Ephemera's attic

Sneak Peak of Craftstamper April edition

2012-03-03T11:58:00.001Z

A first for me! One of my bags is featured in the April edition of Craftstamper magazine. I would just like to say a big thank you to everyone who has visited my blog and left such lovely comments, they are really appreciated, especially as there are so many gorgeous crafty blogs to visit. It really does encourage me to continue crafting especially when having a mojo meltdown like I've had this week!

This is a card send in a birthday swap. The little girl rubber stamp is from Kreativ Hobby and is stamped on smooth white card. The backing paper is from Prima botannicals or romantique not sure which.

This is a card I made a while ago and never blogged. It is a folded card and opens to reveal a diagonal pocket which has a bookmark similar to the front panel inside. The stamps are from artistic outpost.

Have a great weekend. I do hope the sun decides to come out sometime today LOL!

Happy Crafting xx

True North designed for That's Crafty

2012-02-29T09:09:00.000Z

If you'd like to see more please do pop over to That's Craftys new blog here.

Thanks for looking & Happy Crafting. xx

Art Journaling Designed for Happy Daze

2012-02-28T09:23:00.001Z

I decided to have ago at making an art journal (not really a journaling sort of person, never kept a diary before so will see how I get on with it) using some recycled packaging to make the cover. I started with some plain white card and applied some distress stains in pine needles and dusky concord. Then diluted some distress re-inker in dusty concord and added some mica powder then sprayed on the the card. I lightened the page by adding a wash of watered down gesso. Then used bleach on one of my rubber script stamps and stamped it randomly accross the page & overstamped in black archival ink.
I used paper bag studios Be Happy cling stamp and used distress inks to colour. This stamp so reminds me of photos of myself when I was younger. I sadly sported exactly the same haircut with the short wonky fringe, had my Mum to thank for that, she always cut my sisters and my hair really short LOL! I remember one particularly bad haircut she gave me she decided to put some rollers in to try and make the best of a bad job, yikes it was dreadful, I think she scarred for me for life, but I did manage to let her keep me off school for a few days as compensation. Anyway I then stamped artistic outpost whimsical melange. I added some words ( tongue in cheek) I printed on the computer and used matte medium to glue the page to thick grey cardboard.

It does look rather dark for a journal they are usually bright affairs, but I blame successions of bad haircuts for that, told you I'd been scarred by the experience!!!!

The back of the journal was created in the same way and the stamp used is Paperbag studios windsong . I cut up my own paper to put in the journal a mixture of watercolour paper and thick card as I find a lot of the ready made books have quite thin paper.

A quick reminder about the current Happy Daze Challenge which you still have time to enter. It is Love, a Technique you love to use. It could be new or a your favourite tried and tested technique. One lucky winner will be drawn at random to win a £15 voucher and free P&P to spend in the Happy Daze shop. Maximum of 3 entries per person & you must use at least one product which can be purchased in the Happy Daze shop.

You can enter by blogging you address to the linky widget here,
emailing your picture to info@happy-daze.net
uploading your photo to their facebook page

Thanks for looking & Happy Crafting xx

Something For A Child ~ FSC

2012-02-26T07:53:00.000Z

Something for a child is the latest Fashionable Stamping Challenge. This certainly was a challenge for me, as you've probably noticed I rarely if ever make anything suitable for children.

Do check out the other Fashionettes truly gorgeous projects, for lots of inspiration. Remember it is a stamping challenge so we do need to see some stamping included on your project. Our lovely sponsor is Marina from Cottage Crafts and the winning entry can choose anything from her shop up to the value of €7. So please come and join the challenge.

I rummaged through my ever increasing stamp supplies (which is causing me more problems as I seem to spend more & more time dithering about which to use LOL!!) and decided on this one from paperbag studios. I decided on primary colours and used some papermania papers for backing. I stamped on watercolour paper and used my water colour paints to colour her in. The flower is a Wendy Vecchi art parts one that I had a go sort of zentangling on. I don't know if there is a certain way to do it, but I just did it ad hoc!

Hope you are having a great weekend and enjoying the lovely mild weather. XX

A Touch of Lace....

2012-02-24T08:31:00.000Z

And a lot of pink again! This is a card I made for my Mum. The main stamped image is a wooden rubber stampede stamp which I picked up from ebay, love scouring ebay for unusual stamps. The background paper is by prima and the torn paper is one I made used a hero arts newsprint stamp and the rose is an Iron Orchid designs stamp. I used water colours and distress inks to colour these. The square lace is from Wild Orchid Crafts.

Hope your enjoying the lovely weather, it's gorgeous today.

Thank you to everyone who has left such kind & lovely comments and Hiya to all my new followers. I do try to visit your blogs and leave comments, but I seem to be on a go slow ATM, nothing unusual there though, never seems to be enough hours in the day for me LOL.

Have a great weekend, hopefully we will get a bit more Spring weather.

Happy Crafting XX

Follow your Dreams Designed for That's Crafty

2012-02-22T09:25:00.001Z

I’m delighted to share my first craft project as amember of the That’s Crafty Design Team. I love stamping and That’s Crafty hasthe most amazing selection of stamps so it was very difficult to choose whichones to use.

I decided on making a small travel themed canvasand used some B line and Paperartsy stamps. Firstly I stamped B linepostcard collage on tissue paper and adhered it to the canvas using ClaudineHellmuth matt medium . I painted over a light wash of Fresco finish in ice blue& stencilled in a darker shade of blue. I painted some thin card in thesame fresco finish paint and stamped paperartsy hot pick 1106 & urban snapshots structures plate 1 in archival ink and cut and glued onto my canvas. I addeda quote and used whimsyStamps Sentiments Collection - Treasured Moments TicketsSentiments & die. Finally I added a Wendy Vecchi flower and a touch of Inkagold.

Entering this Simon says show & stamp London, Paris or New York

Have a lovely day & happy crafting! xx

Secret Garden ~ Crafty Individuals Challenge

2012-02-14T15:42:00.000Z

Gone is the pink, but it's been replaced by fairies, but they are Crafty Individual fairies, which are elegant and stylish of course. The current Crafty Individual Challenge is Spring, so after much pondering (I'm so indecisive LOL!!) I decided to use one of these little arches and these fairy stamps to create a secret spring garden.

I painted with my trusty matte emulsion and stamped with archival ink. Inktense pencils for the fairies and distress inks and versamagic ink to tint the arch. The metal flowers and wooden butterflies are sponged with acrylic paint and the ferns with versamagic. A sprinkling of glamour dust for the wings, I really wanted the sentiment to say Secret Garden, but of course I couldn't find any such stamp so I contented myself with calling this post it, instead.

Off now to make some sort of attempt at tidying my work space.

Have a Great Valentines Day XX

Monochrome with one other colour ~ Fashionable Stamping Challenges

2012-02-12T07:01:00.000Z

With Valentines Day fast approaching and still in pink mode I decided on a Black, white and pink trinket box for the new Fashionable Stamping Challenge, which is Monochrome with one other colour. The Stampettes have of course come up with some gorgeous designs so head over to FSC for some stunning inspiration. Remember it's a stamping challenge so we do need to see stamping of some kind on your project. Our generous sponsor is Marina from Cottage Crafts

I bought a few of these rather dinky wooden boxes in various shapes as you know I love my boxes LOL! I really like this heart shape box. The wood was a bit pitted so I used some wood filler and then sanded it down. I've run out of gesso so just gave it a few coats of matt emulsion, and it didn't make any difference, so won't bother with the gesso on boxes in future. I used one of the new Crafty Individuals stamps CI- 342 and stamped in archival ink and used various shades of pink to colour the design. Then buffed on some distress ink to colour the box. As the design is quite detailed I decided just to add a strip of ribbon around the lid. .I painted the inside in a lighter shade. Brrrr it was freezing taking the picture outside but at least it captured the shades of pink.

Promise no more pink in my next post!

I am entering this in the following challenges

Simon Says Love is in the Air

Creative Inspirations Lots Of Love

My Mums Craft Shop It Must Be Love

Divas By Design Love is in the Air

Everybody Art Love

C.R.A.F.T challenge Valentines Day

Happy Crafting & Happy Valentines Day if I don't get to post before then. XX

A Touch of Pink!

2012-02-10T22:29:00.011Z

Well rather more than a touch LOL. I got some new stamps from Crafty Individuals so had a play and used rather a lot of pink. I coloured the tag with prismacolour pencils and distress inks. The papers are kaisercraft Sweet nothings and 7 gypsies.

I also used another new stamp for this tag, well new to me that is. It is from judikins and she is rather beautiful I think! I will try and take some better photos tomorrow as the light was not good when I took these.

I'm afraid my next project is also very pink so apologises in advance to my blogger friends, I promise to have a pink free week next week LOL.

Keep warm and have a Happy Crafting Weekend. XX

This is Love!

2012-02-08T17:05:00.000Z

The current Happydaze challenge is Love - A technique you love to use so I thought I would make my better half a Valentine card, using one of my favourite techniques which is stamping in bleach.

I started with My Minds Eye Union Square, Beautiful Day paper, then I used some white card and covered it with barn door distress ink, rubbing the pad straight on the paper as I find it takes ages buffing with a foam pad on a large area. Then I folded a sheet of kitchen roll into a square and put it on a plate with a small amount of bleach to act as a stamp pad. I stamped a script stamp randomly across the paper, which removes the distress ink and creates a contrasting effect. I used the heat tool to dry, then I buffed some more distress ink to tone it down a touch as it was a little to bright. I stamped Lost Coast Designs Cupid stamp in archival ink on top and die cut, Then buffed a some black soot DI around the edges and finished with a gold pen. I used Catslife press this is love stamp for the sentiment.

So please join in the Happy Daze challenge and show us the technique you love to use. One lucky winner will be drawn at random to win a £15 voucher and free P&P to spend in the Happy Daze shop. Maximum of 3 entries per person & you must use at least one product which can be purchased in the Happy Daze shop.

You can enter by blogging you address to the linky widget here,
emailing your picture to info@happy-daze.net
uploading your photo to their facebook page

Thinking of You!

2012-02-05T16:45:00.001Z

Just a quick card to show today for someone who is having a tough time ATM. I used pan pastels to colour the the stamp and added it to the background paper. I used the soggy loo roll method for the paper at the back of the central die cut LOL and tinted with versamagic inks.

(edit) a few of you asked what the soggy loo roll technique is and I've been googling trying to find a link to show you and of course I can't find one now, so I will try and explain.

Using about four sheets of folded loo roll, wet until soggy and place in an embossing folding (wrap some kitchen towel around your sandwich to absorb the excess water) and run through your die cutting machine, (obviously not an electronic one) and you get a chunky piece of handmade paper. Leave to dry and then spritz and ink to your hearts content!

