6 More Sleeps!!

Not long until Christmas now!!  I have got soooo much left to do - we all get there in the end.

Today I would like to share the card that I made for Dan:

I covered a card blank with some yummy Christmas paper which I then inked around the edges of.  I die cut a shape in red and then smaller in white card.  I stamped the image onto the white card using archival ink and then coloured in with markers.

The snowflakes were painted using Paperartsy paint then covered with rock candy glitter (I'm not a glitter lover but ADORE this glitter).

I assembled everything onto the card, adding seam binding ribbon and attached a blue bell and some gems to finish.

I really like this card and the image.  Simple, but shows the fun thoughts of Christmas and the cold winter and snow.

Thanks for looking.... and a very Merry Christmas to you and your families....

Rebel Stampers ATC Swap

Here are my atcs for the Rebel Stampers swap:

Every year we create an atc sized Christmas card.

For this I covered a card blank with 2 types of paper form my stash.  The main image is from Stampin' Up and they were coloured using watercolour pencils then layered onto red card.

The card was finished by adding red gems.

My second atc is based on the November free stamp from Craft Stamper  - the photo doesn't do this justice but I couldn't get a clearer pic!!

I cut some blue metal to atc size.  I stamped the main image in archival then quickly dried it.  I also stamped a crackle stamp around the edges to add texture - again drying afterwards.

I used my ten second studio tools to emboss the main image and make the stars 'pop' from the metal.

To finish I used 3 star shaped buttons in the corner.

Only my December swap to go then we are onto 2013!!!  Still loads to do for Christmas!

Thanks for looking.

Melt Art Fun

On Sunday I attended my last workshop of the year held by Hels Sheridan at the Stamp Attic.  It was a fabulous day, made more special by finally meeting Gayle and Bev who I have been talking to for a while.

The workshop was to create a canvas hanging using bees wax and UTEE.  I've never used bees wax before and it was so much fun.  Here is my creation:

I was a bit worried that it was looking too pink for my liking but the mini canvas and black trim made it look less'pink'.

Here are a few close ups:

As you can see I had bags of fun....  Just can't wait for new workshops next year.

Thanks for looking

Canvas Creations Workshop

A few months ago I went to  Hels Sheridan workshop at the Stamp Attic.  I've only just realised that for some reason I did not post the pics!!

The creation is presently the only piece of art work in my new office - I am sure that I will have created my own little haven in there before long!

Here is my art in it's entirety.  It was a fabulous workshop and I would highly recommend you go to one of Hels' workshops if ever you get the chance.

The day was spent using paints, inks, masks and lots of wonderful flowers and embellishments.  A truly indulgent day!

Here are a few closer looks at my creation:

I had great fun throughout the day - as you can see.

I have my final workshop of the year planned for Saturday - melt art and bees wax - can't wait!  I shall make sure that I remember to blog it afterwards!

Thanks for looking.

Traditional Christmas

Here goes the next round of my Christmas card gallery.

Today I am showing 2 cards that I designed a few months ago to be made in the craft club that I used to run until I changed my job.  They are really easy to make and great fun!

Red card was folded to create a card blank. 

A green panel was punched and layered onto a white card stock panel onto the red card blank. 

The ornament was punched in red and cut using a matching punch. 

White satin ribbon was cut to show the bauble 'hanging' from it.

The card was finished using a greeting stamped in white ink

Here, I created a card using green card stock. 

I used a round stamp to decorate the card blank in matching ink.

I then added a red panel to the side.

The Christmas tree was stamped in green ink onto white card.

Once dry I added a few metallic brads to look like baubles on the tree

I tied a red ribbon and added a sentiment in red to finish

Unfortunately the class never went ahead because I became really ill and then was fortunate enough to find a new job.  I know the ladies would have loved these cards though!

Not long until Christmas now - I need to get a wriggle on with card making!

Thanks for looking.

Christmas - Tim Holtz Style!

Good evening.

I planned a wonderful inky weekend after a very busy week.  What happened?  I ended up with a migraine all day Saturday and most of today!  Still, as soon as it started to ease, out came the inks!  I've been bursting to try the new Tim Holtz Christmas Blueprint stamps.

I managed to make 20 cards - 5 for each blueprint stamp.  Each card differs slightly but here are a few examples:

 

For each card, I stamped the main image in jet black Archival ink. I then used Distress

ink to colour the images with a water brush. I LOVE colouring images this way!

