As I Say Goodbye To 2017.......

The time has almost come to say goodbye to 2017 and to welcome in the New Year.

I hope that you have all had a great Christmas.

For me, 2017 has gone in a flash.  It has had lots of ups and downs, but is definitely a year to remember.

It started off with both Dan and I being ill, me over my birthday!  Didn't even celebrate New Year 2017 with bubbly! But it got better.....  I was invited to join the Country View Crafts Design Team and have also become a regular PaperArtsy blog contributor.

I have spent alot of time travelling with work, and spend alot of time in London, which inspired the card above.  One of our London offices is in the court yard of St. Paul's Cathedral - it's always a wonderful sight - as many of my Facebook followers will know by the amount of photos I share of the cathedral.  The card I have shared was made for the Branch Manager of the London office, Het, who loves the Cathedral as much as I do!  

I have tried to be as kind as I can throughout the year and in 2018 I hope this will continue.

What does 2018 hold in store for me?  Well, I start the year with a 'big' birthday.  I am hoping that I can make more time to do the things that I love - spending time with family and friends and crafting.  My calendar is already filling up with lots of craft events, so I hope this continues throughout the year!

I really appreciate you visiting my blog and sharing my journey with me, thank you.  Your comments always mean so much to me.

Before I sign off for the year, I would like to wish you all a very Happy and Healthy 2018. I look forward to sharing the next year with you.

Warm Wishes

Miriam

.....These Are A few Of My Favourite Things.....Blue Christmas

Right from the start of this project I have not been able to stop singing the song in my head!!

Today I am sharing a post over at the PaperArtsy blog.  The theme for this fortnight is "My Favourite Things" - this got me thinking - I have so many favourite things it was hard to  limit them.

Here is the card that I have created using 5 'favourite things'

So, what are my favourite things in this card??

1.  PaperArtsy Fresco Finish Chalk paints

Regular followers will know that most of my projects contain Fresco Finish chalk paint!  I started by brayering London Night, Marlin, Blueberry and Glass Blue paints onto Tim Holtz tissue paper.  I really liked how these paints blended together  - I purposely wanted darker patches in some areas.

2. Texture

I love texture of any form.  For this project I brayered Fresco Finish Chalk paint onto the tissue paper using a textured roller.  I just loved the white specks!

3.  Hot Picks

I have always adored PaperArtsy Hot Picks stamps, which leads me on to my 4th favourite things...

4. Christmas

I used Hot Picks HPXM03.   I stamped the holly flourish in the background around the edges of the card.  The lamp post was then stamped and coloured using Fresco Finish chalk paints.  Here, I used Haystack, Autumn Fire, Berry Red and Hyde Park.  

For the highlight I used a white pencil.  I edged the card using a gold marker.

To finish I added a sentiment from the same Hot Picks set.

So, have you guessed what my 5th favourite thing was??  Well..... blue!!...which also features in a lot of my projects!

I really enjoyed creating this project for the PaperArtsy blog.

I hope that I have inspired you tonight. Make sure that you pop over to the blog to see the amazing inspiration!

Thanks for joining me......

Country View Crafts Challenges - Christmas

Hi again.  Today I am sharing my second project for Country View Crafts.

Here is my second Christmas project:

To start, I covered a card blank using Tim Holtz Christmas paper.

I then die cut a stitched circle and stamped the wonderful trees from a JOFY Christmas set that was released earlier this year.  I coloured the trees using alcohol markers and added some colour around the edges to blend out the white.  I mounted this onto the card.

To finish I added lots of Christmassy embellishments.

I love making Christmas cards, even if the thought of how many I have to make.

I hope that I have inspired you today.  There is still plenty of time to join in with the latest challenge.  Pop over to the challenge blog to see what the design team has been creating.

Thanks for joining me today.

Country View Crafts Challenge - Christmas

It's the last challenge of the year - and what better theme than Christmas.

Here is the card that I created for my first project of the month...

I can't tell you how much I enjoyed making this!!

I started by cutting matts from the Tim Holtz Christmas stack and Kraft stack.  I love the Kraft stack so much I had to buy a second pad because I used it so quickly!  Once cut, I distressed the edges f the mat and inked using Walnut Stain distress ink.

These were layered to a card blank and a stitched circle in Kraft card stock added.

Next, I die cut the largest reindeer from the newest Tim Holtz set and some ferns from Tim's Christmas Greens set.  The reindeer was offset to the right side of the card and the ferns to the top left of the circle.

I added pine cones and seam binding ribbon.

I added metallic distress crayon to a Tim Holtz words and numbers tag.  

This was tied to the seam binding, along with bells.

To finish the card I used a metallic rub-on.

Yes, this card was a Tim overload, but boy did I enjoy it!! 

Pop over to Country View Crafts Challenges to see what the other design team members have created.

Thanks for reading my post today.....

I'm Dreaming Of A White Christmas.......

Today I am showing a project over at the PaperArtsy blog.  The theme is 'True Colours -White' and I chose to use Kay Carley stamps and stencils for my project.

My natural instinct is not clean and simple and my art normally does not include much 'white', so this was a real challenge for me - and I enjoyed it so much I created a second project! I chose to create Christmas cards as I figured it would also help me get ahead with my card making.