Don't know if anyone elses Dog is as obsessed with carrots as mine. He has a carrot everyday and pesters like mad if we forget. He is back to his old pesty self and was determined to eat the snowmans nose, even though he is a real wuss when it comes to snow as he doesn't like getting his paws wet.

Hope you are all warm and toasty on this snowy Sunday!

Happy Crafting. xx

Make it a Guy thing! ~ Fashionable Stamping Challenges

2012-01-29T08:06:00.000Z

Can't believe it's that time already for another challenge at FSC which is 'Make it a guy thing', struggled with this one big time LOL! Head over to FSC for some stunning inspiration from those Stampetes. Remember it's a stamping challenge so we do need to see stamping of some kind on your project. Our generous sponsor is Marina from Cottage Crafts.

In wisdom I decided to alter a tin for my OH to store all his motorbike documents in. He has a classic british bike from the 50s, so he has loads of paperwork, log books etc, all suitably shabby. I used a triumph stamp from darkroom door as I couldn't get one for his make of bike. I decided to make it grungy to fit in with all his oily bike stuff LOL. I seriously over did the grunge, but my excuse is that it's my first time!

Not very happy with project as it feels too grungy, but I suppose we do need to craft outside our comfort zone sometimes LOL!

Anyway I covered the tin with Prima printworks paper and used various background stamps and distress inks and Tim Holtz salvage stickers that I've had knocking around for ages to complete.

Hope you all have a great Sunday. Do have a look at all the fabulous and a lot less grungy DT pieces at FSC as they are superb.

Happy crafting XX

All Flown Away

2012-01-25T15:08:00.000Z

Not the butterflies my mojo. Actually I think I left it at the Vets as it's no where to be seen and I've definitely looked for it! As I have actually had time to do a spot of crafting this week (I did try but it has ended in the recycle) it is very annoying that it has gone AWOL, hope it returns soon! In the meantime a couple of cards the butterfly one was made a couple of weeks ago and the 21st card was made when I made the purple tag I just forgot to blog it doh! Think my Mojo and my Memory have eloped together!

The stamp is one of my favourites, Magenta Papillon Post and is coloured with Inktense pencils and distress inks and then the butterflies were stamped again and coated in utee. The papers are Bo Bunny gabrielle.

I really wasn't sure about making a 21st card so I opted for the Serena Stampsmith image as she is rather classy. Stamped on glossy card with archival ink. Then I added some black accessories to vamp her up a bit.

Off to do a spot of blog surfing now for much needed inspiration. Happy Crafting XX

Purple Passions

2012-01-22T14:56:00.000Z

I don't know why I never seem to use purple much in my crafting even though it is a favourite colour of mine. I managed to get this tag done at the beginning of the week before chaos broke out. Firstly our little Cavalier King Charles Dylan became poorly and wouldn't eat which is very unusual as he is a little greedy guts. He is eleven now which is old for a cavalier so we were very worried, but after three visits to the vet this week he finally seems to be improving.

Then OH decided to come off his push bike and we had to head over to A & E, for x-rays etc but fortunately he is ok and on the mend now, but requiring lots of sympathy which I'm not very good at LOL. So no time for crafting this week. So hopefully back to normal next week. Anyway enough of my domestic sagas back to crafting.

This is for two challenges The Stampsmith ~ Tag Art & Pan Pastel UK Challenge ~ Use two of something I started with a blank tag and stamped a crafty individuals swirl in embossing ink then blend some pan pastels (the purple and green colours from the pastel set) across the tag and it highlighted the swirl. I got this idea from Sue's blog Stamping Sue Style on her gorgeous Bugs and Butteflies card. Then used the lovely Serena (the stampsmith) stamp on glossy card and highlighed with zig photomarkers and distress inks. I mounted onto some black card and edged with gilders patina paste. I dyed an old muslin cloth and some seam binding with distress inks and then dry embossed and die cut a small heart, highlighting with more patina. The flower is made using Tim Holtz pine cone die. Finished by adding some lace and a couple of pearls.

Hope your having a great & very crafty weekend. XX

Butterflies or Bugs ~ Fashionable Stamping Challenges

2012-01-15T06:56:00.001Z

It's that time already for another challenge down at the Fashionable Stamping Challenges. Butterflies and Bugs is the current theme. Do head over to the FSC blog to check out the stunning projects by those gorgeous Stampettes. Please remember this is a stamping challenge and strictly no digis allowed. The lovely Marina from Cottage Crafts has this lovely set of stamps for the winning entry, so we look forward to your fabulous creations.

Butterflies are one of my favourite choices when stamping. I decided to alter one of those cheap ikea mirrors as I bought a few before Christmas with the intention of making some presents and of course it never happened. At least I managed to get a photo without myself reflected in it.

The stamps used are, Lost Coast Designs Butterflies and carrying on the Da Vinci theme, Rubber stampedes Dreaming of you and Unity stamps Carte Postale.

I'm also entering this in the following challenges.

The Artistic Stamper ~ Vintage
Fabulous Friday Challenge ~ Paint
Polkadoodles ~ Vintage and retro
CES Challenge ~ Vintage Dahling

Hope you all are having a great crafty weekend XX

Leonardo Lovelies designed for Happy Daze!

2012-01-10T10:10:00.000Z

Hoping to see the Leonardo Da Vinci Exhibtion at the National gallery, if I can hope with the hustle and bustle of London. I'm not a great one for crowds as it makes me very grumpy LOL! In the meantime I have satisfied my craving for all things Da Vinci, by making this little shrine. I used the little wooden arch which I gessoed and painted in matt emulsion. Then using black archival ink I stamped the Lost Coast designs Mona Lisa and Door and Window set. The other lovely lady is called Leda and is from judikins. I used inktense pencils to paint the images and background. Finishing with a touch of Inka gold in copper.

A quick reminder about the current Happy Daze Challenge which is Try Something New for the New Year. It could be a new technique you have recently discovered or some new stash you can't wait to to use. There is still plenty of time to enter. One lucky winner will be drawn at random to win a £15 voucher and free P&P to spend in the Happy Daze shop. Maximum of 3 entries per person & you must use at least one product which can be purchased in the Happy Daze shop.

You can enter by blogging you address to the linky widget here,
emailing your picture to info@happy-daze.net
uploading your photo to their facebook page

~ Crafty Silver Fairy ~

2012-01-08T18:38:00.000Z

A very quick post from me today. Been a bit under the weather with a cold, but feeling much brighter today. This is a card for birthday swap on a craft forum.

It features a digi download, as I'm not really a cute fan, these work out quite economical. Coloured with promarkers and distress inks.

In my wisdom this morning I decided to clear up my craft area, as it looked like a bin had been emptied on my desk. I am notoriously messy, but fed up with never being able to find anything, and always losing my glasses under the rubble, I decided to tackle it. A couple of hours and a couple of bin bags later it really doesn't look much different, my problem really, is far too much craft stash and far too little space which I'm sure many of you can relate to. I need to look into some space saving storage I think.

Have a lovely evening & happy crafting XX

~ New Year New Stash ~

2012-01-01T09:19:00.001Z

A Happy New Year to you all and he's hoping not too many of you are nursing sore heads today. My first blog and the first Fashionable Stamping Challenge of the New Year is Anything goes Using your New Stash. This could be anything from a new piece of ribbon, paper, stamps or a new piece of equipment.
Please do head over to the Fashionable stamping challenge blog for loads of inspiring projects from those oh so stylish Fashionettes and a chance to win a gorgeous set of stamps from the lovely Marina at Cottage Crafts

My project is something old as well as something new. My new is the lovely wooden stampington stamp I bought in LB crafts closing down sale and the old is a toiletry bag I found at the back of my wardrobe. As much as it is easier to store unmounted stamps I do love the feel of wooden stamps there is something immensely satisfying about the chunky carved wood and now I much prefer them, than when I first started rubber stamping about a year ago and just wanted the unmounted option, call me contrary LOL.

I stamped onto a piece of calico which I had gessoed then I used inktense pencils to add some colour and finally a quick brush over with some matt medium. That was the easy bit, I sewed cream lace all along the top and down the sides of the bag as it was a little rough round the edges. Then I sewed on the stamped calico and also some pearl trim. I made the flower using the same cream lace and I now know why I don't often hand sew!!

That's my project, so we would be delighted if you would join us on the catwalk and show us your new stash.

Hope you all have a wonderful and crafty 2012 and I would just like to add it has been such a pleasure visiting all your lovely and amazing blogs during this last year, I have been so encouraged by all your comments since starting this blog, so a very big thank you for your continuing support. XX

The Last Alter It Monthly

2011-12-29T21:22:00.001Z

By the skin of my teeth I have just managed to enter the Alter It Monthly challenge. I did mean to enter earlier but what with Christmas and other stuff it never happened, but better late than never. Sadly this is their last ever challenge and their final theme is celestial, and as I don't have any stars, moon or sun stamps it had to be angels.

You'll have to excuse the poor quality of the photo, as you know I still don't have a camera and my iphone does not take good pics in poor light. It does look better than this in real life honest LO!.

I used one of the angel stamps from Kreativhobby. I stamped it onto some patterned paper that had a light coat of gesso then I used inktense pencils to colour the angels. The frame was gessoed and stamped with versamagic inks and stamped with a music stamp (even though you can't see it!) Then I made some more Tim Holtz roses using the pine cone die and tinted with the versamagic inks.

Have just edited this to add a better photo. Also I would like to thank all the Design Team of Alter It Monthly for all their hard work and for all the inspirational projects that they have created since running the challenge. Wishing them all good luck in their new ventures.

See you on Sunday

Happy Crafting XX

Shabby Calendar Designed For Happy Daze

2011-12-27T09:22:00.000Z

Hoping you all had a great Christmas. Ours wasn't very peaceful as the dog decided to scoff a Thornton's chocolate Santa when we weren't looking (chocolate is poisonous in large quantities for dogs, our dog is small and he consumed a very large amount!) so we had to take him to the Vets on Christmas Day, I won't go into details for the treatment as it wasn't pleasant and I'm sure you can imagine LOL but we returned £130 lighter.

Anyway onto my project as its nearly the end of the year I decided to make a calendar. I recycled some cardboard which I covered in Tim Holtz Vintage shabby paper I die cut the edges, distressed and stamped. For the main image I used the pretty Artistic Outpost Bluebird stamps which I coloured in using new flexmarkers from my stash. The roses were made using some more of the Tim Holtz Vintage shabby paper & my new tattered pine cone die (which I never had a chance to make any cones with in time for christmas LOL) I printed the calendar on the computer then used my bind it all to attach it. Some string was added to finish.

Hope you all enjoy the rest of your holidays and here's looking forward to a very crafty New Year.

XX

~ MERRY CHRISTMAS ~

2011-12-23T19:31:00.000Z

Wishing all my lovely crafting bloggers a Happy Christmas and Very Crafty New Year. I thought I would bore you with a few of the many christmas cards I made, thankfully all finished now phew. Just the wrapping of some pressies and some more mince pies to do, we scoffed the last lot.

