clarabellecrafts

ATC's and Fat Pages with Attitude challenge no 5

2012-01-20T12:54:00.003Z

It's a new fortnight for a challenge over at ATC's and Fat Page's with Attitude. There has been a slight change to the ATC blog now which means you can now enter cards as well.

The theme is still Anything Goes sometimes with an optional extra but there are some fab digi stamps up for grabs as prizes.

Here are my creations for this fortnight

ATC and Fat Pages with Attitude #4

2012-01-06T00:01:00.001Z

It's challenge 4 over at the blogs with Attitude.

here's my ATC

Coloured the lovely little fairy/angel with crystal ball in copics and added some glamour dust. The background is alcohol inked mirri board with a Kanban lace background stamped over it. Added a Lili of the Valley sentiment and gems to finnish.

and my Fat Page

I printed the image off onto Kraft cardstock and coloured it with Prisma pencils. I was tempted to add some glamour dust but decided to leave it "au nautrel" and I must say I absolutely love it. I'll be trying this again in the very near future :)

2011-12-23T00:01:00.000Z

Well it's challenge three over at Fat Pages and ATC's with Attitude.

Again we have fabulous sponsors and the theme is a nice easy one over Christms - anything goes.

I used the Stitchy Bear's Victorian Vamp image and went with a steampunk theme. White card was inked with Fired Brick Distress Stain then embossed with Creative Expressions clock pieces folder. Next I used my gilding flakes for the first time on the embossing and added some Tim Holtz cogs. Image is coloured with copics and embossed allover with holographic powder.

Here's my ATC

I used Stamp Insanity's Rennaisance Maddy and coloured her with copics then embossed all over with clear powder to add some shine. The background was done with distress inks, flourish stamped in versamark and brushed with Perfects Pearls. Added the Lili of the Valley sentiment and some gems to follow the flourishes.

Hope you will pop over and join us.

Crafting with Attitude - Challenge 2

2011-12-09T11:00:00.001Z

Hi folks, well it's time for challenge 2 over at Fat Page's with Attiude and it's sister site ATC's with Attitude. The theme is Anything Goes and there are more fab sponsors lined up.

Here's my Fat Page

I used the snowglobe image by our fabulous sponsor Floppy Latte and coloured with copics, adding some glamour dust for snow. I decided to make it into a shaker so added some Twinklets, acetate and a frame.

and here's my ATC

I love this and won't be swapping it lol.

I used distress inks and punchinella to make the backround and used a Tim Holtz stamp to add more detail then spritzed it with pearl mist. I printed the Cutting Cafe sentiment onto acetate and cunningly attatched it with a staple through the matching butterfly and covered with gems.

Hope you will come and join us in another great challenge.

Two new challenge blogs

2011-11-24T23:18:00.006Z

and I'm on the DT's woo hoo!

Today sees the launch of two new blogs for you crafters who are into something a bit different - ATC's and Fat Pages. What are Fat Pages I hear you asking yourself, well they are creations that measure 4x4 and can have any sort of artwork, medium or whatever you like as long as they measure 4x4. Think of them as toppers and away you go.

So the lovely Caro, Leah and Abbie have set up ATC's with Attitude and Fat Pages with Attitude

Here are my creations for the 1st challenges, to find out more why don't you pop over, we'd love to see you over there.

Fat Page Challenge 1 - Christmas

ATC challenge 1 - Flowers

There are some great sponsors lined up so come and join us.

Hello :)

2011-11-24T22:51:00.011Z

Well hello there,

Can you all see me through the cobwebs?

I've not fallen off the face of the earth and I've still been crafting just not uploading.

All (bar my family) christmas cards were done back in September, I really must get on with those, why do I always leave them till last?

I've been busy making a few things for the school Christmas fair too

So there you have a few piccies of my latest creations and I'll be back in the morning with some news :)

Notecard Set

2011-08-20T09:57:00.005+01:00

My lovely crafting buddy Paula Holifield did a Masterclass in the September issue of Cardmaking & Papercraft for a gorgeous note card set complete with storage box. I decided to have a go and also thought it might be a good project for my craft club members. I'm really pleased with the end result,

I kept with the butterfly theme and used some gorgeous DCVW papers "Garden Party" that I've had for ages. I love the colours and the glittered detail, added a big Prima flower and leaves on the front of the box.

The cards were made using a few scraps of the same paper, MS Monarch Butterfly punch and Stampin Up sentiments.

Hope you like it.

Chelsea's birthday card

2011-08-15T11:10:00.005+01:00

Hi all,

As I said last week it's both my girls birthday's this week. It's my youngest's today(will share couple of piccies in a min) and my oldest's on Thursday.

She did request JLS cards so for the first time in years I broke the crafter's golden rule and went and bought a card! I have made her one as well

I think I need to add some numbers to it, as she will be 13 - a stroppy teenager, not that she isn't stroppy anyway lol.

I used Stampin Up papers and a Kenny K image.

Here's a couple of pictures of Millie this morning with her pressies, going to have some friends round this afternoon for a little tea party, let's hope the sun comes out and they can go outside.

So that's my little baby 4 today - big school in September :(

Millie's birthday

2011-08-09T08:41:00.003+01:00

Morning all, looks like the sun is going to shine today.

I've got my two Daughter's birthdays next week Millie will be four on Monday and Chelsea 13 on Thursday so thought I better get on with their cards.

I made Millie's last night, hope you like it

I used an 8x8 card blank, DCWV papers and a gorgeous Sugar Nellie Simply Adorable digi, I love these images, coloured her with copics in her favourite colour.

Tilda Wall Hanging

2011-08-04T17:09:00.008+01:00

Hi all,

Where has today gone? Everyone's playing out so I'm not thinking about tea yet, it might be chip shop later on :)

I'm in the process of setting up a Facebook page for my cards and creations and also planning a craft party with a friend, so wanted to make some things that are a bit different.

A while ago I picked up a couple of wall hangings to alter from Home Bargains for 99p, I am now kicking myself for not getting more.

I've spent the last couple of nights making this one and love it.

Now all that remains is to decide how much to charge, what do you think?

You can find me on facebook under Clarabellecrafts - Handmade Cards & Gifts

What a bad blogger am I?

2011-07-31T20:56:00.007+01:00

Hello folks,

I really cannot believe how bad I am at this blogging lark, then again, I never could keep a diary as a kid.

Anyway I have made quite a few cards in the past couple of week's, I was asked if I wanted to go to Strawberry Tea last week and take some cards with me to sell - well it was a bit of a flop I only sold four :( There were however only about 25 people there.