Here is my first...

I started by stencilling Grunge Paste through a Kay Carley stencil in the top left corner and left of  the card blank.  Before the Grunge Paste dried I sprinkled clear glitter over the snowflakes.

I wasn't sure whether the glitter would stick to the Grunge Paste but it did and I thought it looked great.  This was then left to dry thoroughly.

Once dry, I sponged Zucchini Fresco Finish chalk paint through another Kay Carley stencil.  

Once dry, I stamped the co-ordinating stamp in Archival ink and blasted it with the heat gun to dry it thoroughly.  I then painted the leaves in Hyde Park and berries in Cherry Red Fresco Finish chalk paints.

I stamped the large flourish from an earlier stamp release.

Again, I painted the dots and snowflakes using Fresco Finish chalk paints.

To finish I stamped a few random snowflakes and added glitter to them, along with a sentiment.

I added a green border using green fine liner pen.

I enjoyed the project so much I decided to create a second while I was in the swing of it.

This project followed the same techniques as the previous.  This time I used two Kay Carey stencils - PS068 and PS069  .

Thank you for joining me today - make sure you pop over to the PaperArtsy blog to see the amazing inspiration from the team, and I hope you feel inspired to join in with the challenge.

Experimenting With Rust

Tonight I am sharing a project over at the PaperArtsy blog.  The theme for the fortnight is 'rust'.

I chose to use the gorgeous Everything Art stamps and to experiment with rusting powder.

Here is my project....

I wanted to create a rusted image with a stamp, stamping onto cotton - I had not tried stamping with rusting powder before so was quite nervous.  In fact, my first experiment didn't work - but I was delighted with my second attempt.

I used cotton as I thought it might create a soft effect.... and I was right.

I used the main image from Everything Art PaperArtsy stamp set 1.  I stamped using glue, making sure that I washed my stamp immediately after.  I then sprinkled rusting powder over the image.  In my first attempt, I sprinkled water and left the cotton - but it barely created and rust.  In my second attempt I squeezed a small amount of lemon juice over the image.  After a couple of hours (as can be seen in the pic below) I could see that this was more successful.

I then decided to leave the cotton panel overnight - the result was just what I was looking for.....

To finish the panel, I frayed the edges and added ink to 'age' them.

I then started to create a weathered rusty look panel.  For this, I layered lots of Seth Apter Fresco Finish paints until I was happy with the result.

This was then mounted onto a black card mat.

I stamped the word 'art' using Everything Art PaperArtsy stamp set 5 , then cut around them.  

I chose some rusty embellishments from my stash and then put everything together.

I had great fun creating this project, and I hope that you like what I created.

I hope that I have inspired you to join in with the fortnightly challenge and I look forward to seeing what you have created.

Happy Crafting!

Country View Challenges - Stencils

Today I am showing you my second project for the Country View Crafts Challenge this month.  You will remember that Gabrielle has chosen the theme of stencils for this month's challenge.

Here is my second project...

I tried to use different techniques in this project and chose to use the amazing new Seth Apter dies.  

I couldn't wait to get my hands on them when Seth announced them, so as soon as Country View Crafts had them in stock, I ordered them and die cut them all as soon as they dropped on my door step!

How awesome are those dies cuts??  Anyway - back to the project at hand!

I used the die-cut from the Strands die as a stencil and covered a card blank with Broken China Distress Oxide ink. I really liked this effect.

I then added drops of water to create splotches on the background.

My next step in this project was to randomly stamp Seth's French Text stamp in Archival Ink.

I also stamped other Seth Apter stamps randomly in Broken China Distress Oxide.  The edges were inked with Walnut Stain.

I re-purposed the die cuts that I used as a stencil and added these to the background.

I then covered the Periscope die cut in Deco Art gilding wax.  

I did the same around the edge of a card mat.

These were then all put together to form the card.

To finish, I used Tim Holtz Metallic Sticker Quotations.

So, there you go.  My second project for the Stencil theme.

There is plenty of time to join in with the Challenge this month - there is a £20 gift voucher up for grabs.  Pop over to the blog to see the amazing inspiration from the team.

Thanks for joining me again today.... Happy crafting!

 

Country View Crafts Challenge - Stencils

The talented Gabrielle has chosen stencils as the theme of this month's challenge.  I love stencils - in fact, I have loads of them!  So, my mind was swimming with ideas.

For my first project I decided to create a tag and I used different techniques with stencils on this.

I started by stencilling Grunge Paste through  the fabulous Scrap Cosy for Paper Artsy stencil 

I left the Grunge Paste to dry thoroughly overnight.  Is it a bit odd that I love how the Grunge Paste feels once it is dry - lol!

Next, I blended Broken China and Walnut Stain Distress Oxides over the tag.

These are two of my favourite colours!

For some reason I didn't take a photo of my next stage - I was obviously enjoying myself!  The next stage, however, was to use the Tim Holtz Bubble Layering Stencil and stencilling Broken China in random places.  I then blasted the ink with a heat gun and highlighted parts with a white gel pen.