Even managed to make a few cute ones!!

Anyway Have a Lovely Christmas and hopefully you will receive some gorgeous crafty goodies in your stockings XX

All Wrapped Up ~ Crafty Individuals Challenge & Blog Candy Winners

2011-12-20T08:07:00.000Z

Wasn't sure if I'd manage to enter the Crafty Individuals Challenge this time, as I'm all christmas crafted out, but it is such a lovely challenge blog that I just had to LOL. The theme is All Wrapped Up.

This is one of the set of three boxes made for a friend and is all wrapped up now, but I forgot to take a photo of the inside of the box, but it is lined with some prima paper. It is painted with my usual matt paint from B& Q, The main image is CI - 302 stamped in archival ink and painted with water colours.

Whilst on the theme of boxes I thought I'd show you the final one. Made in the same way. Using my favourite set of Tim Holtz papillon stamps & another favourite, carte postale from stampendous cling. This one is lined with Bo Bunny paper.

Still taking pics with my phone :-( I had ordered a great panasonic camera for christmas, but have had to claim a chargeback on my credit card as the company look decidedly dodgy and haven't delivered it. So no xmas present for me until the new year now oh dear, as Jason Orange (from TT) would say 'Buy cheap, you buy twice' LOL.

Now Blog Candy Winners, sorry its late, I'm so like Alice's White Rabbit even more so at this time of year.

Winner of set one is Marjorie's Owl & Elly is the Winner of set two, if you could both let me have your addresses I will post out ASAP.

Thank you to everyone for entering & Happy Crafting. XX

Travelling Around The World

2011-12-18T08:18:00.000Z

Well its that time again for another Fashionable Stamping Challenge and what a welcome relief not a Santa or reindeer insight, well just a touch of ivy LOL. So do please head over and feast your eyes on the gorgeous creations of the Fashionettes for some truly stunning inspiration. This challenge is all about Travel, it could be a card, ATC, canvas, box you name it as long as it features some stamping, the world is your oyster.

So to be in for a chance to win this gorgeous set of stamps from the lovely Marina from Cottage Crafts all you have to is blog your entry here.

I decided on a canvas of famous cities around the world, which I gessoed then went a little mad stamping on and used inktense pencils to add some colour. I have a penchant for travel themed stamps, so I had plenty to choose from. I used Crafty Individuals CI- 228 to stamp on eco board which I then tinted with water colour and triple embossed with UTEE.

Other stamps used

Curious by design - Paris Voyage

Stampersanonymous - Urban chic

Stampendous cling - Carte Postale

Blog Candy has now finished and it will be drawn tomorrow, winners notified and hopefully I will get to the post office before christmas.

Apologises that I haven't managed to visit all your lovely blogs, but I'm even more unorganised than normal and late doing everything. My new years resolution is definitely to organise my time and workspace better wishful thinking perhaps!!

Have a great Sunday and Happy Crafting XX

Shaker Tree Ornament & a card designed for Happy Daze

2011-12-13T09:52:00.000Z

I've just about surfaced under the mound of christmas cards I have been making. Being an exceedingly slow crafter I have struggled with the amount of cards I have made this year, about 22 of them in the last few days and I have to say I have had enough of cardmaking for a while so it was a welcome relief to make something different even though it was still christmasy.

I think tree decorations can make lovely gifts; each year when decorating the tree you are reminded of the person who gave it to you.
I made a shaker style ornament from recycled cardboard and acetate.I used the Tim Holtz baroque die to create the ornamnet then painted it with cream acrylic paint and then stamped with the snowflakes from Artistic Outpost Sleigh Ride with coffee archival ink. The main image is Lost Coast Designs Praying Angel. I added a snowflake charm and some confetti stars and some gold glitter beads and a gold tassel to finish.

Another quick project from me, this time a card using this lovely vintage old St Nick mounted stamp. I stamped onto Kraft card with archival ink. I used versamagic aspen mist to tint round the edges of the stamped image and the sentiment ticket. Then I used paper from my stash to create this easel card.

The current Happy Daze challenge is Gifts, Cards & Tags. There is still plenty of time to enter. One lucky winner will be drawn at random to win a £15 voucher and free P&P to spend in the Happy Daze shop. Maximum of 3 entries per person & you must use at least one product which can be purchased in the Happy Daze shop.

You can enter by blogging you address to the linky widget here,
emailing your picture to info@happy-daze.net
uploading your photo to their facebook page

Dressmaking, Corsets and Accessories ~ FSC

2011-12-04T11:03:00.000Z

The new Fashionable Stamping Challenge is Dressmaking, Corsets and Accessories. Please do head over to the blog for lots of gorgeous and inspirational projects from The Fashionettes. The challenges run for two weeks and it is sponsored by the lovely Marina from Cottage Crafts with a gorgeous set of dressing maker stamps for the winning entry.

I decided to make a little dressmakers box, as you know I love altering boxes. This is one of a set of three boxes I have altered for a friend, who handed me three boxes and asked me to stamp on them for her!! I hope she likes them as she was a bit vague with her remit LOL.

Anyway I painted the box with three coats of my favourite matt emulsion from B & Q Craig and Rose, it has a chalky finish and I find it ideal for stamping on. Then I always sand it down with fine wet and dry paper to give a smooth finish.

The stamps used are Crafty Individuals CI - 306 & 328 and Oxford Impressions The dressmaker. I used a combination of distress inks and water colour paints to colour the stamps. Then using wood balsam to seal the box and giving it a subtle sheen. I added a touch of silver to the scissors using a krylon pen and a added a sewing machine charm too. Finally lining the box with some paper from my stash.

Hope you all have a lovely Sunday

Happy Crafting XX

Easel Drawer Card

2011-12-01T13:50:00.002Z

Not a very enticing title for this post. It is my friends birthday tomorrow and of course I have left everything to the last moment as usual. I wanted to put some Thorntons choccies in the drawer but our car has had a flat tyre since yesterday and I'm having to wait in for Kwik fit to replace it today so my friend may not have her choccies to go in it if Mr Kwik Fit does not arrive soon. Fortunately I already have her present so will have to think of something else to put in the drawer. Any ideas?

I found several blog tutorials for drawer easel cards to help me make this. I wish I had one of those score pal things as I'm sure it would have made it a lot easier, as I'm not very accurate and wasted a bit of paper on this.

I used 6 x 6 Melissa Frances papers and the stamp is from Crafty Individuals CI - 139. I used pan pastels to tone with the MF papers. The dies used are, from whimsy the tag, Cheery Lynn the lace border and the clock is Tim Holtz. I added a touch of white gilders paste to the flower petals, leaves and the edges of the stamped image and finally a touch of diamond stickles.

I'm entering this for the following challenges

Simon Says Stamp ~ Anything Goes
Divas By Design ~ Anything goes
Make it Monday ~ Anything goes
Sweet Stampin ~ Punches & Dies

Happy Crafting XX

Blog Candy!

2011-11-30T13:12:00.000Z

I was very tempted to call this blog sweeties, but thought I'd better not. Thought I would put up two lots. Hope it doesn't look too paltry but not sure how much it will cost to send. I will post within Europe (sorry to my lovely blogger friends over The Atlantic) hope you'll understand I will offer another next time open to all. All I ask is just to leave a comment on this post. I'm not angling after any more followers as I'm very pleased to have gone over the 100 mark but it seems a tad unfair, so all my current followers get put in the hat twice IYSWIM. I'll get my Hubby to draw as haven't a clue about a random generator thingy on 15th December??

The first lot has a couple of Klimt napkins, a pack of prima roses, a paperartsy stamp set, K & Co 6 x 6 paper pad, dusky concord distress ink, some taupe guipure lace, beaded trim, mulberry roses and some seam binding.

The second lot has a couple of klimt napkins, a pack of prima roses, a paperartsy stamp, 6 x 6 paper pad, some white lace, beaded trim, a few die cut doilies, mulberry roses and a small fabric purse.

Happy Crafting & Good Luck XX

Cameo style Jewellery designed for Happy Daze

2011-11-29T10:24:00.000Z

This jewellery uses shrink plastic to create both the pendant and earrings. Firstly I lightly sanded a sheet of shrink plastic and then painted a thin coat of gesso (this makes it easier to stamp on.) I stamped Lost Coast Designs winged girl with archival ink and gently heated to dry the ink. Then I used spellbinders lacy ovals to die cut into the shapes. I coloured the images using zig photo markers and then used my heat tool to shrink. I used a Krylon silver pen around the edges. Then glossy accents to finish, but this needs to be left overnight to dry, a quicker alternative would be Lisa Pavelka Magic Gloss Resin. Earwires and amethyst drops are from my stash.

Haven't forgotten about the blog candy as woo hoo, now101 lovely followers, sorting it out at the moment. I managed to get the last one of the small fabric purses from my local garden centre so will be adding that to it.

Take care & will be back later in the week with the blog candy, till then.

Happy Crafting XXX

Butterfly Cabinet ~ Alter it Monthly

2011-11-24T12:20:00.000Z

This little project is for the Alter It Monthly challenge which is Drawers, Doors & Secret Compartments. I was going to make a completely different project, but my little shrine and other goodies I've ordered is stuck in the post somewhere sadly. Boo Hoo! Will have to be more patient!!

This little cabinet had to be sanded down (least favourite job!) as I'd used it previously and was never happy with it so gave it a make over. It is painted with a few coats of matt emulsion, then stamped with Tim Holtz Pappillon stamps and a Lost coast butterfly one in archival ink. I used a combination of water colours, inktense pencils and distress inks to colour the stamps. Then I waxed over the cabinet with some wood balsam I picked up from Tescos so much easier than using matt medium which makes the distress inks run and varnish which never seems to go on with out runs or bubbles.

Thanks again for all your lovely comments, so appreciated and hello to some new followers, astounded to say there is nearly a 100, will have to think of some blog candy soon as a thank you.

Happy Crafting XX

Dreaming of a White Christmas ~ FSC

2011-11-20T11:56:00.000Z

How excited was I to be invited to join the lovely ladies of the Fashionable Stamping Challenge as a new member of their design team. They are a extremely talented & welcoming bunch and I'm so looking forward to working with them. Please do head along to their blog for some very inspirational projects from the design team. The challenge runs for two weeks and the winning entry will receive this gorgeous enchanted christmas santa stamp set from Marina at Cottage Crafts.

The current challenge is I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas, but for those of you like me who struggle a bit with white cards, it could be traditional christmas colours, infact as long as it's christmas themed and includes stamping its up to you.

I chose to make a traditional vintage style card and used my new lifestyle die (so much better value than spellbinders as you get 16 dies in this pack as opposed to the measly 5 or 6 usual spellbinder ones) to make an easel style card.