The next plan of action is a Card and Jewellery night with a friend (who makes the jewellery) at home. Date to be decided as quite a few people are away on holiday, at least I've plenty of stock, just want to try and make something a bit different to sell now, got some pictures and clipboards to alter.

Here's a few of my latest creations

If anyone is interested I've had a big clearout of stamps and have added them to my sale blog, a link can be found on the sidebar, just email me if you are interested in any.

A Special Thankyou

2011-07-09T20:01:00.002+01:00

I made this thankyou easel card with post it note and pen for my Daughter's preschool teacher. Can't believe my little girl has only got three sessions left then big school in September.

She's the last of my babies and not four until the middle of August, it doesn't seem right, how time flies.

Anyway I absolutely love this card and the image which is of course by the fabulous Mo Manning and called "Sorry Shani" coloured her with copics, papers used are Trimcraft First Edition "Love Letters", EK Success borders Ribbon Trim and Diamond Scallop. Craftwork Cards sentiment.

Another ATC

2011-07-07T17:05:00.003+01:00

I'm getting into these now, just need to find some nice ones to swap with.

The lovely Judie from Craftymess has an ATC challenge blog too so I thought I'd join in. Now the theme is Household Items or anything goes. Off the top of my head and without going through all my stamps I knew I had the Creative Expressions sewing kit so used that.

The background is a resist technique using an Invoke Arts tape meausre background and distress inks in blue. The sentiment was cut up and glazed with Glossy Accents.

The Stampman ATC swap - July

2011-07-06T23:38:00.009+01:00

I got my set of ATC's back from the first Stampman swap I did last month and have to say they were lovely thank you to Susan, Tania and Jan (IoM)

The theme this month is "Vintage" so here are my three

1. Lili of the Valley postcard stamp, image from Magic Moonlight, Sizzix frame

2. Crafty Idividuals stamps

3. Paper Artsy cog stamp, image printed on canvas from Magic Moolight and Technique Tuesday sentiment

Hope you like them as much as I enjoyed making them.

My Kraft Journal

2011-06-24T18:32:00.013+01:00

Hi folks,

I want to share with you my latest project which has taken a couple of days. I was surfing the net looking for copic colour charts and came across a blog via Splitcoaststampers featuring a wonderful book which you can see here. I thought it was brilliant idea and just looked so loved, like you wouldn't want to be without it.

Anyway I decided to give it ago. Wanting to put my Copic colours in I couldn't just use any old notebook so made my own then I can print out my charts on the Ryman's paper and add to as and when.

I started with two 8x8 pieces of board and covered with the gorgeous Tim Holtz Kraft Resist paper (which is embossed in places so when you ink over it the embossing resists the ink) and lined with Papermania Kraft, the inside sections were made with card from packaging and again covered. The file tabs were cut on my Cricut.

I inked everything with distress inks in Fired Brick, Barn Door, Rusty Hinge and Dried Marigold then covered in Tattered Angels Pearl glimmer mist. Decorated the pages with Tim Holtz dies and made some pockets for the back of the flaps.

As I said I plan to keep all my colour charts for easy reference, coloured images and all that other stuff we should write down instead of trying to remember where we saw it.

ATC's - Trees

2011-06-14T08:30:00.004+01:00

Morning all, don't know about where you are but the sun is shining here, what a nice change. Let's hope it's here to stay a while - at least till after our camping trip at weekend.

Anyway, I've been enjoying making ATC's and have been asking around about places to swap when someone suggested The Stamp Man who run a monthly swap.

The theme for June is trees

So from left to right here are the details:

1. Distress Ink background in Dried Marigold, Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge and Spiced Marmalade. Clarity stamp, embossed with metallic WOW powders.

2. Distress Ink background in Bundled Sage, Crushed Olive, Tumbled Glass, Stormy Sky and Fired Brick. Artemio stamps.

3. Distrss Ink stain backround in Vintage Photo then embossed with Tim Holtz tree bark folder. Leaf cut out tin can with TH Tattered Leaves and coloured with Alcohol Inks.

This is the first time I've joined in so hope they are ok.

A busy bee

2011-06-12T20:45:00.008+01:00

As per usual my blogging is rather somewhat lacking.

I have however been busy over the weekend, a friend has asked me to do a stall at a summer fair with her and her Pandora bracelets. It's in two weeks time so I am trying to make a variety and if I get time I want to make some gifty things as they always seem to sell better than cards.

Here's the first few

At some point I need to think about my Father's Day cards, I'd much rather be doing nice girly ones.

Travel the World Bookmarks

2011-05-23T16:30:00.010+01:00

It's time for another altered art exchange over at Gingersnaps this time it's bookmarks with the theme "Travel the World"

It's a 4 for 4 swap so here are mine.

I cut the bookmark shapes using the Cricut.

"Paris Nights"

Distress Inks used: Spun Sugar, Worn Lipstick, Victorian Velvet
Stamps used: Prima "Notary" background, Creative Expressions "Carte Postale"

"African Lady"

Distress Inks used: Dried Marigold, Spiced Marmalade and Wild Honey
Stamps used: Hero Arts Swirl background, Woodware "African Lady" coloured with copics

"Home is Where the Heart is"
New York to Paris

Distress Inks used: Victorian Velvet, Barn Door, Fired Brick
Stamps used: Viva flourish background, Paper Artsy

"Indian Dreams"

Distress Inks used: Tumbled Glass, Stormy Sky and Faded Jeans
Stamps used: Elusive Images "Damask" background Woodware "Indian Dreams" coloured with copics

Hope you like them

Inspired by Craft Stamper

2011-05-20T20:16:00.007+01:00

Not only have I made one card today but three!

There was a lovely card in Craft Stamper by Joanne Wardle not my usual style but I really liked it and it just happens to fit in with a couple of challenges

Less is More - One Layer with embossing
Crafty Cardmakers - embossing

I must admit the embossing is minimal but it is there.

I used Spun Sugar Distress Ink, the flower stamps are by Blonde Moments and the sentiment is an old one by Anita's.

My third card is again taken from a card made by Isabelle Norris is the latest issue and the stamp was one of the gifts when I took out my subscription to Craft Stamper.

Happy Birthday

2011-05-20T19:53:00.004+01:00

I've finally found my mojo and made a card from start to finnish today and found lots of challenges to enter it into.

I followed the Sketch at Just Magnolia and the Recipe at Fussy and Fancy (three papers, two embellishments (flowers and charm) and one ribbon)

I've used the gorgeous "Ella Blue" papers which I've been after for ages and got them half price at Range last week, the flowers are Kaisercraft and of course the lovely Hanglar StAnglar coloured with Copics and a Spellbinders tag.