The dress form has been in my stash for ages!  I thought it would be perfect for this tag.  I gave it a quick coat of gesso then coloured it with Broken China Distress Oxide.

Again, I must have lost track of time and didn't take photos!! But, I used the Bubble Stencil on the dress form, along with the word 'Dream' from a stencil in my stash.

I then attached this to the tag, along with a scrap of ruler and dried flowers that I had.

To finish, I added a coordinating flower to the dress form.

So, there you have it - my first project for the Country View Crafts November Challenge.

I hope that I have inspired you to join in - don't forget that there is a £20 gift voucher up for grabs. 

Thanks for looking - and happy crafting!

Mixed Media With Autumnal Hues - Project 2

Hi again,  today I am showing you my second project for Country View Challenges this month.

My second project is a mini canvas board, using canvas, fabric, paint, paper, stamps and metal - pretty much mixed media!!

I started by painting a scrap of Tim Holtz elements fabric using PaperArtsy paints.

I loved how well the colours blended onto the fabric, and the colours look very Autumnal.  I glued this onto a canvas board and added a doily to the centre and set this aside.

Next, I brayered a scrap of card stock using the same colours and stamped Emma Godfrey leaves onto it, cutting them out once dry.

I really liked how these leaves turned out - they are so imperfect that they are perfect (well I think so anyway!!).

I then assembled them into a flower shape on the doily.  I curved the leaves and gave them dimension.

To finish, I added a metal button embellishment and drew a scribble border.

Don't forget that you still have chance to enter the Challenge  this month and there is a £20 voucher up for grabs to one lucky person.

Thanks for joining me today.......

Anniversary Celebrations

Today we celebrate our 16th Wedding anniversary - goodness knows where the time is going!

Here is the card that I made for Dan

The background was created using Gelli Plate prints that I made in bulk earlier in the year.  You can see my post here.

The main image is a mix of two stamps from Kim Dellow for PaperArtsy.  Once stamped these were coloured using pencils and then mounted onto the card blank.

To finish I stamped an Emma Godfrey for PaperArtsy sentiment and scribbled a border.

Simple, but hopefully, effective!

We are both working today and so hope to celebrate with dinner tonight.

Thanks for joining me today.

Happiest of Birthdays

Today is Dan's birthday.  I normally create a motoring themed card for him, but I could not resist using the cute Katzelcraft stamp.

Here is my card

A card blank was covered in papers that I've had in my stash for ages.

I die cut a Spellbinders oval and stamped the image in Archival ink.  This was then coloured using pencils and the edges inked in Walnut Stain distress ink.

I added a crumb cake bow and added a Tim Holtz Simple Sayings sentiment.  To finish I added 3 small stars.

Quite an east make, but effective!  I hope that Dan likes it!!

Thanks for joining me today.

Country View Challenges - Mixed Media With Autumnal Hues

This month Rachel has chosen the topic of Mixed Media with Autumnal Hues.  Perfect for this time of year - the leaves are certainly changing colour and I love looking at the different tones.

For my first project this month I created a card:

I started off by putting together PaperArtsy Fresco Finish paints that reminded me of Autumn.

How fabulous do these colours look!!

These were then brayered onto a sheet or card and a separate scrap sheet of card. Once dry (and these paints dry very quickly), I die cut a variety of Wildflowers from the Tim Holtz Wildflowers Set 1 and Set 2.

I also die cut the wildflowers into black card.

I went back to the separate card that I had brayered and added background stamping using Sara Naumann stamps.

I then played around with the die cuts on to the card until I was happy - then glued them down.

To finish, I added a quote from the PaperArtsy Alison Bomber stamps, and scribbled a border around the edge.

I really hope that I have inspired you to join in with the challenge this month.  Don't forget that you can be in with a chance of winning a £20 gift voucher to spend at Country View Crafts.

Make sure you pop over to see the entries from the rest of the design team.

I am also entering this into the Vintage Journey challenge - Crazy for Autumn Colour.

Thanks for joining me.....

Metal Can Look Pretty!

I'm here with my second project for the Country View Crafts Challenge this month.  You may remember that I chose the topic 'Metal' for the month.  This time I wanted to create a softer project as a contract to my first, and so I altered a wooden board.

I started by covering a board with DecoArt Texture Sand paste.

Next, I blended sections of Moonlight, Egg Plant, Dolly Mix and Sour Grapes PaperArtsy Fresco Finish paints

I was really happy with how well the colours blended.

Next, I created a metal flower by die cutting and stamping 3 Paper Artsy flowers then shaping them into a 3D flower.

These were then shaped into a 3D flower.

I added a bead to the centre which I coloured using a metallic Promarker.  The flower was then glued onto the dry board.

To finish I added lots of metal embellishments,  a Tim Holtz metallic quote and a Prima rusted metal butterfly.

The edges of the board were drawn around with a metallic Promarker.

I hope you have enjoyed my project today.  Do make sure that you pop over to the blog  throughout the month to see the gorgeous inspiration from the other design team members.

And a reminder that if you join in with this month's challenge you will be in with a chance of winning a voucher to spend at Country View Crafts.

Thanks for looking......