I used Melissa Frances 'Deck the Halls' paper which I toned down as I felt it was a little bright with TH picket fence distress stain and edged with vintage photo distress ink. The santa stamp is from Kreativ Hobby who ship worldwide and the script stamp is from a set of Alpha stamps which I gold embossed. The sentiment stamp is Joy from Curious by design.

I've sneaked in another couple of cards as I'm really enjoying making them at the moment, just as well seeing as I have plenty more to make LOL.

Another easel card using my new lifestyle die LOL. Other dies used are Cheery Lynn french pastry and Memory box poinsettia wreath. The central stamp is from Stempelglade vintage christmas and stamped with archival ink on glossy card and tinted with zig photomarkers (which I seriously need more off)

The final card I only managed to finish last night and also fits the theme I'm dreaming of a white christmas.

I made the background paper using distress stains in blue jeans, milled lavender and picket fence. Various christmas sentiments stamped in bleach and chipped sapphire.

The stamped image is from Artistic Outpost Sleigh ride and added some lace and bling to finish.

Hope you have a great Sunday, shame no more Downton but I been drawn into I'm a Celebrity Again, so guess what I'll be watching later.

Happy Crafting XX

A Medieval Christmas designed for Happy Daze

2011-11-15T09:34:00.000Z

The current Happy Daze Challenge is 'Explosion of Colour', so I decided to make a tag in bold colours. I used distress stains in Wild Honey & Barn Door to create the background. I used gold embossing powder for both latin scripts and around the edges of the tag. I stamped one of the houses from the Artistic Outpost whimsical melange in black embossing powder, then cut out and added this beautiful image of the Madonna and Child (from Imagenes vintage gratis). I used a hinge from the Tim Holtz elements and added some Inka gold. I dyed some ribbon with the same distress stains and added some fibres from my stash.

The current Happy Daze challenge is An Explosion of Colour. You have until Midnight on 30th November when one winner will be drawn at random to win a £15 voucher and free P&P to spend in the Happy Daze shop. Maximum of 3 entries per person & you must use at least one product which can be purchased in the Happy Daze shop.

You can enter by blogging you address to the linky widget here,
emailing your picture to info@happy-daze.net
uploading your photo to their facebook page

Seductive Serena

2011-11-12T19:54:00.000Z

I thought I would do a joint challenge for The Fashionable Stamping Challenge which is Days gone By and The Stampsmith Challenge which is Ribbons and Lace. I used my lovely free Stampendous postcard cling stamp from the FSC to create the background. I used distress stains, barn door, victorian velvet, wild honey, picket fence and blue azure cosmic shimmer spray randomly, to colour the paper, then stamped the postcard stamp in bleach. Then I used various postmark stamps in coffee archival ink. I stamped the lovely Stampsmith serena stamp onto gloss card and tinted with zig photomarkers and distress inks. I made a postcard with the stampendous stamp. I used one of my old muslin face cloths which I tea dyed and added a lacy embellishment to decorate. The small label die is by Memory box.

Have a great weekend and thank you for taking the time to visit my blog and for leaving much appreciated comments.

Happy Crafting XX

Crafty Individuals ~ Winter Wonderland

2011-11-07T15:47:00.001Z

Apologises for the rather large post today, thought I would upload a few projects today.

Firstly a mention of the fabulous blog candy by the very talented Lynne Stevens from Trash to treasure. It is her 3rd blog anniversary and to celebrate she is giving away some of her amazing work as blog candy, it is so so gorgeous.

Yes its time for another Crafty Individual challenge, Winter Wonderland yay love these challenges, so here it is.

I was inspired by Jean Hardys project in one of the Craftstamper issues for this canvas. Firstly painting the canvas with white gesso which I left to dry, then just mixing in some prussian blue watercolour into the gesso and I painted the background. I stamped and inked some of the CI chipboard houses. I used Inka gold and crackle medium with a touch of gilders paste patina on the fences & the snowflake and used several of the images from the CI books. Then outlined the houses with a gold krylon pen. The Santa & the angels were stamped onto tissue paper then cut out and glued to the canvas then tinted with watercolours.

Stamps used are CI 169, CI 258, CI 163, other stamps are various text stamps from curious by design and Artistic Out post.

This card came about because I saw this gorgeous stamp used by Mrs B to make her fabulous design team card for the Fashionable Stamping Challenge and I loved the card so much I had to have the stamp by rubber stampede, with the lovely Da Vinci image.

Then I thought I'd have ago making it into a pendant. I used some shrink plastic which I die cut, sanded slightly and painted with a thin layer of gesso and used that lovely stamp again and coloured the image with zig photomarkers. Rubbed a bit of inka gold on the back and added glossy accents to the front and glue on a couple of gold connectors and a pearl.

Finally another christmas card using the same Stempelglade Vintage christmas stamps as I used in my last post. But with the addition of the new memory box die which I doubled up to give a 3D effect

Phew, that's all for today. My back is feeling a lot better now, thanks, I think I spend to much time on my behind crafting and not doing enough exercise LOL!

Thanks again for all your lovely kind comments, hope you all had a great weekend.

Happy Crafting XX

A Few Cards!

2011-11-02T17:20:00.000Z

I thought I ought to knuckle down and make a few christmas cards.
I'm a grumpy old woman today as I've hurt my back, would you believe it by stooping to take these pictures with my iphone LOL. Roll on christmas as I need a new camera, the iphone one is a bit rubbish really and as our garden is northfacing it is quite dark for taking pictures.

Another moan why can't you buy 7" by 7" cards and envelopes (and if you can where do you get them from!) I find 6 x 6 too small and 8 x 8 to large yeah I know I could make my own and I do but its the envelopes they are a pain to make and I don't like making them. Really should try and make some non square cards, but there is something I like about them, in my chaotic crafty world there is something ordered about them. Told you I was grumpy, anyway onto the cards.

The first two are using Stempelglade 'Vintage Christmas' love these stamps. I stamped onto glossy card and used Zig photo markers to tint them, they're fine to use with archival ink as I much prefer it to memento for photo stamps. Also used versamagic dewdrop & distress inks too.

Papers used on the first card are Melissa Frances & Joanna Sheen on the second and the Santa card. The Santa stamp is a stampington one, and I used watercolours on this.

Promise to be in a better mood next time I blog.

Happy crafting from The Grumpy Old Woman XX

A Gypsy Life for Me!

2011-10-28T15:54:00.001+01:00

The current Fashionable Stamping Challenge is Coffee & Cream with a Hint of Dark Chocolate, well I'm no coffee lover so my take is milky bar, galaxy & bournville chocolate instead LOL!

I stamped the Gypsy & the caravan in coffee archival ink on watercolour paper. The frame is made using the Tim Holtz baroque dies and cream acrylic paint & I edged the inside of the frame with gold krylon. I made the flower using Tim Holtz tatter florals die and cream cotton which I stamped and coloured with distress inks.

I love the romance of the old style gypsy life, the nearest I'll get to it is a campervan instead, which we hope to get next year LOL!!

Stamps used ~

Gypsy Journey & Muse by Curious by Design
Tim Holtz Visual Artistry
Stamping Bella Isabel Norris Eclectic mini set

I am also entering this in for the following challenges
Ink on my Fingers ~ Forever Autumn
Simon says Stamp ~ Show one colour
Our Creative Corner ~ Fabulous Faces

That's all from me today.

Happy Crafting XX

Hark The Herald Angels designed for Happy Daze

2011-10-25T09:43:00.000+01:00

Another christmas decoration from me, this time a hanging. I recycled some card and glued both sides with pale blue paper from my stash then cut out a large heart shape. I randomly stamped and embossed snowflakes and pine cones with white embossing powder, then tinted with versamagic dewdrop chalk inks in pixie dust, sea breeze and aegean blue. I stamped Lost Coast Designs Hark the Herald Angels in archival ink onto glossy paper and tinted with the same versamagic inks. I added some white guipure lace, bead trim and a few embellishments from my stash. I punched a hole each side and threaded through some seam binding to create the hanging.

The current Happy Daze challenge is Christmas or Hallowe'en. You have until Midnight on 31st October when one winner will be drawn at random to win a £15 voucher and free P&P to spend in the Happy Daze shop. Maximum of 3 entries per person & you must use at least one product which can be purchased in the Happy Daze shop.

You can enter by blogging you address to the linky widget here,
emailing your picture to info@happy-daze.net
uploading your photo to their facebook page

Happy Crafting XX

A couple of Gifts!

2011-10-19T12:57:00.000+01:00

I thought I would use these small purses to make a couple of gifts. As they are quite small I decided to limit the stamping as I have a habit of going OTT. I gave the purses three coats of gesso as the surface is not the easiest to stamp on. I used the lovely Ophelia stamp from The stampsmith on the pink purse and used the same image on the back. The photo stamps used on the second purse are from kreativhobby. I used black archival ink and shaded with watercolours, then tinted the edges with a few dewdrop chalk inks. Then coated with glue n seal. I added organza ribbon roses and some tea dyed lace and pearls. Apologises about the photos having to hang on till christmas for a new camera so until then using my trusty iphone, which unfortunately does not have the best camera!

I have been asked where I bought these purses, unfortunately it is from a local garden centre, I have looked online but can't seem to find any where that stocks them.

I am entering these in the following challenges

Dream Valley Challenge
FrostedDesigns Fancy trim lace
CraftyRibbons Ribbon and lace
Bunnyzoescrafts lace it up
Stamptacular You choose, anything goes.

That's all for today so Happy Crafting. XX

An Indian Summer

2011-10-15T20:59:00.000+01:00

I always think of India, at this time of year, apart from the gorgeous weather we have had, many years ago we spent two months there backpacking and ever since then I've had a fascination for all things Indian, and hope to return there some time in the future. So with this in mind I made this little box.

The stamps used are Lost coast designs. The box was painted with three coats of cream matt emulsion then I stamped several images and painted with water colours and distress inks. I stained some braid with distress inks then added some pearls and a brass paisley embellishment. I painted the inside of the box and lined with paper.

I am entering this in the Fashionable Stamping Challenge Anything But A Card and Alter It Monthly Challenge which is Boxes.

Now for something old this is a pastel drawing I did a few years ago of a photo my husband took of some children when we stayed in Dharamasala, Northern India, they must all have children of their own now LOL!

Happy Crafting & Have a Great Weekend! XX

A Victorian Christmas designed for Happy Daze

2011-10-11T09:28:00.003+01:00

This christmas decoration uses Artistic Outpost Sleigh Ride stamps. I die cut six shapes from thick card using the Tim Holtz cabinet card die, which I glued together to make the frame. I stamped the image of the two children and masked, then over stamped with the trees. The image was tinted with distress inks & the frame was painted in red studio acrylic paint. I screwed a hinge onto either side of the frame and finished with stickles and gold corners like these.

