Friday, December 30, 2011

Stamp Man end of year awards for 2011

It's that time of year again, when over at The Stamp Man challenge blog, we ask you to show us your favourite or best craft project of 2011.

I've chosen this journal that I altered as part of the collage background challenge.


I was so pleased with how it turned out, I loved the colours and the texture I managed to work into it.

So time to show us your best stuff from the year. Don't forget to grab the blinkie from the challenge blog to be in with winning the prize- and there's some fab prizes up for grabs, for the winner and the top 4!

Thank you for visiting my blog this past year, it's been lovely to have your company. I hope you'll be back for more in 2012.



Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Stampotique colour!

The Stampotique designers challenge blog has a fab challenge at the moment. It's to show your dreams, hopes and wishes for 2012 in a project. I have so many things I wish for in the new year, but here's something that I'm determined to happen in 2012.....



I'm going to laugh more. Gotta be worth a try, right?



Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Octopode Factory Christmas

Lily has come up with some fabulously quirky Christmas images this year, but then the Octopode Factory always comes up with the goods as far as I'm concerned!!



The bottom section is silver mirri card (never shows up on photos....). I love colouring snowmen in, they're quick to do! 

I'm entering this into the Octopode Factory Christmas challenge.

Friday, December 23, 2011

Princess castle for my Princess

I've made my Miss Little Legs a fab chipboard photo album for Christmas. I'm sooooo chuffed with it :)


Isn't it pretty? Fit for my Princess.





Hopefully she'll love it too! I'm all ready for Christmas now and sooooo over excited, I'm worse than the kids.......

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Christmas cards!

Not many words in this post, just a few of the Christmas cards I've made and sent. I quite enjoyed making them this year!


For my gorgeous nephew Jack, who is car mad, so I'm entering this into the Totally Gorjuss challenge- for someone special.


Promarkered fairy! I'm entering this into the By the Cute and Girly December challenge of Let it snow and the Passion for Promarkers Celebrations challenge.




I'm entering this penguin into the Fussy & Fancy Friday challenge- Monochrome and sparkle (there's lots of blingy gems on there).



I'm entering this one into the Papertake weekly challenge- Last Christmas card of the year.


Sunday, December 18, 2011

The Stamp Man challenge- a new technique

The challenge this fortnight at the Stamp Man is to try a new technique. A great chance to push yourself and have a go at that thing you've always fancied trying.....

I went for embossing onto tissue paper, I've fancied doing this for a while, but hadn't come up with the right project. I had it in mind to make my Mom a little scrap book of some photos I took in her garden this summer. I just popped out one Sunday afternoon and took loads of photos on my phone and they came out so beautifully I wanted to give them to her. She works really hard on her garden, and it's gorgeous. So, I tried out my new technique on the cover.


I painted the chipboard cover with Radiant Rain daubers then PVA'd on torn strips of gold tissue paper. I swooshed over the top with a versamark ink pad to catch the raised pattern on the chipboard and the edges of the tissue paper and cover. Then I used some two tone Moonglow embossing powder which gives such a rich shiny finish.

Over the top I stamped some swirls and leaves and then finished off with sparkly punched swirls, some gold flowers which were salvaged from a hair clip, and I made the centres with coiled gold paper flowers. Lots of stickles and copper pearls to complete it and I'm well happy :)

For more information on the Stamp Man challenge click here. Don't forget there's a gift voucher up for grabs.


Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Try it on Tuesday - guest design spot

A few weeks back I won a challenge on Try it on Tuesday, and this week is my chance to be a guest designer. It's card week and they want to see cards with Father Christmas on.

Here's mine!


It's a simple stepper card with some fabby Tim Holtz and Lavinia stamps on.

I'm entering this into the Sir Stampalot challenge, which is a bingo grid- I used stickles (snow on the roofs), pearls (red on Santa's hat) and ribbon.

Saturday, December 3, 2011

The Stamp Man challenge- a Christmas ornament!

Ooooh, interesting challenge over at The Stamp Man this fortnight. Didn't know what to come up with for my DT project, until Tim Holtz came to the rescue! I came across the idea for this little beauty on one of his Tags of Christmas blog posts.



It's a little battery operated tealight with a diecut townscape round it. 

Thought I'd do a quick tutorial, cos these are so easy to make!


Die cut the Tim Holtz on the edge die using grunge board or thick card. It's got to be able to bend into a circle, but needs to be stiff enough to stay up. Cut off the end house (check the circumference of your tealight before you do this, make sure the die cut will fit round it) and sponge colour with Distress Inks.


Overstamp with a background stamp- I used a favourite script stamp in Aged Mahogany Distress Ink.


Use a Versamark pen or ink pad and white embossing powder to create some snow.


Cut some lengths of beading wire and bend into interesting shapes- these will be the smoke from the chimneys.


Glue on scraps of acetate or plastic packaging for windows- the fake tealight doesn't give off heat like a normal candle, so there's no fire risk. Add the wire smoke.