The papers are a mix of Basic Grey and some Vintage Christmas Papers
 that I have had in my stash forever!!

                                      

(apologies for the mis-alignment of this pic - no matter what I tried it would not play!!)

I used a scallop border to add a paper trim and pearls and rhinestones to add a bit of bling!

 

I am really happy with how these have turned out.  I just love this stamp set! I'm sure the recipients will like them too!!  Anyway, that's another 20 down, only another 100 to go!!!!

 

Thanks for looking



October Swap At Rebel Stampers

I can't believe how quickly the months roll by!  I had to make these atc's at the last minute as I had been away for what seemed like the majority of October!!

Here are the atc's that I created for the October swap at Rebel Stampers:

The first atc is based on the free stamp in the October edition of Craft Stamper magazine.  Here, I decorated an atc with Tim Holtz paper then stamped around the edge using fired brick distress stain.

Next, I stamped the postage stamp onto 3 different papers using archival ink.  I then die cut them using a sizzix postage die that I have.  These were then mounted onto the atc - quick and simple.

 

My second atc is based around the theme 'soft' - doesn't look it!!! 

 

Firstly, I coloured an atc using spun sugar distress stain.  Next I die cut a doily using red velvet (see, that's where the soft comes in!).

 

I stamped the butterflies from Tim Holtz' Papillon set onto clearly for art and then cut them out and heated to shape them.  If you haven't tried clearly for art yet you are soooo missing out!

 

The quote stamp is from  Dylusions set and was stamped in archival.

 

Hope you like them...



Happy Birthday Rebel Stampers

September saw the 2nd anniversary over at Rebel Stampers.  To celebrate Vonny set an atc challenge.  Here are my creations:

To create these atc's I coloured blank atc's using Picked Raspberry and Salty Ocean distress ink.  I then used a fab number jumble stencil to ink more distress ink over the atc's leaving the stencilled images.

The main stamp used is from Stampin' Up.  I inked them using archival ink and coloured using markers before cutting them out.  I highlighted the frosting on the cupcake by adding glimmer dust.

The number stamp is from a Kars set that I've had for ages.  I simply coloured blank card, stamped the number and cut it out.

Happy Birthday Rebel Stampers!

Hels Sheridan Workshop

Yesterday I spent the day at The Stamp Attic doing a workshop with the one and only Hels Sheridan, along with some great friends that I have made - Caz, Loetitia and Emma.  The workshop was to create a Christmas themed box and a festive book to go inside.

Here is my creation

The box was decorated using lots of gorgeous Tim Holtz goodies.

This is the little book that I created to fit inside.  We stamped and decorated lots of lovely festive images:

We decorate 10 pages in total.

As you see I wasn't paying attention when I punched the holes in my book (hangs head in shame).

It was a thoroughly enjoyable day - spent in the company of some great friends.

Thanks for looking....

Anniversary Celebrations

I am still in Portugal and currently in one of my most favourite places - Carvoeiro in the Algarve.  So far we will have spent a night in Lisbon, 4 nights in Porto, 4 nights in Evora and are now in the Algarve until we fly home in a few days.

Today is our 11th wedding anniversary.  We will actually be spending it at the Autodromo for the start of the Historic Festival.

Here is the card that I made for Dan:

Here, I coloured a scalloped border card using peeled paint and broken china distress ink.  I then stamped a wood grain stamp using walnut stain distress ink.

The leaves are from an Art Parts set which I have painted using Paper Artsy Fresco Finish paint, and I stamped a script over them.

I stamped a Studio 490 heart onto metal using archival ink.  After heat setting I pounded alcohol inks over the heart and embossed some of the deign to add texture.  I then took a sanding block and gently rubbed over the heart to show some of the bare metal colour.

I die cut the Tim Holtz movers and shapers hearts and stamped a quote onto one before attaching.

I also decorated the inside of the card:

I used the same heart stamp as on the front and coloured the stamp using distress markers then stamped into the card.  I added a Studio 490 quote to finish.

Hope you like it.  I will be celebrating later with a bottle of good Portuguese wine!

Thanks for looking.

Birthday Boy!

As you read this I will be sipping port in Porto. 