The current Happy Daze challenge is Christmas or Hallowe'en. You have until Midnight on 31st October when one winner will be drawn at random to win a £15 voucher and free P&P to spend in the Happy Daze shop. Maximum of 3 entries per person & you must use at least one product which can be purchased in the Happy Daze shop.

You can enter by blogging you address to the linky widget here,
emailing your picture to info@happy-daze.net
uploading your photo to their facebook page

Happy Crafting XX

Fashionable Stamping Challenge ~ Vintage

2011-10-06T14:51:00.000+01:00

Well I just had to enter the Fashionable Stamping Challenge seeing as the theme was vintage, it was a lovely surprise to find I had won their last challenge.

I do like these white fabric bags to alter as they are such fun to do! I used mainly Crafty Individuals stamps on both sides. CI- 331, CI- 329, CI- 161, CI- 320, CI- 302 and the Tim Holtz papillon stamp set and a script stamp from curious by design. I gave the bag two coats of gesso and then stamped with black archival ink and coloured with water colours and distress inks followed by a coat of glue n seal. Still having problems with the sealant diluting the distress inks so I think I have to buy some of the fabric paints suggested by Florence.

I added some organza rose ribbon, a pink bow & tassel to finish.

I am entering this into the Lets Ink it up challenge which is Think Pink for breast cancer awareness month
& The ABC Challenge Anything goes.
& Glitter Geeks Challenge Shabby Chic

The stamps on this card are Curious by design, Muse & Crafty Individuals CI- 302

I am entering this into Crafty Cardmakers Challenge Anything Goes

Happy Crafting XX

Crafty Individuals ~ Things with Wings

2011-10-02T19:12:00.000+01:00

I was delighted to be one of the winners of the September Crafty Individuals Challenge & after being exceedingly late with my last entry I thought I would be early for a change. It is one of my favourite challenges and this month I thought I would just do a simple card for Things with Wings. Cards are not really my thing as I prefer boxes and hangings, but I don't think I have ever entered a card before.

Anyway I used CI - 069 on some glossy card stock and tinted with watercolours. The papers used are Ella Blue and the dies used are Cheery Lynn, spellbinders labels 4 & Xcut. I rather overdosed with pearls, then added some corners & flowers, ribbon and lace and a touch of rangers rock candy.

I've rather enjoyed The Borgias on Sky Atlantic so thought I would do a renaissance inspired card LOL!

The stamped used is from Oxford Impressions Bella Vita, and the papers are Graphic 45 renaissance faire.

Yay Downton Abbey on soon, perfect Sunday night viewing after a gorgeous unusually sunny October day.

A big hello to all my new followers and thank you so much for taking the time and effort to comment on my bloggings, it really is appreciated.

Happy Crafting & have a lovely evening XX

The Sky is the Limit Designed for Happy Daze

2011-09-27T10:18:00.001+01:00

My Little Black Dress is definitely stamping. I have stamped on paper and wood and this time I decided to stamp on fabric. I frayed a piece of cream cotton then painted with white gesso to make it easier to stamp on. I used the Artistic Outpost Bluebird stamp plate which is so pretty. I used a combination of distress inks and watercolours to paint the image. I mounted the stamped fabric onto a piece of thick card that I covered in some paper from my stash, die cut an edge and added some lace an pearls to finish.

There is still time to enter The Happy Daze Little Black Dress Challenge. You have until Midnight on 30th September when one winner will be drawn at random to win a £15 voucher and free P&P to spend in the Happy Daze shop. Maximum of 3 entries per person & you must use at least one product which can be purchased in the Happy Daze shop.

You can enter by blogging you address to the linky widget here,
emailing your picture to info@happy-daze.net
uploading your photo to their facebook page

Happy Crafting XX

Make My Monday ~ Steampunk, anything but a card

2011-09-26T12:55:00.000+01:00

The challenge at Make My Monday is Steampunk anything but a card. I don't own many steampunk stamps as I struggle when I use them to make something that looks half way decent. But thought I would have ago with some Graphic 45 ones I bought a while ago.

I used a small white fabric purse that I gessoed and stamped (with great difficulty :-D) then coloured with distress inks. I used glue n seal to finish the project but was not happy with how it diluted down the colours of the distress inks & mixed them together. The finished purse is a lot less vibrant than it was because of this. Anyway I added some metal bling to finish.

Hello to my new followers am off to check out your blogs now. XX

Crafty Individuals ~ Hanging About!

2011-09-24T19:00:00.001+01:00

Phew only just managed to get this done in time as the Crafty Individuals September challenge finishes tomorrow. Having a touch of crafters block at the moment, one of those weeks when nothing goes according to plan and everything I touch goes wrong LOL.. This hanging was all set to have some pretty lace all along the edge which I'd bought from my last trip to Dunelm mills. As I didn't have enough to go all the way around I nipped to Dunelm this morning to get some more, and now they don't sell lace anymore, I only went there a few weeks ago, so was not amused, but I still managed to buy a few other bits and bobs, well it would have been a wasted trip otherwise!!

Anyway I used some of the Melissa Frances papers again to make the heart which I finally edged with some german scrap instead. I stamped the CI - 148 stamp onto some gessoed cotton and coloured with distress inks. The heart was made with MF papers and cut with a sizzix die and then dry embossed. I added some lace, roses and trim and one of the CI chipboard swirls. Think this will have to be the last of my vintage shabby stuff, I will hide the MF paper so I don't use it for a while : - D Sorry about the photo but without a decent camera now so still using my iphone.

Off to tidy my crafty corner as there is stuff everywhere and even though I am very untidy it is loads worse than usual & Dylan (the dog) is snuffling though the stash I dropped on the floor!

Have a great weekend & Happy Crafting XX

Angel Arch

2011-09-18T21:09:00.000+01:00

I'm having a bit of a shabby, vintage phase at the moment as you mught have noticed. LOL and this arch is for two challenges, Vintage Udfordring which is 'Anything goes' & for the Happy Daze ' Little Black dress ' challenge (which is your favourite product/stamp/technique)

These little wooden arches are perfect for altering. I painted with gesso, then matt emulsion, and stamped the angels & texts with archival ink. Then used distress stains (my latest purchase!!) and water colours & finally my gold krylon to finish.

Very short and sweet as off to watch Downton Abbey!!

Happy Crafting & a big Thank you to all my old and new followers, I'm amazed I now have 70!! XX

Fashionable Stamping Challenge

2011-09-14T20:13:00.001+01:00

Spotted the Fashionable Stamping Challenge Blog a little while ago and thought I would have ago at their latest challenge, as I rarely make tags. Anyway this is my offering. I used Melissa Frances paper again, which I gessoed and then stamped with these two little cuties which are from Kreativ Hobby which are a Norwegian stamp company but they do ship to the UK. Other stamps used were lost coast designs (wish) and Tim Holtz papillon (background). I used distress inks and water colours to paint the tag and embellished with seam binding, lace, pearls, some roses & little spellbinders tag.

I am also entering this into

Anything Goes Challenge Vintage shabby chic

Shopping Our Stash, vintage or distressed

Gingersnap Creations Gal Pals

Thanks for looking & Happy Crafting XX

Pearly Queen Designed for Happy Daze

2011-09-13T10:01:00.001+01:00

My sister has lived in the US for quite a few years now, and I know she still misses Blighty so I thought these fab Artistic Outpost Loverly London stamps were just the job for this folded card for her birthday, there is a good mix of images and text in this set I followed a tutorial to make this folded card by Loriette on her gorgeous blog A Perfect Waste of Time. The background paper is made by haphazardly applying watered down distress inks with a paint brush and stamping lightly with archival ink to achieve a faded effect. The pearly queen was coloured with watercolours and distress inks and of course a pearl necklace.

A triangular pocket was added to the inside of the card to store the bookmark. More images were stamped firstly onto the pocket embellishment and then onto the book mark (he looks very dapper don't you think?) which was then sealed with Ranger glue n' seal and finally a red tassel to complete.

Thanks for looking & Happy Crafting XX

Pretty as a Picture

2011-09-09T20:32:00.001+01:00

I've not had a lot of time for crafting recently since being on holiday and returning, but this is a card I made for a friends birthday. The background paper is Melissa Frances fifth avenue and is a recent discovery. I bought it from Dunelm Mills of all places as they now have a craft section there. The image and frame are from crafty Individuals and the heart is a one I made using a sizzix die which was covered in the melissa frances paper. The other die cuts are from memory box and cheery lynn.

Its good to be back at my craft desk but I'm certainly missing those pain au chocolats for breakfast. Apologises for the photo but on going camera problems so using my iphone to take pics but I do rather like the border effects LOL!

Thanks for all your kind words, I really appreciate you taking the time and trouble to leave a comment and its lovely to visit all your blogs too.

Happy Crafting XX

The Little Black Dress: Designed for Happy Daze

2011-09-01T11:00:00.002+01:00

This is a scheduled post as I'm hopefully sunning it in France, ink-free fingers crossed.

The current Happy Daze challenge is that favourite ‘ little black dress’ crafting item that we revert to when all else fails, I have a bit of an obsession with stamps and one of my favourite sets is Labels by Lost Coast Designs. I have used them many times and this time I have made a simple notebook.

I stamped and masked the images & coloured with distress inks. Then glued to some recycled card and cut to size. I sprayed with crafters companion to seal the notebook.

There is a £15 voucher and free P & P up for grabs for the current challenge.

You can enter by blogging your address here, emailing your picture to info@happy-daze.net or uploading your photo to their facebook page.

Happy Crafting XX

Travel : The Stampman Challenge

2011-08-26T22:22:00.000+01:00

This clutch bag was originally going to be my challenge piece for Happydaze, but the lovely Julie Dandy by pure coincidence blogged the very same clutch which she had beautifully altered last week, so I thought this would fit the current Stampman Challenge which is travel instead!

This had a couple of coats of gesso then I used a variety of lost Coast Designs labels stamps and curious by design Paris stamps. I used water colours for the images then I sealed the bag with ranger glue n seal. I completed the bag stamping and distress the pink paislee mistables trim, added a bow and sparkle to finish.

Happy Crafting XX

Sirens, Mermaids & the deep blue sea

2011-08-25T08:25:00.000+01:00

The current challenge on Alter It Monthly is Sirens, Mermaids & the deep blue sea. I used one of those fabby, cheap mirrors from Ikea.

I really should have been doing my packing, but crafting is a lot more fun. I gessoed the mirror as usual, and painted it. The stamps used are Littlebigtree, enchanted sea. I got seriously messy with this, using cosmic shimmer mists, Inca gold and some embossing powder and of course my krylon pen!

Bit awkward to photograph as I was trying to avoid my unattractive reflection in the mirror, just about managed it. LOL!!

Back to the packing now!