It also fits in with:

A Spoon Full of Sugar - Anything Goes
Bunny Zoes - Lace
C.R.A.F.T - Happy Birthday
Crafter's Companion - Girls Birthday
Crafts and Me - Anything Goes with optional Kraft
Crafty Catz - Anything Goes

First ATC's

2011-05-17T07:30:00.004+01:00

I've been on a bit of a rollercoaster ride lately and struggled to do much crafting so thought I'd ease myself back into it with something quick - something I've been meaning to do for a long time .... ATC's.

I did have a go once before when I first started crafting so we're talking decoupage and peeloffs but I really struggled with the size they were just too small lol.

Anyway when I got into stamping and more recently altered art thought what can be so hard so I have finally given it a go and must say I quite enjoyed making them.

The first three are for a swap on Craftymess with a "Beach/Seaside" theme the others I'll keep for now.

Vintage Postcard

2011-05-08T19:00:00.005+01:00

Hi folks,

Sorry it's been so long, I haven't been able to put my mind to crafting, but I had my name down for swap on the Art & Soul group so had to get to grips and find my mojo.

Anyway the latest altered art swap was to make a Collaged Postcard with something metal on it. This is my first attempt at one of these and knew I wanted one with a vintage feel.

I used a piece of mountboard (4x6cm) covered it in acrylic paints, then used the pva technique for a crackle effect, overstamped with a Viva Fleur de Lys stamp in Archival Sepia, distressed and embossed the edges in gold. The frame is a sizzix die again embossed in gold and the word love and fleur de lys were cut out on the cricut, covered in gold acrylic paint and heated to make the paint bubble. Added a corner and charm to fit the "metal" criteria.

The back was given a coat of Distress Stain in Antique Linen and stamped with a combination of stamps, Crafty Individual postmarks and Viva script.

I hope my swap partner likes it as much as I do.

For You

2011-04-15T07:45:00.002+01:00

Morning all,

I'm on a roll and found my crafting mojo last night. I've seen a few of these cards and thought I'd give it a go. So easy. I think it's called a Wallet card but correct me if I'm wrong.

I used some delicious Desert Orchid papers by Trimcraft, a Lili of the Valley image and sentiment coloured with copics, Blossom nesties, Xcut scallop punch and Petaloo flowers and pearls to finnish.

I'm entering this into

Dutch Dare - Fancy Fold card
Do You Stack Up - Scallops

Kitty Katastrophe

2011-04-14T22:31:00.004+01:00

This is a card requested by a friend for a 17 year old girl, loves anything gothic with skulls and crossbones and definitely no PINK. Luckily I had this fabulous Kenny K image "Kitty Katastrophe"

The papers are DCWV Rock Star, Labels 14 (I think - I've lost count now) and a charm to finnish.

I'm entering this into One Stop Crafts challenge Monochrome.

Wings and things

2011-04-14T22:06:00.006+01:00

Hope all is well with everyone in the land of blog, it's been ages - there's a surprise.

Anyway, it was my craft club the other night and we made these fabulous concertina cards you can find the instructions and lots of samples on Splitcoaststampers

I've no idea what the papers are as they are some I've had a long time. I've used the gorgeous Lili of the Valley stamps and coloured them with copics. Blossom nesties used for the mats, a Sizzix flourish on the front with a selection of pretty flowers.

I'm entering it in to the following challenges

Lili of the Valley - Happy Birthday
Dream Valley - Things with Wings

Because you are Wonderful

2011-03-25T09:42:00.007Z

Morning all, well spring has well and truly sprung, isn't it beautiful I even spent a couple of hours in the garden yesterday.

Here's a card I made last night for my Mum, this is a nearly new card in that apart from a couple of things it is all from my new birthday stash.

Gorgeous Desert Bloom and Love Letters papers
Lily of the Valley's Rosy Posie coloured with copics
Doily cut with Cheery Lynn French Pastry die
Bazill Kraft
Bakers Twine
and finally some lovely flowers and a sizzix swirl and Viva Pearl pen

I'm entereing this into:

LoV - Punches (leaves and border)
Dream Valley - Mother's Day
Crafty Catz - Pearls and Swirls
Crafts and Me - Anything Goes
A Spoon Full of Sugar - Ribbon, Pearls/Rhinestones and Flowers

Ooops forgot

2011-03-22T22:10:00.008Z

I promised to show what goodies I bought with my birthday money

Think I might have gone a bit mad, but it's only your birthday once a year and to top it all off I won some blog candy off the lovely Kitty that ended on my birthday.

Here are some of the lovely handmade cards I received from my Craft club members and Docraft buddies, thanks to Teresa, Suzanne, Sandra, Jane and CraftyJane x

Better get on and use some of it now.

French themed fan and a card

2011-03-22T21:56:00.000Z

Hi there,

Just had to show you this wonderful creation I received in the post yesterday, it made my day I can tell you.

Over on the Art & Soul swap the last challenge was to make a french themed fan and I was the lucky recipient of Valery Anne's

Look at all the beautiful stitching

It's going to take pride of place in my work area - thank you Valery Anne.

On to a card I made the other day, I really can't seem to get going, it doesn't help that I can't get to my desk because the kids are using the computer, think I'm going to have to move it.

Anyway, here's my all time favourite Kitchen Tilda with my all time favourite papers Vintage Shabby by Tim Holtz and a piece of Magnolia's newsprint. The recipe is from LoV's new range.

Right I'm off to make a challenge card, be back soon, hopefully

How time flies

2011-03-17T09:54:00.006Z

I can't believe it's over two weeks since I posted anything, I have been crafting honestly. Just to prove it here are some of my latest creations.

One of the lovely new Lili's

Sorry Shani - Just for You

Gone Fishing

Pilkington Lane

It's my birthday tomorrow so as I've not got any trips to the shows planned I'm making up for it and ordering lots of new goodies, will let you see what I get very soon.

In the meantime I've got to dash round with the mop and bucket then off for a girly lunch with youngest daughter, Mum and Auntie. I'm going to be a little fat piggy this week as I was out with an old school friend yesterday too.

Have a great day,

Hello Friend

2011-03-01T11:28:00.005Z

Morning all and what a lovely sunny one it is too.

Here's a card I made last night, first one I've made in ages start to finnish. I used some lovely Kaisercraft papers called Secret Bird Society, hand stitched using the Easy Sew and the lovely Lili of the Valley image Swing Time coloured with Copics with a Whiff of Joy sentiment.