Today marks Dan's 'special' birthday - you will never be able to guess his age (LOL!!!).  Dan is a car enthusiast (and there are some special treats in store for him while we are away).  Here is the card that I have made for him:

For the background I have used a sheet of gorgeous Bo Bunny Time Piece paper. 

I used a sheet of Paper Artsy Metal card and embossed it using a Tim Holtz embossing folder.  I then brushed some black acrylic paint over the metal and swiped over it with a damp cloth.

The stamp set is from Tim Holtz.  The tyre truck was stamped using jet black archival and the car in red archival. 

I die cut the regal crest in a deep red coloured card and the numbers are from Tim's Word Play die.

Following this is embellished using the game gears and spinners and a word band. 

To finish I cut a photo of Dan to fit a cash key and attached this to the card.

Hope Dan likes it!

Rebel Stampers ATC Swap

It's that time again.....

Here are my creations for the swap over at Rebel Stampers

The first is based on the free stamp in the September edition of Craft Stamper.  The stamp was of flowers but when I looked at it, it reminded me of alien antennae!!

Firstly I coloured an ATC with picked raspberry distress ink then used a Dylusions stencil over this.  The alien was stamped and coloured using salty ocean distress ink.  It was masked and the 'antenna' stamped before cutting out and layering.  The edges are stamped using archival ink.

To finish I used a white pen to highlight.

Simples!!

The second theme was '3D'.  For this I used a technique taught to me by the wonderful Hels Sheridan.  I started by layering up shapes onto a blank atc.  I then started to colour and add texture through stencils. 

The mad hatter was stamped and coloured to match.

The photograph doesn't show the '3D' effect as much as it was, but I am really pleased with how it turned out.

Thanks for looking.

Thank You Cards

Some of you may have read my updates on Twitter and Facebook over the last couple of weeks.  After 17 years and 50 weeks I am leaving Sainsbury's and my role as HR Manager.  An very exciting opportunity arose with a non-retail company and I was the lucky applicant to get the job! 

 

It means that I will no longer work with some of the amazing people that I have met over the years, although I will stay in touch with them.

 

Today was my very last HR meeting and I was spoilt with cupcakes, flowers and lots of presents.  I nearly shed a tear, but tried to stay strong...  2 more days to go in store.

 

So, what better way to say goodbye than through cards.  Here are 2 of the cards that I have made:

For this card I used the fabulous 'Everything Eleanor' set from Stampin' Up. 

 

Firstly I stamped the swirl randomly on the background card using pink ink.  Using the same ink I stamped the flower onto pink card 3 times and cut out.

 

I stamped the label in green ink and cut this out.  The phrase was stamped in black archival.

 

I overlapped 2 lengths of ribbon before attaching everything to the card using silicone gel.

 

 

For the second card I used 2 different stencils and pounded distress inks through them. 

 

The main image is from Studio 490 and was stamped in coffee archival.  The footprints and phrases are also from a Studio 490 set and are stamped in black and vermilion archival.

 

I finished the card using an Ideology tag.

 

I am sure the recipients will like them.

 

Thanks for looking....

 

Wonderful Winterland

Today I am sharing more Christmas cards that I have made.  The focal images are from the new Stampin' Up Winter catalogue.

The shapes are the new Window Frame dies that I am TOTALLY in love with - I have used them so much already and think they are fabulous.

The papers are from my stash - I don't have the wrapper anymore - though I think  they are from Papermania?!  Apologies if I am wrong!

The cute banners are the new 'Bitty Banners' dies.  Totally adorable and great for sentiments.  The sentiments themselves are peel offs - still trying to use them up!

This is my favourite image in the set - the snow angel baby - how cute!  I don't normally do cute but I fell totally in love with this image.

All of the images were coloured using ink pads and a water brush.  It gave the images a softer look and enabled me to add more shading where I wanted more shading.

 

I hope you like these cards.  I just loved using the stamp set!

 

Christmas Baubles

As parts of the South West have started to flood due to heavy rain fall  I thought I would get inky!

Here is another card that I have made for Christmas

 Again, this is a very simple card - I have to make loads of Christmas cards so they need to be easy to make in multiples!

For this I covered green card with bauble backing paper (I think the paper is from Papermania but has been in my stash for a while).

I die cut a Tim Holtz Alterations bauble embossed it using a Cuttle Bug countdown to Christmas embossing folder.

I attache this and ribbon to the base card.