Happy crafting & lovely to receive all your comments XX

Naughty can be Nice designed for Happy Daze

2011-08-23T10:30:00.000+01:00

Not sure what these two lovely ladies have been up to. I'll leave that up to your imagination!
I used a wood jewellery box which I painted in white matt emulsion then I used Lost Coast Designs Naughty can be Nice stamped in archival ink. I used victorian velvet & dusky concord distress inks to rub over the box. The image was coloured in with water colours, but you could easily use distress inks. I finished the box using a a button and trim from my stash & a chain tassel.

I've decided I'm not much of a card maker at the moment, but I did manage to make one at the weekend under duress. LOL! I think I need some more practice!

The image is crafty individuals CI- 320 which I stamped onto cotton !

Thanks for all your lovely comments, I love visiting all your fabulous blogs.

Happy CraftingXX

Crafty Individuals ~ Bright & Beautiful

2011-08-19T11:45:00.005+01:00

The current crafty Individuals challenge is Bright & Beautiful and I'm a little late with my entry this month.Thankfully the weather is bright and beautiful today as all it did yesterday was rain continuously. I've used some more distress inks I don't usually reach for, mustard seed, barn door & peeled paint. I think it would have been a lot easier using distress stains but as I don't have any I used my inks. Not really sure what the difference is to be honest. I used one of the wooden shrines as I love these. I decided just to use inks and stamps on this shrine and resisted the urge to add any extras.

I used gesso on the shrine then some cream matt emulsion. I stamped the images with archival ink & the two CI stamps used are CI- 209 & CI- 277. Then the distress inks to create the background & the colour the back of the shrine. I used water colours to paint the children. I varnished the shrine to protect the inks & water colours & finished by using my gold krylon pen round the edges.

After what I said on the last post I'm entering this in for a couple of other challenges at the Stampman & Gingersnap Creations LOL!

I was fiddling with my blog template yesterday as I wanted to be able to add the extra large photos, and now I wish I hadn't as I think I moved the margins, oh dear it will teach me not to do it again!

Not a lot of time for crafting next week as I'll be busy packing for our holiday to Normandy so I'm hoping the weather improves as they're weather is similar to ours. Still the wine is a lot cheaper.

Thank you for looking & happy crafting XX

Fairies or Angels

2011-08-17T10:48:00.001+01:00

I don't seem to enter many challenges & never organised enough to make a project that fits more than one challenge, so I spotted this one on Make My Monday and decided to have ago. Not so sure about the colours I used , but these distress inks just sit in my draw and are rarely used unlike my trusty victorian velvet and brushed corduroy!

I gessoed an oblong canvas then painted it with some turquoise watercolour paint mixed with some gesso as I didn't have any turquoise acrylic, then I sprayed it with a couple of cosmic shimmer mists and stamped with a mesh background stamp. some lovely inca gold and sprayed with varnish. The crafty Individual stamps were stamped onto eco board then painted with distress inks and watercolours and triple embossed with UTEE, so they look like little glazed tiles, which you can't really see in the photos.

The butterflies and flowers are from one of the crafty Individual books and the butterflies were coated in glossy accents.

Just wanted to add this other photo as I was having a play on my iphone and I liked the border effect. LOL!

I have also entered this into the Dream Valley Challenge which is distressing, not too distressing I hope :-D

Happy Crafty & thanks again for all your generous comments. X

Ophelia's Pennant

2011-08-13T16:39:00.000+01:00

I was asked to be the guest designer for August by Polly from Our Vintage Affair and the theme for their current challenge is triangle. It could be a triangular card, or a pyramid box anything which has the shape of a triangle.Up for grabs is a £20 voucher to spend in The Craft Barn.

I decided to make a pennant out of cardboard which I covered in prima bottanical paper on both sides. I edged the pennant with german scrap which I'd gessoed and then highlighted in Inka gold and a little distress ink. I made the larger scrunchy flower using the Tim Holtz tattered floral die and inked and spritzed and gessoed the poor flower till it was thoroughly shabby, and used a selection of roses from Wild orchid crafts.

The stamped image is Ophelia from The Stampsmith & the dies used are cheery lynn french pastry & spellbinders ribbon banners!

Off to make some Plum jam now! Happy crafting! X

Bathing Belles designed for Happy Daze

2011-08-09T09:30:00.005+01:00

The current Happy Daze Challenge is 'Oh I do like to be beside the seaside' For my challenge piece I used a wooden curio house. I painted the house in matt emulsion paint and used a variety of stamps including Lost coast designs swimsuit girl and Scrolls work Julie & Sarah. The images were coloured in with promarkers and distress inks and highlighted with glossy accents. Other stamps used are Crafty Individuals CI-278 & CI- 284 and Oxford Impressions By the sea.

There is a £15 voucher and free P&P up for grabs for the current challenge.

You can enter by blogging your entry here , emailing your picture to info@happy-daze.net or uploading your photo to their facebook page.

Thanks for looking & Happy crafting XX

A little bit of Klimt!

2011-08-07T20:01:00.000+01:00

Back in the land of the blogging! Not a lot of time for crafting at the moment unfortunately, but I have managed to make another little box. I have been lusting after some Cherry Pie Klimt stamps but I haven't managed to get them yet so the next best thing was some rather nice tissues I spotted whilst in the shop at the Fitzwilliam museum in Cambridge. It would be great if they did a mixed pack of printed tissues as you only need one or two of the same design so I will now have to make lots of Klimt style projects.

I was inspired to have a go at tissue decoupage after seeing Helen Chilton's article in a recent copy of Craftstamper. I painted the box with some matt emulsion then tore out the images and pasted them on with some PVA glue. I randomly stamped with a harlequin stamp and a swirl stamp. A touch of varnish and some inca gold, and my favourite krylon pen to finish.

I recently bought a lovely stamp from Magenta ' Papillon Post' and decided to use it on a anniversary card for my sister!

The other stamps I used on this card are the Tim Holtz Papillon set.

Short and sweet today folks!

Happy Crafting & a big thank you for all your lovely comments! XX

Thank you!

2011-07-24T20:14:00.001+01:00

These are some cards I made for some very special ladies! Not my usual style as I really don't do cute, but I felt that some how these fitted the bill!

I made seven in total! My tape pen ran out, then my double sided tape and finally my trusty gold krylon pen gave up the ghost!

I made a standard 6 x 6 easel card and matted with various papers from my stash. I used the new cheery Lynn dies, Dainty Dutch deco, Celtic Fire Rectangle, and exotic butterflies, which are beautiful and detailed. My first time of using digi images, these are from Sugar nellie and are coloured in with pro markers and distress inks. Roses from Wild Orchid Crafts.

I attached a small pair of sterling silver pearl earrings I made as a gift!

I am entering these in the following challenges

Sugar Nellie Challenge

ABC challenge

Hope you have all had a fab weekend. It has been a gorgeous sunny day, perhaps we will get a summer after all.

Happy Crafting & a big thank you for all your lovely comments, they are all very much appreciated. X

Little Angel Wisdom Box

2011-07-19T22:16:00.000+01:00

I used a small wooden box similar ones are available here. I gave the box a couple of coats of matt paint and stamped Loast Coast Designs ~ Praying Angel on the lid and Lost Coast Designs ~ Words on all four sides. The image was lightly coloured with distress inks and coated with varnish to protect the stamped images.

Another little box I altered using lost coast designs cameo set, I think it looks rather like an old Victorian cigar box! LOL! I added detail using a gold leafing pen and some braid and a tassel chain.

Short & sweet as off to finish some more cards.

Happy Crafting XX

Crafty Individuals Challenge ~ Wedding Casket

2011-07-11T16:07:00.000+01:00

The theme for the July Crafty Individuals Challenge is pink, cream & brown. Mmmm what a lovely combo, lush and vintage. I actually did two, but decided to enter the Wedding Casket.

I altered a wooden jewellery box, which I painted using pink and brown matt emulsion and crackled. I then used CI - 161 and stamped the script randomly over the box with coffee archival ink. I sprayed the box with crafters companion varnish. I used cream cotton which I painted with gesso and stamped CI - 139 and coloured with distress inks. I then coated with matt mod podge to protect the stamped image, finally outlining with a gold leafing pen.

I dyed some white lace with hubby's tea bags. LOL! Then attached the lace and added pearls. I made a ribbon rose following one of the many youtube tutorials and added another lacy embellishment. Finally screwing on a Tim Holtz curio knob and feet to complete the casket.

I am also entering this into Our Vintage Affair July Challenge ~ Wedding

The notebook is covered in some Claudine Hellmuth sticky canvas on which I printed a digital design. I added tea dyed lace pearls and cream roses. I die cut some Tim Holtz vintage shabby paper with the baroque die then stamped with a Katzelcraft stamp. I used pro markers to colour CI - 322 then cut, outlining with gold leafing pen and coated in glossy accents. Another ribbon rose and some danglies from my stash.

This is entered for the following challenges

Stamp Scrap & Doodle Saturdays ~ cream & brown + 1 other colour

Crafts & Me Challenge ~ favourite stamp

Stampin for the Weekend ~ Wings & Things

Thanks for all the lovely comments you are leaving.

Happy Crafting X

Earrings & Things

2011-07-05T19:06:00.000+01:00

Just a short blog post for today. This is designed for The Happy Daze Challenge Dangly Things.
I used Pink paislee butterfly garden papers on thick cardboard then diecut using the Tim Holtz baroque Bigz die. The stamps used are Lost Coast Designs Labels again! Well at least I'm getting good use out of them & another well used set, Pink Paislee Butterfly garden. The image stamps are from Kreativ Hobby. I used my eyelet setting tool to attach the chain and earrings and Tim Holtz hitch fasteners to finish.

Getting very excited as off to see Take That on Friday for the fifth time, obsessed or what! LOL.

Happy Crafting!

Gothic Does Steampunk!

2011-06-27T15:09:00.001+01:00

Firstly some good news, I was thrilled to be asked to join The Happy Daze Design Team. It was a really lovely surprise. Happy Daze has such a talented design team, and to be honest I'm little in awe of them all as they have some really inspiring blogs.

Happy Daze run a monthly challenge and a winner is randomly drawn and gets a voucher to spend in their online shop, which has loads of interesting crafting goodies. To enter you just need to use at least one item from their shop and post a picture on their facebook or blog page.

The theme for this Monday is 'Dangly Things' and I decided to make a hanging and a necklace using Lost coast Designs labels available from Happy Daze . These stamps are my favourite of the moment as they are very versatile.

I like steampunk but find the grungier elements of it quite difficult to do without it just looking dirty, so I decided to combine it with a touch of gothic. I used a digital background paper, which by the time I finished was completely unrecognisable LOL. I used distress inks and some Graphic 45 stamps to punk up the background and then found by using black STAZON I could turn any metal embellishments black so everything got the stazon treatment including some copper german scrap. I used the lost coast stamp as my cental image and sprayed it with a few coats of varnish to make it nice and glossy and a black tassel and some chain to finish.