Finally, use redline tape to stick the whole thing directly to the tealight.

And.... voila!



Righto, your go! Try making a Christmas ornament and enter our challenge, there's a prize up for grabs as ever! All details on the blog here.

I'm going to enter this into the Artistic Stamper December challenge, which is Christmas.

Sunday, November 20, 2011

OK, OK, OK, I've admitted defeat....

....as we all knew I would.... I've started making my Christmas cards. Every year I say I'm not going to make any, cos they always turn into a chore.....but.....whilst shopping in Hobbycraft with me old muckas Kay and Michelle, I had a bit of an idea for some simple-ish cards. I mean, I know I said I wasn't making any, but I didn't mean I wasn't making ANY. Just not loads.




OK, so apollies for the rubbish photos, but here we go. Simple kraft cards, torn papers, stamped sentiment and a stamped and paper pieced focal image. Plus glitter, ribbon and the odd cherry red pearl gem. 

Success is assured! I knocked out 3 last night, I've got the kit set up next to my spot on the sofa so more can be made whilst telly watching! Hurray for Christmas cards.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Stamp Man challenge- Tim's tags- DT project.

There's a doozy of a challenge over at The Stamp Man this fortnight. You know those goooorgeous Christmas tags that Tim Holtz makes each year? Well we want you to pick one and then use it as inspiration for a project of your own!

I must admit to using several tried and tested "Tim" techniques and ideas on my tag- I dipped the tag base in distress inks that had been spritzed with water, I sploshed more water on to create an aged effect, I used Perfect Pearls and lots and lots of stamping!


The green Perfect Pearls really catch the light. I've loved this project, cos this year I'm already feeling extra Christmassy. We've been watching Christmas films with the kids (we have so many we have to start early to fit them all in, well that's my excuse anyway!), my job is more secure this year, and I've already done the major part of the pressie shopping. The plan is to relax and really enjoy it all this year. I can't wait!!!!


Lots of fibres and charms, most of which are salvaged from last year's Christmas crackers and choccy reindeers.

Right, over to you, there are some fabulous projects on the Stamp Man challenge blog to inspire everyone, along with all the rules, so have a go!

I'm going to enter this into the following challenges:

Happy Daze- explosion of colour
Fussy and Fancy- gift or anything but a card
Artistic Stamper- backgrounds
Try it on Tuesday- Wish you were here (bit of a cheat this one, but I do really, really, really wish Christmas was here!!!! I'll understand if it's too far wide of the mark, lol!)
Sunday Stampers- use pine colours (lots of pine green in the background!)


Monday, November 14, 2011

Sun and Moon.....and the Stamp Man ATC swap!

I'm hosting a swap over on the Docrafts ATC forum- Sun and Moon. The idea is that I'll swap these out in pairs.  My swaps look like this......





My favourite is the firework one- it's also my DT piece for this month's Stamp Man ATC swap. If you feel like joining in, hop over to the blog here

Now I've looked at them again, the dragon is kinda cool.......

Monday, November 7, 2011

Flirty floaty frock.

I've rediscovered this stamp at the weekend, and I looooove it!


I stamped it onto green card then paper pieced it with 2 different coordinating papers. The little Paperartsy swirl stamps round the edges is one of my best ever buys- it's so useful.

I went a bit OTT with the gems, but it does sparkle beautifully in the light :)

Sunday, November 6, 2011

ATC Challenge blog- anything goes or a Mermaid

It's time for a new challenge over on the ATC challenge blog, so if you're an ATCer, get over there. This fortnight, the challenge is mermaids or anything goes.....


This is a lovely Sweet Pea stamps that has been languishing unloved in my stamps for ages. It was nice to dust her off and ink her up.

I've painted it in with Distress Inks, and her body is sparkly- which doesn't come across well on the photo. Lots of pearls to finish her off and voila!

If you fancy being on the ATC Challenge Design Team, there's a call out at the moment. Come and join us, it's fun!

I'm going to enter this into the Papertake weekly challenge, which is anything goes, with optional added bling!

Friday, November 4, 2011

The Stamp Man challenge- collage backgrounds

Ooh, the new Stamp Man challenge is right up my street. Collage backgrounds, lots of getting inky sticky and messy :)

I altered a journal with my background. It may eventually be personalised, but I haven't done it yet, in case the recipient spots it on here......



I used Starburst stain daubers on the background, with lots of sponging through sequin waste and embossing with moonglow 2 tone embossing powder. I stuck on scraps of book pages and red tissue paper.

Over the top I stamped a gorgeous Stamp Man swirl in Aged Mahogany and then used the Tim Holtz haberdashery stamps over the top in black. The journal letters are stamped onto black card with Brilliance Moonlight White ink. I've only got a little ink pad in Brilliance White, but I must invest in a full sized one, it's such a good white ink pad.

Lots of white gel pen and some ribbons on the wires and a Christmas present is born! 