I'm entering it into

Dream Valley - Anything Goes
Bling it on - Anything Goes with a charm
Lili of the Valley - Circles
Bunny Zoes - Spring
Crafty Catz - Friendship
One Stop Craft - Spring Flowers

Song Bird Fly

2011-02-18T14:06:00.002Z

It's been a while, I really am a terrible blogger anyway thought I'd show you my first altered jigsaw piece. It started off with the inchy which is an ongoing challenge over at Craftymess this weeks them being birds.

I used a inch square piece of stampboard then inked with alcohol inks, stamped with Paper Artsy image and made the little bird with the Tim Holtz die and shrink plastic, edged in gold krylon pen.

The jigsaw piece itself was triple embossed in various colours then stamped with a crackle effect background. Added shrink plastic sentiment and beaded charm.

Really pleased with this for a first attempt.

Less is More

2011-02-07T23:54:00.004Z

In case you didn't know there is a new blog Less is More where your cards have to be Clean and Simple (CAS). The first challenge is a colour one "Pink, Black and White". I think this is the first of it's kind for me as I love my papers and embellishments so much.

I made it to fit in with a sketch for my craft club which in itself is a simple one. I used a Hero Art stamp and embossed it, making the flowers 3d. The gingham paper and bits of black card from my stash.

Hope you like it.

Art and Soul swap - French themed fan

2011-02-04T10:40:00.004Z

Two swap pieces in one morning, I have been busy haven't I although I nearly opted out of this one when I saw what it was.

Where on earth do you start with a french themed fan? I suppose that's why it's called a challenge.

The fan was made from a single blade template Viv gave us, it had to have 6 or 8 blades and each one to be 6" long. Decided on Shabby Chic look so used my favourite Tim Holtz papers appropriately named "Vintage Shabby" distressed with Victorian Velvet ink and then embossed the edges in gold. Not sure how french themed this actually is but had the idea of cameos with lace and pearls in my head.

The images were printed off from Magic Moonlight a great site for free downloads then cut out with the smallest oval nestie. The gold oval could have done to be a bit smaller to look more like a frame but never mind. The lace was sent by a good friend and finnished off with my Viva pearl pen.

Would love to know what you think so please leave me a comment.

Thanks

Gingersnaps Art Exchange

2011-02-04T10:26:00.004Z

The new art exchange over on Gingersnaps is to create four coasters with a heart theme.

I created my backgrounds using different mediums, distress inks, pearl acrylic paints, achohol ink and a peeled paint look with acrylic paints.

Top left - alcho inks and Inkadinkado image

Top right - pearl paints and Paper Artsy image

Bottom left - peeled paint and Art Journey image

Bottom right - distress inks and Anitas text with UTEE embossed heart

Love Wordbook

2011-02-02T09:59:00.003Z

Here's my first attempt at a wordbook, it was cut on the Cricut using a template from playingwithpaper.

The papers are some of the first 12x12's I bought by Papermania and Tilda and Edwin are coloured with Copics

Have a great day.

True Love is Forever - JAD's DT piece

2011-01-31T13:33:00.003Z

Over on Jean's Art Doll forum the theme of the month is Valentine.

My piece is inspired by the Tattered Angels tutorial Girly Grunge which can be found here. First of all I covered my card with gesso, then sprayed with Lava Red, Lilac Night and Gold Cosmic Shimmer, then sponged with two different tones of gold acrylic paint. Randomly stamped the key and script image with Black Archival ink. The image was printed off on canvas photopaper and added a grungeboard frame to it.

All the chipboard pieces were covered with Adirondack gold paint dabber and heated to add some texture. The rose was a cheap hairclip from Primark.

Gingersnnaps Colour Challenge 88 - Coffee & Cream

2011-01-31T12:50:00.004Z

Here's a card I've made for one of the Gingersnaps challenges, I love it over there as they have three different challenges which are all clearly set out and easy to find. If you're a member of the Yahoo Group you can join in the fab art exchanges too.

Anyway back to the card, it's the colour theme challenge "Coffee and Cream" my new Paper Artsy stamp (which was a bargain from Fruit Pixie) was perfect. I inked the background with distress inks, stamped image in Vintage Photo and decoupaged the roof and chopped the sentiment up. Papers and cardstock used are SU Crumbcake, MME, Magnolia newsprint and the recycled outer from a take away coffee cup. Added a bit of creme lace and viva pearl pen to finnish.

First altered tin

2011-01-30T22:14:00.007Z

My good friend Caro bought me some lovely little tins for altering for Christmas. Having never done one before had no idea what to do with it apart from using alcohol inks to colour.

I got an order from Fruit Pixie last week including some fabulous bargain Viva Alcho Inks for a pound a bottle! I set too with the violet and pink then had the brainwave to spray the inside with the copic air brush - it worked! I used Paper Artsy stamps and a selection of flowers for the inside.

Copic air brushed background

2011-01-27T12:14:00.005Z

Morning all, I had a play yesterday with my new airbrush, after a lot of trial and error finally managed to get something usuable, so this is my first proper attempt at a copic air brushed background.

Need lots more practise but I am now armed with blue tack to make my cioa's fit the handle. The plan is to replace them as they run out with sketch, may take some time me thinks.

Right off to get ready for lunch, it would have been my Grandma's birthday today so me, my Mum and Auntie are off to the farmshop for lunch to remember her.

Bye for now

Simply Adorable

2011-01-26T23:06:00.005Z

It feel's like ages since I blogged anything but I have been busy making cards even with the new distraction of Chatting on the Craftymess forum.

These are two of my favourite cards this week and they are the Sugar Nellie Simply Adorable collection, not sure about the ones with just the heads but I love these.

Both coloured with copics and Tim Holtz Vinage Shabby papers

A bit of excitement, got a new toy today.... a copic air brush system! I managed to get a mini compressor in the sale at Hobbycraft for the bargain price of £30 reduced from £105! Okay I think it was slightly overpriced to start with because I know Eisbaren thought hers was a bargain at £60 so mine definitely was. I've had a quick play this afternoon but need lots more practise, promise to upload my first attempt shortly.

Another Lili

2011-01-19T15:11:00.003Z

Afternoon all, just grabbing five mins seen as hubby as gone to pick the boys up from school for me.

I've been a busy bee lately made ten cards in the last couple of days and a doublesided tag book (will post that later). I'm loving the new Lili of the Valley stamps, such a dream to colour. This isn't actually on the new ones but the first time I've used it, kept it simple.