The holly leaves and berry are die cut from a Sizzix die

The greeting is a peel off - I don't use peel offs often but am consciously trying to use up the ones I have had forever!!

Hope you like it.

Stay dry and safe xx

Christmas Note Cards

Today felt like the start of winter!  It hasn't stopped raining all day!!

I thought I would share some note cards that I have made to give as Christmas gifts.

This first set are very autumnal - apologies for the rubbish pic - they are much lighter in real life!

I started by stamping a wood grain stamp onto a card front using distress ink.

Next I brayered ink onto glossy card - I wanted it to look quite abstract, which I think it does. 

Once dry, I stamp various Hero Art tree stamps onto the brayered papers in Archival ink, before tearing the paper around to give a jagged edge.  I attached this to the front of the note card and added a flower brad to the top left corner.

The leaves are the mini tattered leaves from Tim Holtz and they have been die cut onto Kraft Glassine.  These have then been crumpled to add texture and added to the card.

The second set of note cards are very different.

For these I used some sewing pattern papers from my stash.  I used a Tim Holtz embossing folder to add detail to the bottom edge which I then highlighted using distress ink. 

I did cut the mini sewing room die twice - firstly in white card which I coloured in Distress ink and then secondly in canvas.  I edged the canvas in antique linen to age the dress form.  I added seam binding ribbon around the waist.

To finish I used various buttons which I tied string through and added pins to decorate.

Hope the recipients will like them!

Thanks for looking.

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree!

Day 2 of my Christmas show case (by show case I mean the 3 types of cards that I have made so far!!).  Christmas cards have to be simple as I have to make so many.

Here is the card that I would like to share with you:

For this card I used the fabulous new Indigo Blue Swirly Christmas tree stamp, which I embossed in Gold onto printed paper from my stash.

The bauble is cut from an ornament punch with a greeting stamped onto it.

For the bow I threaded some gingham ribbon through a bell and tied in a bow before attaching to the bauble.

Simples!! - Hope you like it!

It's Beginning To Look Alot Like Christmas!....

I know, I know.....  Christmas is still 99 days away!

I thought I would start to share some of the Christmas cards that I have started to make.

The stamp set used for this card is from Stampin' Up.  I stamped the main image onto a die cut label with and coloured this in using distress markers.  I stamped the holly branch onto the olive green card stock.  I used some gorgeous pleated ribbon and finished the card using a bitty button with some twine tied through it.

For my second card I used another Stampin' Up set, using the same techniques as in my first card.

Hope you like my cards.

Sunday Stamper Week 222 - I Predict A Riot

Hels set the challenge of using 'colour' for this week's theme.  You can see Hels' fabulous creation Here.

This is my entry:

For my entry I started by using 5 bright colours of alcohol inks which I then used to create a 'splat' effect using compressed air - this was a technique taught by the wonderful Hels Sheridan during a class at The Stamp Attic.

 After this I pushed distress ink through a stencil to add more dimension.

Next I stamped a Wendy Vecchi flower and quote using archival ink and dried it to set.

Thanks for looking.

Nice and simple, but definately looks like a colourful riot!

Rebel Stampers Tag Swap

It's tag swap time again.  This month the challenge was based around the water stamping technique from the Tim Holtz Compendium of Curiosities Volume 1. 

Here is my tag:

You can find the technique in Tim's book.  Hope you like it!

Rebel Stampers ATC Swap

It's atc swap time at the Rebel Stampers. 

The first atc was based on the stamp that came free with the August edition of Craft Stamper magazine:

For this atc I used a reverse chicken wire stencil and coloured using peeled paint and broken china distress ink.

 The butterfly stamp was stamped in archival ink and coloured using distress.  They were then cut out and attached using foam pads.

To finish I used a quote stamp from my stash.

The 2nd atc was based on the theme 'Through The Window':

I took 2 atc's - on the fist I coloured using peeled paint and used a Dylusions stencil.  On the 2nd atc I used Broken China and another Dylusions stencil.

To create the window I glued 2 atc's together (after cutting the window aperture on one). 

The image is a Cresendoh Alice in Wonderland set which I bought from The Stamp Attic.  I love this set because it's quirky but with the cute Alice feel.  I coloured the image using distress ink and mounted it to the inside atc

To finish I added a Tim Holtz key hole and a mini key from my stash to the front

I hope you like my creations.