through the fields which were full of spring lambs :-)

using the limited crafty stash that I had with me :-)

The wool made into sheep with the addition of legs (done with copics)

Managed to leave behind ALL of my Easter stamps so had to

freehand the sentiment

these are close-ups of the other card I made

but I don't have the full view unfortunately as I was interrupted when taking them & didn't have chance to go back & photograph ..........