Coloured with Copics, Hunkydory cream patterene card and Magnolia paper with gold mirri board and Wild Orchid flowers.

1st Craftymess Challenge Card

2011-01-17T14:14:00.003Z

Over on Craftymess Shannon is hosting a Lili of the Valley challenge, think these are everybodies favourites right now.

The criteria was to use LotV image, an A5/6x6 card using texture and punches a nice easy one to start.

I used the new "I Do" stamp coloured with Copics, Tim Holtz papers and SU Kraft (or Crumbcake as it now known), Martha Stewart heart and border punches, LotV sentiment and Wild Orchid flowers with McGill pine punch leaves.

New Forum and candy up for grabs

2011-01-17T14:09:00.003Z

The lovely Judie aka Craftymess has just launched her very own forum and shop of the same name and I must say it's looking good so far, it even has it's own chat room.

To celebrate the launch Judie is putting this fab candy up for grabs, if you want a chance to win just follow the link and sign up to be a member it's quick and easy.

See you over there.

First Challenge card of the year

2011-01-14T22:34:00.003Z

I'm afraid to say I have rather neglected the Gingersnap forum although I did the Winter exchange, I love the swaps as the artwork received is always lovely.

Anyway, determined to get more involved so here it is my first challenge card of the year for the Gingersnap's Chestnut theme "Hot Beverages"

It was a quick card but works well.

Tim Holtz - Vintage Shabby backing paper
Unity background stamp
Lilli of the Valley image coloured with Copics
White flower coloured with Stormy Sky Distress Ink
Glitter and Viva Pearl pen to finnish

First DT card for JAD's

2011-01-13T13:40:00.005Z

Here's my first DT card for JAD's we had to make something using the theme "Winged People"

My image is a Paper Artsy stamp. Made a tag using pearl acrylic paints, stamped image in Stazon. The papers are my favourite Tim Holtz stack Shabby Vintage. All distressed and edged with Fired Brick added a ribbon and a few embellishments.

If you fancy a go at altered art why not pop over and sign up to the forum, we are looking for new members as the site hasn't been running for long.

Go on dare to be different!

Gingersnap 4x4 swaps

2011-01-13T13:30:00.004Z

It seems a long time ago since I made my swaps for this exchange on Gingersnaps, I think it was way back in November, ths is an international swap so they all have to go to the States where they get jumbled up and sent back again. But the post system didn't want to play and took forever!

Anyway thanks to Laura for arranging the UK side of things these are the lovely ones I got back in return.

l-r top Joanne Wardle, Laura Liddel, Petra Brenedsen,

bottom Sandra Dillon and Krisha Ogle

Looking forward to the next one and hopefully it won't take as long.

Some exciting news

2011-01-10T23:08:00.005Z

I am now officially a Design Team Member for Jean's Art Dolls (JAD's)

It's a new Mixed Media/Altered Art forum where the motto is "Dare to be Different" so if you want to do something different, pop across and register to join the forum. Can't wait to start on my first DT piece.

Vintage Belles

2011-01-10T14:31:00.006Z

This is the tag book I made to replace the one for the Art n Soul swap that I'm keeping. Again I'm really pleased with this one but it has to go. I know I'll get a lovely swap in return and it will go to someone who appreciates it.

I think the vintage theme fits the title of the challenge "Beautiful Buttons" perfectly.

All the images were freebie downloads either from Craft Stamper or Magic Moonlight.

Front pages

Back pages

Love, Beauty, Peace and Time

2011-01-07T13:47:00.007Z

Over on the flickr group Art n Soul this month's challenge is to make a four page tag bug with the theme "Beautiful Buttons", I knew the stamps I wanted to use just had to buy them. So having landed on my doorstep yesterday morning, I set too with the challenge, only I'm afraid I can't bear to part with it as I love it so much. Going to have to make a different one.

I started off by making my own buttons, chipboard, embossed grunge and shrink plastic, there was tutorial in the December issue of Craft Stamper and printed off some of the Sewing Cards that were a freebie a while ago.

The new stamps I bought were a Creative Expressions set called "Vintage Sewing", I even did some sewing on one of the pages, it looks a bit childlike though sewing's not my forte. Oh well adds to the vintage look with the frayed edges of the Calico.

Distress inks were used, mostly Fired Brick, Barn Door, Vintage Photo, Tea Dye and Walnut Stain.

The image on the front is a fabulous Le Blanche stamp which I bought on Ebay for the grand sum of 99p. They are big foam stamps which I thought would be rubbish but are in fact really nice.

So here we have the front of all four tags

and the backs

My photography's as good as my sewing, it actually looks much better in real life.

Thanks for looking

1st Cricut Card

2011-01-04T14:39:00.005Z

Well I finally made my first card using my new Cricut Expression which I treated myself too just before Christmas.

Up until now I have just been pressing buttons and seeing what happened, lol, but with the help of a very talented lady called Sue whose blog you can find here she convinced me a Cricut was nothing without SCAL and a few tutorials this is my first card.

The template is an SVG's which can be bought from Sue's website PlayingwithPaper and the images are of course the lovely Lilli of the Valley coloured with Copics.

Can't wait to make some more projects, got a lot to learn but I'm sure in 12 months time, I'll wonder how I ever managed without a Cricut.

Happy New Year

2011-01-04T14:21:00.006Z

Hello fellow bloggers and a Happy New Year to you all.

It's been a while since I visited blogland but thought I better upload the last of my 12 Days of Christmas tags, I got a bit bogged down so had to take a raincheck but was determined to complete the challenge, better late than never.

I really enjoyed making all the tags and learnt some new techniques from Tim.

12 Days of Christmas No 6 Grungeboard and Texture Fades

2010-12-06T22:16:00.009Z

WOW half way through already, can't believe I've managed to blog them all too, I'm not the best blogger in the world.

Today I actually made two tags and the only thing in common with Tim's tag are the inks and techniques.

This is Tim's tag

and these are mine

I made the blue one first as I didn't have any tree or reindeers, so thought I'd just do something completely different yet use the same techniques.

Distress Inks used Tumbled Glass and Stormy sky, Cuttlebug Winter House folder and snowflake, Personal Impressions flourish, Whimsy sentiment.

The reason I made a second one was when I went to the craft shop to stock up on double sided tape and glue this lovely little Sizzix reindeer jumped into my arms. He is being discontinued so I had to have him. I replaced the trees with Cuttlebug holly folder using Pine Needles and Fired Brick.

I can't decide which one I like the most, what about you?