I also am entering this into the Just for Fun challenge which is steampunk and Sunday Stampers which is 'Words'

Still having camera issues at the moment and after my last one broke a few weeks ago this one is looking rather like it's going the same way as the lens protector didn't want to close today whilst out at Cambridge Botanical Gardens which was glorious if a touch on the warm side!

The necklace was made using the same set of stamps and some shrink plastic. I got this idea from Lin Brown's blog Yours Artfully

I find stamping on shrink plastic quite difficult, but if you paint a thin coat of acrylic paint on the plastic first the stamped images gives a sharper impression. It's also important to punch any holes needed first before heating as the shrunken plastic is quite brittle and liable to break.

A few pictures of the stunning array of flowers at the Botannical Gardens!

Thats all for this post, thanks for looking.

Happy Crafting X

Polkadoodles Challenge

2011-06-21T10:01:00.001+01:00

Down at Polkadoodles the challenge is Butterflies and I decided to have a go at something slightly different, well not that different LOL, but less vintage shabby than my normal offerings. I made this card for the birthday swap I have joined on the Craft Telly Forum, so hopefully the recipient will not see it on my blog before they receive it.

I made an easel card and the papers used were Tim Holtz and some Kanban card stock in a burgundy colour. The stamp is curious by design that I bought from Stamp Addicts a while ago and is coloured using promarkers and distress inks. Embellished with roses from Wild Orchid Crafts and one of their new metal butterflies that has been slightly distressed and finished with some stickles (unusual for me as I don't do the blingy, glitter thing usually!) and pearls.

Another couple of cards made for friends birthdays that are more blingy than usual.

Both of these cards are using images from People and places Book 2 available from Crafty Individuals. I embossed pearlised card using the larger script embossing folder from cuttlebug. Papermania and Tim Holtz papers and more Wild Orchid roses and their new metal corners.

This last card is one following on from my last blog post and is another folded card which I love making as there is space inside the card in the pocket to add a tag, book mark or similar. The paper used are Tim Holtz Vintage shabby and Ella blue by GCD which are the most gorgeous papers in shades of blue and chocolate. The digital image used is one of the many available from Dezinaworld and the stamp is Labels by Lost Coast Designs another favourite of mine and is available from Happy Daze and more Wild Orchid roses to finish.

Thank you for all the lovely encouraging comments you are leaving. I really appreciate you all taking the time and trouble to visit my blog.

Happy Crafting X

Our Vintage Affair

2011-06-17T17:48:00.002+01:00

The June Card Challenge at Our Vintage Affair is A Sketch with Background stamping.

I followed a tutorial to make a folded card by Loriette on her gorgeous blog A Perfect Waste of Time.

I wanted to make a vintage peachy coloured card, so as I couldn't find any suitable paper in my stash I painted some card stock with a matt peach coloured emulsion then when dry I used one of the Lost coast designs Labels stamps with coffee archival ink and a lacy stamp which I sponged with cream emulsion as a contrast and this was punched out with a Martha Stewart lace punch. The three images are also Lost Coast Design stamps which I highlighted with distress inks.

The card opens to reveal a triangular pocket to which I added a matching tag.

Very short and sweet this post as haven't even thought about what to have for dinner yet. Ooops this crafting is becoming very addictive.

Happy Crafting X

Mucha Canvas

2011-06-10T10:01:00.000+01:00

Just a quick post today. I decided to try something different for the 'Alter it Monthly challenge' which is canvas. I started out with a clear idea of what I wanted to do, but somehow it turned out completely differently. I have recently purchased some really lovely Lost Coast Design stamps based on the Art of Alfons Mucha and decided to use one of these.

I used a 10" by 8" canvas board and covered it in Inka gold and copper. Then I used cosmic shimmer sprays and gold embossing powder to create a bit more interest.

I actually used promarkers to colour the stamped image which I don't often do as I prefer more subtle tones. Then I glazed it with glossy accents.

I used a vintage paper from my stash and stamped it with yes, you guessed it another Lost Coast stamp LOL. It is difficult to see but the swirls are made from copper metal which I then diecut. Then I added a few embellishments and gave it a couple of coats of clear varnish.

Really struggling with my camera at the moment as whichever settings I use the colours do not appear true. They seem to have a white tinge to them.

I would like to thank you for your continuing comments and encouragement it is really appreciated.

Happy Crafting

Vintage With A Heart

2011-06-06T14:47:00.005+01:00

I was really pleased to be one of the five winners of Crafty Individuals May challenge. It must have been so difficult to choose, as all the entries were stunning and so varied.

The theme for their June challenge is 'Vintage With A Heart'

I decided to decorate a wooden curio house. I painted the entire house a vintage pink with matt emulsion and once dry I stamped on a pink/burgandy paint using CI - 213 to simulate a crackle effect. I outlined the house with a gold krylon pen.

The banner was painted with both the pink and burgandy paint and embossed using CI - 258 with gold embossing powder.

I used CI - 174 to make the mini pictures with the tando frames also available from Crafty Individuals.

The heart stamp is from magenta and unfortunately its not clear in the picture but it has a crackle glaze. I used a script stamp for the paper and I made a posy from a small crochet doily and some rose blooms.

The bottom right stamped image is CI - 139 which I chose as my winning stamp! The oval picture next to it is an image from Dezinaworld which I backed onto a small lacey oval spellbinder die which I coloured gold.

That's all for the moment as my back is playing up from prolonged sitting crafting. LOL!

Happy Crafting.

A Couple of Altered Items!

2011-06-02T11:15:00.000+01:00

I have quite a few wooden items lurking in my crafting cupboard including this wooden shrine that I bought ages ago but have never got round to doing anything with.

I painted the shrine with white gesso, then used distressed inks to create the background colours. For the centre piece I used Katzelkraft Dragonfly stamp which is available from the The Craft Barn and my much much used Pink Paislee butterfly garden stamps. The statue is a downloaded image from the internet I have had for a while. I used grafix rub onz to add the image to the central panel. The stamps used on the two smaller panels are Artemio hedgerow plants. I coloured these using distress inks then spray varnished to finish.

This is a revamped piece, that I repainted and stamped as I was never happy with how it had previously turned out. I used a pale eggshell blue matt emulsion and stamped the images on the frame with coffee archival ink, Pink Paislee butterfly garden stamps again I'm afraid!! This is actually a photo frame, I decided not to use the glass and I used gesso on the hardboard back to create a surface for stamping, then painted on a coat of matt emulsion. The stamp used is a lost coast designs Winged girl.

Happy Crafting

Simply Cards!

2011-05-19T21:21:00.001+01:00

I thought I would concentrate on making some cards, two large 8 x 8 cards and two smaller tag cards. I would like to apologise for the photos but my favourite panasonic lumix camera has given up the ghost on me so I am having to use my old one.

I have finally used my Cherry pie stamps - Leonardo's women on this card. I cut a rectangle of cream card to make my postcard, using three oxford impression stamps, Bella Vita for the postmark, stamp and Carte Postale. Then I used a script stamp from Curious by Design for the message, and the Mona Lisa stamp of course adding a gold corner for embellishment. The main background paper was created using various colours of distress inks and cosmic shimmer mists and some Pink Paislee Butterfly garden stamps. I used some white gesso to tone down the paper as it was rather too vivid. I added a crochet doily and some roses from Orchid Crafts and mini gold tassel.

This card has really not photographed well at all, the colours appear more bleached, anyway the Crafty Individual stamp I used is CI- 302 which I painted using distress inks, victorian velvet, dusky concord and shabby shutters. This was matted onto a couple of background papers and I added some plum coloured lace. The doily die is by die-dynamics and I embossed this with a cuttlebug script folder and tinted with various shades of dew drop inks. I used a script stamp on some cream distressed paper and those pretty roses from Orchid Crafts again and some cute floral chipboard butterflies.

This is a simple tag card made using a Tim Holtz alteration die. The stamp is from Lost Coast Designs, which I stamped onto glossy card using Archival Ink and the swirls stamps are freebies that I received from Crafty Individuals.

This final tag card was again made using the Alterations tag die which I then embossed in a cuttlebug folder and spritzed with various cosmic shimmer sprays, and then highlighted using Inka gold, copper. The image is one of the many images available from Moonlight Journey, which I added to a chipboard arch that I'd painted and stamped. Finally I attached some german scrap, a butterfly charm, and some more pretty peach roses.

Looks like I'll be saving up for a new camera now, I will have to put on hold my crafting wish list!

Until next time, ♥ happy crafting ♥

Crafty Individuals May Challenge

2011-05-10T15:05:00.000+01:00

Just a quick post about Crafty Individuals latest challenge 'free as a bird' For my entry I used a tando frame and stand.

I painted the frame and the stand in white gesso. Then I used various colours of dew drop inks to colour the frame. CI-209 was stamped lightly to create the branches and Whispers in the Wind. The background paper is one from Crafty Individuals mini books trees. The mini tando frame is also available from CC and was again coloured using the dew drop inks and the bird stamp is one from the set of four CI-184. The birds perched on the bottom of the frame is stamped using CI-230 and lightly painted using distress inks. I completed the project by highlighting the birds with glossy accents.

Until next time!

And Another Altered Box for Alter It Monthly

2011-05-03T21:15:00.003+01:00

I know! But I do so love altering boxes. I must stop for a while as they are gradually filling up my dressing table, but I have an excuse, my other passion is jewellery and these are ideal for storing my rings and things.
This small wooden box cost less than £1.50 and is ideal for decorating as the lid is separate, I just wish I'd picked up a few more. This my entry for Alter it Monthly wood challenge.

I started by painting the box with dusky pink and cream matt emulsion paint. Then I decorated the box using Pink Paislee Butterfly garden stamps and archival ink in coffee. The image is one of my favourite and I used Grafix rub onz to transfer it onto the box. Then some distress inks in Victorian velvet and brushed corduroy and finally completing the box with some spray varnish.

For this card I used Pink Paislee Butterfly Garden papers and an image from Moonlight journey and some kaiserkraft blooms.

I would also like to thank everyone for visiting my blog and leaving such kind and encouraging comments! Now off to do some more crafting!

Three Little boxes!

2011-04-27T15:04:00.000+01:00

I love altering boxes and these are three I made during the Easter break. I just hope I haven't got any chocolate smudges on them!

The first one is made from an old cardboard jewellery gift box. It is covered in Pink Paislee butterfly garden paper which I have to say is my favourite paper collection of the moment. I used one of the pretty Crafty Individual images from People and places book 2 and one of their lovely chipboard frames which I stamped and inked. I sealed the box with Claudine Hellmuths matte medium personally I prefer matte mod podge, but I need some more!

Talking of Crafty Individuals I was very pleased to find out today that I am one of the five winners of their first challenge. Now the hard job of choosing which one of their lovely stamps to add to my collection.