If you fancy a go, head on over to The Stamp Man challenge blog, there's a Stamp Man voucher up for grabs !

Starburst Stain daubers - Canna lily burnt orange, Sweet violet purple teal, Marigold yellow orange and Ramblin rose pink
Moonglow 2 tone embossing powder - golden pumpkin blush
Tim Holtz stamp set- Haberdashery
Aspects of Design stamps - 40 Dragonfly dreams
Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad  - Aged mahogany
Brilliance ink pad- Moonlight white

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Do you art journal? Check out NaNoJouMo

Great intentions. The best laid plans. Setting myself up and all of that. I am so guilty of putting pressure on myself to achieve things and that isn't the exactly conducive to being creative. With that in mind, however, I am going to try to use NaNoJouMo to inspire some art journalling this month. No pressure. No expectations. Just an idea and a promise to myself to give a little time each day....might only be 5 minutes, might be all day.

So, NaNoJouMo..... check out DawnDeVries Sokol's fab blog for more info, or the NaNoJouMo section of her web pages. It's about being inspired and journalling every day in November- she will post a prompt every day to spark off some journalling and hopefully this will lead to some activity on my part. Not a full page every day, perhaps just a line, but something!

I'm off to a good start. I've sat and talked it through with my son, and we've both spent half an hour journalling, I've doodled and written a bit on a page with a background I made a while back. He's sat and doodled in black and white in a new journal. We've made plans for creating backgrounds at the weekend when we will have more time. We've been realistic about what we can achieve (BIG step forward for me, that), and we've had fun.

I'll post picture tomorrow I hope, but probably not every day, I'd rather journal than blog I think, at least for November.

So....... anyone else up for the challenge?

Monday, October 31, 2011

It's Halloween......Pickled Souls anyone? It's a fine vintage.

Hurray for Halloween, the one day of the year when I'm not the weirdest person in blogland! Anyone for a fine vintage of poison?



Lost souls.Stamps by Stampotique. Bottle dripped with alcohol inks, image inserted then inside filled with unheated angelica fibres.

 

Web doodle with Posca pens.



Bat wings on clear shrink plastic. Heart filled with stamped face image and glossy accents.


I'm entering this into the Stampotique designers challenge- altered poison bottle, and the Happy Daze- something for Christmas or Halloween challenge.




Saturday, October 29, 2011

Hello sugar!

More cutie cards to show you, so look away now if too much sugar makes you queasy!!!!


I love the background paper on this one, it's gorgeous, it reminds me of pretty summer dresses when I was little, and pretty dresses on my little girl. I've put a few gems on the odd flower to highlight it. This is a cute image, so sweet I used a big snap I've been saving for ages, you know how you do- something takes your eye, so you buy it and then can't bear to use it!

I'm entering this into the Totally Gorjuss challenge- I remember.



Another image I've had coloured for ages and hanging around, so whilst I'd got the lovely paper out I made this one too. I used a Martha Stewart punch for the lacy bottom edges. 

I'm entering this one into the Papertake challenge which is a sketch.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

In a card making frenzy......

.....well as frenzied as I get lately! 3.30 I was up this morning! For no good reason!!!


Well, at least I have some cute cards to show you. I've been trying to use up the images I've already coloured to make some stock to sell. This one is a Gorjuss girl painted with twinkling H20s. 


Oops, sideways photo, sorry! The tag was intended for on the card, but it looked a bit weird, so..... now it's a tag to go with the card. Plus as a bonus, it fits with the I Love Promarkers challenge, which is tags! I'm also entering it into the Crafty Ribbons Bingo challenge (I used Die/Flowers/Ribbon).


This is a promarkered Lili of the Valley image, with the sunflower decoupaged up for added oomph. The swirls are coloured metal and have languished in a box, unloved and forgotten until I found them whilst looking for something else- always the way, eh?


Cloooooooooseeee uppppppppp!

I'm entering this into the Passion for Promarkers challenge, which is for a child and into Charisma Cardz challenge which is anything goes.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

WOYWW and an ATC

Ooooh, it's been ages since I did a good WOYWW. My hours at work have recently changed and I just don't get chance now. However, seeing as how I'm on leave this week I thought I'd join in again!! Wahey.


Hwat a flippin' mess! Some recently coloured in images and papers for some card for my little stock at work, lots of lovely stamps as usual and the corner of my Promarkers box. Plus..... bonus sparkly points for spotting.....


  • 2 cardboard pots awaiting alteration
  • Lisa Simpson
  • My Fat book page covers (see posts here and here about them)


I've recently moved everything around in the dining/craft room, for a bit of a change and to take advantage of the light now it's getting more overcast. Here's some photos.....















Lots of stuff to nose round there!!! Can you see my 80s Barbie? She came in a pile of toys given to my Miss Little Legs and I can't bear to bin her- look at those Pat Burcher earrings, lol.

Anyway, if you fancy seeing more desks, hop over to Julia's Stamping Ground to see who's in this week!