To see more fantastic tags why not pop over to Artyjen's blog

12 Days of Christmas no 5 - Enameled Metals

2010-12-05T15:07:00.006Z

Here's today's tag, this was nice messy one with a bit of everything, ink, paint, stickles and embossing

The tag was edged with adirondack paint dabber in Snow Cap, inked with Barn Door and Fired Brick. Stamped Inkadinkado Santa and random edging and Penny Black sentiment. Next a grungepaper die cut was covered in Broken China crackle paint with a strip of distressed music paper. The numbers are a pack of sticky door numbers from the Poundshop (new they would come in handy) covered in Snow Cap and UTEE and a TH flower embossed with distress EP's.

I'm entering this into the Artistic Stampers monthly challenge

and The Cheerful Stampad's challenge "Here Comes Santa" (thanks for the invitation to join in Vicki)

12 Days of Christmas no 4 - Facets

2010-12-05T14:54:00.005Z

I am absolutely loving this challenge, the only frightening thing is how close to Christmas it will bring us.

Here is day 4's tag

The technique involved in this one was to make a charm using a resist with alchohol inks, Tim used a lovely facet, but not having any I opted for a fragment charm. I must admit alcohol inks are my least favourite Tim product and my attempt at this did not work, but hey ho.

Tim's tag is lovely and blingy so we mananged that bit.

Paper is DCWV, gems and pearls from stash, tag edged in Fired Brick, Alcohol Inks used were Butterscotch and Stream.

12 Days of Christmas No 3 - Tissue Tape

2010-12-03T23:34:00.005Z

Day 3 of Tim's Christmas tag challenge using Tissue Tape. I didn't have any of that so found some white tissue paper and coloured it with Tattered Rose reinker then stamped with text then collaged over the bird and used with the tattered floral die.

Distress Inks used Shabby Shutters, Peeled Paint, Brushed Corduroy and Vintage Photo for edging.

Short and sweet tonight as it's late, but hope you like my take on Tim's tag.

On the 2nd Day of Chrismas - Custom Inkpad

2010-12-02T21:16:00.004Z

my true love sent to me ....

another Tim tag and what a beauty it was too, however, mine looks nothing like Tim's.

I hit a wall with this one, the technique needed Cut & Dry felt, which I didn't have and distress reinkers which I only have a couple of. Sue (Playing with Paper) who is a fountain of knowledge said you can acheive a similar result with dried up baby wipes and felt tip pens or ink daubers. Well my attempt was a disaster, I didn't have the right style stamp or reinker colours and it was just a splodged mess.

So I improvised, using the aforementioned ink daubers and distress inks in tumbled glass and stormy sky I stamped a snowflake design all around my tag and then embossed with clear ep, then coloured my backround with weathered wood and more stormy sky. The design got a bit lost in the background so I went over it with clear on clear ink and ep. The topper was made using the same colours and stamp. Finnished with a sentiment and snowflake.

Well it's nice to be different anyway and I'm loving these big tags.

Looking forward to tomorrow's challenge.

Thanks for looking.

Tim's 12 days of Christmas - Rickety House

2010-12-01T23:18:00.005Z

As all of you lovely Tim fan knows every year he does a challenge The 12 Days of Christmas tags.

Over on the Docraft forum Sue who likes nothing better than Playing with Paper challenged us to join in.

So here goes with day 1 if you pop over to Tim's blog you can see what he created. I was a little overwhelmed when I saw it and had to have a think, but thank goodness for crafty friends. The postie arrived this morning with a little brown envelope full of TH die cuts from the lovey Kay aka Craftyspider. Low and behold there were some of the great big tags and rickety houses, so thank you Kay.

I've used the batik technique for the background using distress inks in tumbled glass, stormy sky and broken china, distressed and embossed around the edges. The house was embossed with the brick folder and inked in fired brick, and lots of rock candy stickles and glamour dust. The wreath was made using a McGill pine branch punch and Viva pen for the berries.

I really enjoyed making this and can't wait for tomorrows.

My first matchbox

2010-11-23T22:26:00.008Z

Hi there, it's been a while, well it's not even December yet and I seem to have lost my mojo for chrismas cards, wondering if the 30 I've made will be enough - no didn't think so!

So taking a break from Christmas this is what I've been up to, this month's exchange at Art & Soul over on Yahoo is an altered matchbox with a little "something" inside. Now I've had some of these in the drawer for a while and I have to say I loved making it, will be doing lots more.

Not going to show what's inside as I'm not sure yet, lol.

This next one started off as a trinket tray I picked up at the Poundshop and I've used it as a frame, it is now hanging nicely above my craft desk.

CCC21 - Perfect Distress

2010-11-14T18:39:00.008Z

Need to get my crafting head back on I've been full of cold this week and had two sick children, so not felt like doing much at all. As usual I've left it till last minute again for this week's Compendium challenge, Perfect Distress. Now I love my Perfect Pearls, but could I get this card to work, no. Took me all afternoon to come up with something I was reasonably happy with.

Apologies for the photo the light kept reflecting off it.

I used an Inkadinkdoo stamp and all the blue distress inks; tumbled glass, stormy sky, faded glass and broken china with the White Pearl powder. The papers are of course from Tim's Vintage Shabby stack, my all time favourites.

You may remember last week I mentioned going to a friend's wedding, it was a fantastic day, the venue and weather were beautiful, the food was out of this world and the bride looked gorgeous.

Here's me and Ali, we go back to primary school, over 30 years ago!

the stunning scenery

the amazing cake

See you all next week, I must get back into blogging more often.

CCC10 - Industrial Grunge

2010-11-03T22:15:00.005Z

It's Tim time again, this week's Compendium challenge is Industrial Grunge found on page 54 of the book.

I've actually got this done early for a change, but there is a reason, I'm going to a friend's Wedding on Sunday so I can't very well turn up with inky hands can I? Plus I figured, if I get my entry in a bit sooner I might land lucky with the random number thingy.

Back to the challenge anyway, having a change from a tag. The background as we crafter's say was a happy accident from last week's challenge. I cut the leaves and used the leftover to mask them, then inked the background. Added a sentiment and my industrial grunge leaves (I'm still in Autumn mode, too soon for Christmas).

Distress Inks used: Spiced Marmalade, Rusty Hinge, Wild Honey, Tea Dye, Vintage Photo
Gold Metallic Alcohol Ink
Go Kreate dies
and sentiment from Ebay store in Malaysia

CCC19 - Extreme Masking

2010-10-31T15:50:00.003Z

It's nearly time for another Compendium challenge so I better post this week's. The fabulous Linda at StudioL3 has set the task of "extreme masking" which can be found on page 61 of Tim's book. I'm not a halloween person but Linda's halloween project is fantastic.