Another old gift box which I also covered in the Butterfly Garden paper. This time I used one of the Kaiserkraft wood frames adding some Inka gold. The image is one of the many lovely ones available from Moonlight journey. I used glossy accents to add a glass like effect. Adding a copper tassel and a pretty rose to finish.

The final box is a tiny wooden box which I painted in cream matt emulsion paint. I stamped three images from two lost Coast Designs Alice in Wonderland stamps and a Tim Holtz one. I lightly coloured them in using various Tim Holtz distress inks. Then added some more inks and the box went a grainy blue colour, which I'm rather undecided about, but perhaps it will grow on me! Finally varnishing it with Crafters companion spray varnish.

Less is more, but.......

2011-04-22T15:20:00.000+01:00

I love adding the finishing touches and can't seem to stop myself adding more! Anyway this is my entry for the Happy Daze made with Wood challenge.

Happy Daze are also offering Easter Egg Candy here in the form of a £25 gift voucher to spend in their shop.

I used a wood case available from Happy Daze and some valenciennes trim in a gorgeous dusty vintage pink. I used some german scrap, but as I only had gold, I coloured it with a silver krylon pen. The pink paper is from the Tim Holtz vintage shabby pad and the feet are from his ideology range. The stamp is one of my favourites at the moment from Crafty Individuals CI-306. The blooms are kaiserkraft which are available from Merly Impressions. I had some cream lace which I coloured pink and used to back a cameo. I made a mould of a blue cameo, then used hearty clay to make an impression which I painted pink to match the colour scheme. Hearty clay is very light and the texture reminds me very much of those pink shrimps I used to eat as kid!

The back of the box has an old image of a pears advertisement and is one of the many free images available from The Graphics fairy

Happy Easter to everyone. I'm just off to munch my way through some cream eggs!

Crafty Tag Card and Moonlight Designs

2011-04-17T12:53:00.000+01:00

I bought some of the new Crafty Individual tags recently; I was rather unsure of what to make with them, so I decided to use one to make a tag card.

The frame is also from Crafty Individuals. I originally decorated the frame with inks and a crackle glaze, but it was a bit of a disaster so I managed to salvage it by embossing with some clear UTEE, then stamping on a swirl design. Finally adding some memento dew drop inks and some Inka gold. The image I used is one of the many available from Moonlight Journey To complete the card I added some kaisercraft paper blooms and one of their chipboard pieces.

This card is using the new Crafty Individual stamp CI - 306

I added some kaiserkraft lace, a dusty rose bloom and attached some Tim Holtz safety pins, the papers used are Pink Paislee & Graphic 45.

Two more projects using Moonlight Journey images. The first is a small picture made from grey cardboard, which I embossed with a cuttlebug embossing folder then used Inka gold copper and some cosmic shimmer sprays. Then I used some prima lace and edged with a krylon gold pen and attached gold chain and a copper tassel.

Lastly using more Inka gold copper, and Cosmic shimmer sprays I decorated this small wooden key/jewellery cabinet. Adding a favourite Pre-Raphaelite image from Moonlight Journey. I applied glossy accents to the image to finish.

Crafty Individuals April Challenge

2011-04-13T13:05:00.000+01:00

Crafty Individuals are one of my favourite shopping sites and I covet lots of there crafting goodies. They are doing a new blog challenge here on the theme of 'simply square.'

I made a mini picture using some of their 6 x 6 papers travels in Italy and one of their stamps CI - 112. I used one of my many blank beer mats and a Tim Holtz on the edge die. I cut out a frame from grey cardboard and used Inka Gold and copper and a couple of the Cosmic shimmer sprays, then edged in gold, with a Krylon pen. I decorated a couple of the crafty individual chipboard swirls with more of the cosmic shimmers and attached some tassels, chain and a Tim Holtz ideology heart. Unfortunately the picture does not capture the shimmer from the sprays. I think I need a few lessons in photography!!

Pre-Raphaelite & Vintage Trinkets

2011-04-07T14:39:00.000+01:00

I went to a Pre-Raphaelite exhibition yesterday; The Poetry of Drawing at the Birmingham museum. It was amazing to look so closely at the work of The pre-Raphaelites during a period in art that has always fascinated me. The drawings, painting, and stained glass were stunning.
Most of my recent crafting has been influenced by that era as it appeals to the romantic in me. I have just completed a small book using beer mats that feature a couple of the artists from that period, Dante Gabriel Rossetti and J. W. Waterhouse. I used some Claudine Wellmuth sticky canvas on the front cover and a combination of rubber stamping, painting and some digital images (using Grafix rub onz) to complete the project. Oh and some cute mini tassels, I bought from Joanna Sheen, a mini flower and pearl brad. The stamps used were Oxford Impressions, Soul of the Rose, which are available at LB Crafts, and lost coast designs.

The trinket box, I made a couple of weeks ago for a friends birthday using Graphic 45 renaissance Faire paper, the renaissance being another period of art that interests me. I used the Tim Holtz ornate feet and a curio knob to complete along with another tassel. The box is also lined with graphic 45 paper. I used a spray glue to stick the papers to a cheap wooden box. This box was inspired by a similar project I stumbled across whilst browsing youtube!

My final piece is a notebook which has been covered in more claudine Wellmuth sticky canvas. I used the free paint shop pro software to design the cover using some vintage images. I covered the inside also and stamped various butterfly images to co-ordinate with the theme and printed a similar back cover. I used the bind it all to complete the book and finished with a Tim Holtz book plate, key and chain and another lovely tassell.

Digital Switch Over Vintage Style!

2011-03-31T13:40:00.001+01:00

Seeing as its the week for digital switch over I thought I'd have ago at digital, vintage style For The Happy Daze Vintage Style Challenge. I've downloaded a trial version of Paint shop pro which I'm really enjoying using, but I only have a couple of weeks before it expires, so I am in computer mode at present playing about with some gorgeous vintage graphics which I've used in my first project. This is a small collage frame, that I covered in texture paint, then embossed, adding some cosmic shimmer mist and my favourite products at the moment Inka Gold, in gold and copper. I added some more Inka gold and copper to the die cut swirls and Prima mixed metal flower to tone in.

The other project is an old metal tin I sanded down and painted with gesso and black acrylic paint. I glued on some Joanna Sheen Da Vinci papers, an old book page and used a Lost Coast Mona Lisa stamp. Stamping a few swirls and more Inka gold. Finally I used some ranger crackle glaze and added a Tim Holtz book plate.

My Greek inspired project is on hold at the moment as I'm awaiting some goodies from ebay to finish it. But I've just taken delivery of a Bind it All machine so off now to have a play!! Until next time.

A Crafty Weekend!

2011-03-22T13:13:00.000Z

Well I've had a busy weekend crafting, not an awful lot of housework got done, but I'm one of those people that that doesn't really notice the dust!

My first project was for the 'Happy Daze' Shades of blue challenge and I used a small wooden hinged icon and painted it pale blue then used a combination of lost Coast & non sequitur stamps (yes I have been interneting shopping again!) and highlighted in Inka gold, silver paint.

I had bought a few small wooden boxes which were very cheap, not quite sure what to do with them, but sure I would find a use for them later. I'm at my happiest messing about with paint and seem to have more success with 3D objects rather than cards. I rummaged through my growing stamp collection and spied one of my favourite crafty individual stamps CI - 278 and here is the result, which I decided to varnish. I also painted the inside of the box and lined with some pretty paper.

I recently bought some of the new Graphic 45 stamps and decided to use them on another of my little boxes. I made the flower using the Tim Holtz flower die, the middle sized one. I die cut about six of them and inked both sides and fastened using a small brad, scrunched up the flower, spritzed with some cosmic shimmer and glued on an old button. I found this method on http://gingernonutsbits.blogspot.com/ and adapted it slightly to suit my box.

Lastly I made another Mother's Day card using some more Crafty Individuals goodies. The stamp used is CI - 065 I made a similar flower to the one above. Some Tim holtz papers for backing and a spritz of cosmic shimmer to colour the cream card as I didn't have any pink ones!

Vintage Style Cards

2011-03-16T13:48:00.000Z

I don't know about you but when I'm in craft mode, I can be in the middle of doing anything and I'll be thinking about my next idea, usually during my least favourite activity which is any sort of housework! I had intended on my next project being grecian inspired. But that has been shelved for the moment as the item I had intended to use is out of stock from my favourite craft haunts!! So I decided to make a few cards instead.

So for my first card I have used one of the images from The Crafty Individuals Issue 1 people and places mini book. I used some of the background papers and their die cut frames too and mounted onto a cream card which I'd previously stamped and embellished with a die cut flower.

The next card was using another crafty individual product this time CI-302 which I thought would make a pretty mothers day card. I coloured the stamp using some watered down distress inks and and layered onto a background paper which I'd made with more distress inks and one of the large darkroom door background stamps. I added a layer of torn paper which I edged with Inka gold and added a pretty prima flower which I thought looked rather like a vintage broach!

Finally my last crafty Individual card. I used stamp CI-174 which I stamped onto a gypsies background paper. Then I cut them out and glued them onto one of the crafty individuals Inchies in frame which I'd inked used barn door distress ink, then stamped and embossed with a background stamp. I added some more Inka gold round the edges a pretty background paper and matted onto a black card, finally some more prima bling.

I love black cards, think it must be the goth in me trying to get out!!

Note to self will have to stop using square cards all the time!

A Crafty Blog Virgin!

2011-03-13T14:03:00.001Z

As this is my first post, I hope you will be patient with me. It's probably not very evident, but this is a craft blog. I've got a bit carried away with the lovely Vintage backgrounds, but think they look rather cool.
I will use this first post to share some of my latest creations. I've always been more inclined towards the vintage style of crafting, perhaps a little shabby, but not to grungy!

I love rubber stamping and I'm building up an impossibly large stamp collection. There are so many gorgeous stamps out there. I adore crafty Individuals, Lost Coast Designs, Oxford Impressions ( I am impatiently awaiting a gorgeous set of their Soul Of The Rose stamps) Cherry pie and the new Graphic 45 stamps.
We have just returned from a lovely few days in Bath and I am itching to get back to crafting and am thinking of how to incorporate some Roman inspired ideas into a project. Me thinks I need to go searching for some lovely new stamps, Non Sequitur perhaps.

These are some mini pictures made from beer mats using 'Serena' (The Stampsmith) & some crafty Individual stamps, frames and images from their mini books.

After a bit of research into the crackle paint effect using matt emulsion and PVA glue this is my attempt. I used a plain wooden box and some Graphic 45 stamps and Steampunk debutante papers. Not so keen on the colours I used now, but at least I can sand it down and redo it when I get bored with it.

And finally a couple of pictures. The first was from an idea in the March issue of the Craftstamper from the Crafty Individual designer Jean Hardy.

And this was using a gorgeous lost coast design stamp and some bits and bobs that came to hand! Well that's all for today. Now I feel in need of some nice relaxing internet craft shopping!