Here's mine, not sure I got the hang of this masking technique but gave it a go anway. I used the Birdcage Alterations die, Fired Brick and Vintage Photo distress inks

Stampin Up stamps were used and dusted with my favourite bling of all time "Perfect Pearls"

CCC18 - Dabber Resist

2010-10-23T23:08:00.004+01:00

Left it till the night before... again ... Compendium of Curiosities Challenge this week is Dabber resist techinque, intrigued? Well you'll have to have a look in the book I'm afraid.

I used a Clarity stamp, snow white adirondack paint dabber, Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge and Spiced Marmalade distress inks. I embossed the artificial leaf with bronze, brass and gold ep's added a couple of smalled leaves and the garden twine. Stamped Tim Holtz sentiment "Listen to your Heart"

Magnolia Ink cracker

2010-10-23T18:58:00.004+01:00

Saving the best till last, my Magnolia Ink magazine landed on my doormat and everybody that had already got it was raving about it. I was diappointed with the Autumn issue but this one is the best yet I think. Full of gorgeous Christmas inspiration and lots of lovely projects including how to make this Christmas cracker.

I set to and this what I ended up with, pretty good even if I do say so myself, infact I even got a compliment from my hubby who said it was really nice, usually he just smirks to himself.

I'm so impressed with these they are going to be next month's project at craft club, I might have to make a few blank templates to help a few people out.

Right that's me for now, got a quick challenge to finnish then it's X factor and a nice glass of wine.

Stampin Up cards

2010-10-23T18:32:00.006+01:00

A couple of weeks ago we had a Stampin Up demonstration at the craft group I run, a lovely lady called Keren Baker from Liverpool came and it was a really good evening. We made some lovely samples and spent a fortune (sshh don't tell Hubby though!)

The UPS man arrived on Tuesday morning with a big box, mostly full of screwed up brown paper, but deep down at the bottom were lots of lovely goodies.

I finally got round to inking some of my new stamps up last night. These are made using the set called "Just Believe"

The first one I inked with Distress inks in Tumbled Glass, Wild Honey and Rusty Hinge, spritzed with water and stamped onto watercolour paper.

I'm not used to making such plain cards so needed some convincing it was okay which my lovely Docraft buddies did - thank you.

The second was stamped in Frayed Burlap Distress ink and embossed with WOW brass embossing powder, also used Prima script stamp and My Mind's Eye papers Le Paperie by Jen Wilson, sentiment from an ebay store.

This Stampin Up thing has already become a slippery slope - I want it all!

Stampin Up cards

2010-10-23T18:32:00.001+01:00

Altered Mirror

2010-10-23T18:19:00.006+01:00

I've been a busy bee lately just not got round to blogging anything, so here's the first of three.

A while ago I altered a cheap Ikea mirror, now it was my first attempt at anything altered so I stuck with it and hung it on the wall. The more and more I looked at it the more I didn't like it, it was just too dark so I decided to revamp it.

This is before

and this is after ...... much better

Kay & Co papers, corrugated card covered in gold acrylic paint, Craft Stamper image printed on to Canvas paper, flower made with grungepaper covered in Craft Individuals papers and stickles and other embellishments from stash.

Recycling some rubber!

2010-10-20T23:02:00.001+01:00

Just to let you know posted some stamps on my sale blog assortment tilda, whiff of joy, manga, gorjuss girls.

Link on side bar.

Thanks x

A couple of special books

2010-10-17T23:51:00.010+01:00

Hello everyone,

I'm busy trying to work my way through my list of to do's before I make a serious start on my christmas cards and gifts for the school christmas fair.

The first is a Guest Book for an old school friend whose wedding I'm going to in a couple of weeks.

The book was a plain red one from Home Bargains for the pricely sum of 99p, forgot to take a before piccie but it wasn't very exciting, crying out to be altered.

I must admit to using a wedding card I'd already made as the topper but the papers to cover the book are from the "Something Old, Something New" range by Magnolia, with some gorgeous ruffled organza ribbon I got at the craft show the other week.

The second one is for a special crafty friend who is celebrating her 40th birthday next month, I think it may have become an even bigger milestone for her as back in May she suffered a massive stroke and has amazed everyone by how far she has come, almost making a full recovery, she still has a way to go but is an inspiration.

So this if for my friend Tina

The recipes of life if anyone wants them can be found here

Gingersnaps Art Exchange

2010-10-17T23:27:00.008+01:00

Over on the Yahoo Group Gingersnaps it's time for a new swap, I really enjoyed last month's challenge Scraplings and Paintchips and received some lovely artwork - thank you to Laura, Joanne, Krisha, and Jack these are the pieces I received

This month's challenge is to make four 4x4 toppers which must include some stamping

Hope you like them and that whoever gets them does, I can't wait to receive mine but it will be a while as the swap doesn't take place till the 15th November.

CCC17 - Fragment Charms

2010-10-16T09:06:00.006+01:00

Good moring fellow bloggers,

Time to post my latest Compendium of Curriosities challenge, this week's techique is using Tim's fragment charms, well I didn't have any so there were two options - miss the challenge or go shopping, guess which one I choose!

My lovely Hubby took me out for a day to Skipton in North Yorkshire to visit the Stampman and Samuel Taylors and I wasn't disappointed. Even got to meet a fellow crafter who I've "spoken" to online that works in one of the shops. He didn't even complain about my spending, although I don't think he could quite believe how little I got for my money!

As you can see I made sure I got my charms for the challenge, the Sizzix die I have been wanting for a while but was out of stock everywhere so was pleased to find that.

Anyway back to the challenge, there is only one thing to do with charms and that's make a charm bracelet, I used Tim Holtz Vintage Shabby papers in pink and various charms, beads and chain from my stash.

Hope you all have a great weekend.

Vintage Book

2010-10-11T13:22:00.011+01:00

A few weeks ago I popped round to a crafting friend's (Viv of Viv's Visual's) to collect some stamps she was selling, whenever I go she has always made something amazing and I come home loaded up with bits and pieces and ideas to try out.

Well this is one of them, an altered book come treasure box

from this

to this

I picked the ancient book up on a market stall, I loved all the detail, it was a shame to cover it, but it does still show, pulled all the pages out and made a box to fit inside.

I painted it with gesso, acrylic paints in cream and metallic gold. The papers are from the Tim Holtz "Lost and Found" stack covered in Modgepodge to seal it, the image is a free download from Craft Stamper. I have no idea why this turned out pink but I love it. I printed it onto a transparency sheet then used the transfer technique on to a piece of Calico. Finally added the embellishments.

They aren't the best photo's as my photography is rubbish but I'm really pleased with how this one turned out.

I'm going to enter it into my first altered art challenge over at Cindy Adkin's Whimsical Musings for her Creative Spirit Challenge

Distress tags inspired my Leonie Pujol - in the flesh!

2010-10-06T10:34:00.006+01:00

On Monday, I was on my way to the supermarket and had to pass the craft shop, I wasn't going to go as I'd been to the Leigh Craft Show on Sunday, but something drew me in, lol. As I walked through the door I recognised a voice - no other than Leonie Pujol off Create and Craft, she was setting up to do a demo! Turned out to be demoing my favourite Distress Inks and having completed my set of inks on Sunday I was really pleased.

Not had chance to go to anything like that before as I've always had my little girl with me but she was at preschool for the day, so I made the most, abandonded the food shopping and sat and watched for two hours. I had to drag myself away.

She is such a lovely friendly lady, had a laugh and chat with everyone made some lovely samples, said how much she is enjoying it on Create and Craft, so different to the "other" side, lol.

Anyway, here's some tags I made using a few of Leonies for inspiration

CCC16 - Wrinkle Free Distress

2010-10-04T21:15:00.004+01:00

It's Tim time again over at Studio L3, except this time we get an extra week as lots of the lucky followers are livin it up with Sir Tim himself on a cruise ship, how green am I?

Anyway back to the challenge, this week it's wrinkle free distress which can be found on page 33 of the Compendium of Curiosities.

I used Dusty Concord, Tumbled Glass and Milled Lavender distress inks, stamped the Penny Black "Burst of Stars" in Dusty Concord and and again in Distress embossing ink and covered in Plum Perfect Pearls to add a fantastic shimmer to the tag.

I love how the centre of the flower hit the blue splodge perfectly.

CCC15 - Agate on Grunge

2010-09-26T13:39:00.006+01:00

Hi folks,

Well it's a quick post with this weeks Compendium of Curiosities challenge, I've been trying to do this all week along with an order of 15 cards and can't get my head round any of it for some reason.

Linda over at Studio L3 has challenged us to do something with Agate on Grunge which can be found on page 53 of the book.

This isn't one of my favourite tags but I'm running out of time so hope you like it.

Labour of love - Memory Box

2010-09-20T22:34:00.009+01:00

I spent the weekend making something really different.

Last week at the car boot I bought two of these lovely boxes, I knew they'd be perfect for putting stuff in but wasn't sure I was brave enough to alter them. Anyway thanks to Bowlingbelle who suggested I turn them into Memory boxes that is what I spent my weekend doing and loved it.

I sanded the box down and gave it an undercoat of Gesso, then added layers of pink and purple acrylic paint with baby wipes inside and out, apprently this helps give a distressed look. Next I took some of my favourite Kay & Co papers and tore them sticking them down with Claudine Hellmuth's multi medium (I only had the gloss one and I say had because I've now used it all!), then gave it a coat over the top to seal it. The letters were cut with Cuttlebug alphabet and again sealed with the multi medium.

I didn't like the grooved edges once they were painted as they looked too rough and weren't very easy to sand down so I made some panels and again used the multi medium and Kay & Co papers to cover the side. Added some corners on the lid as a bit of a feature.

Finally, I added the dregs of my Tim Holtz Rock Candy Crackle Paint and inked with Old Paper distress ink and added some embellishments. I just love the TH lock and keys and this was the perfect project to put them on as it means I get to keep them!

I hope you like my box as much as I enjoyed making it. I'm going to keep some of my childrens little treasures in this one and make another to keep all my bits or altered art in.

Thanks for looking and thank you to Viv for the inspiration and advice on making it.

CCC14 - Basic Masks

2010-09-18T23:58:00.006+01:00

Well it's a quick post tonight, before I forget and the challenge ends tomorrow, this weeks Compendium challenge is Basic Masks. Unfortunately I do not have Tim Holtz mask but got a gorgeous Viva one which is a similar Regal style to Tims.

I used it with Acrylic paints and Silver Cosmic Shimmer on top, you may just be able to see the crest and the lion. I used Broken China and Fired Brick although the cosmic shimmer has turned it a subtle pink and grey colour. I didn't want to add any fancy embellishments to detract from the simplicity of this tag (the photo's don't do the shimmery effect justice).

I'm working on a Memory Box at the moment which is the biggest altered thing I've done and I can't wait to show you, I'm really pleased with it so far, but first I've got to make a Wedding Anniversary card for my Hubby ready for Monday, better get to bed now though and get on with that tomorrow.

Night folks,

A couple of Tilda cards

2010-09-16T11:09:00.004+01:00

Here are a couple of cards I coloured with my new pastel copic Sketch pens. I couldn't decide whether to get some more Promarkers or Sketch pens, as I hardly use my Promarkers and they are almost the same colours as the Ciao's opted for the 000 in each colour group and they are gorgeous.

Unfortunately my photography isn't brilliant so doesn't do the colours justice, they are really subtle and don't need much blending at all with the O0's.

I'm off for a cuppa now, hope you all have a good day.

September Art n Soul Swap - Altered Beer Mat

2010-09-16T10:51:00.005+01:00

This month's swap is a bit more normal, lol, to alter a beer mat with an Autumn/Nature theme. I had to get my Dad to go and raid the pub for some beer mats, he looked a bit puzzled when I told him what they were for.

Anyway here's what I've made

I covered the mat with gold and copper Adirondack acrylic paints, covered in Tim Holtz Rock Candy crackle paint, inked with Spiced Marmalade to colour the cracks, then inked through some sequin waste with Fired Brick and Vintage Photo, sprized with gold Cosmic Shimmer and stamped the sentiment and swirls with Timber Brown Stazon.

The flower and leaves are clay casts, I saw a tutorial in Craft Stamper. You stamp the image into the clay, when it's baked you then cover with layers of napkins and watered down pva, when it dries the pattern appears through the layers, even more so when you ink it up. I used distress inks and Perfect Pearls.

I think this little work of art has had everything thrown at it, hopefully the person who receives it will like it.

The Art and Soul Cotton Reel Doll swap

2010-09-16T10:38:00.004+01:00

Last month's fabulous challenge was to make a Cotton Reel doll my swap arrived from the very talented Sherry

I've pinched Sherry's picture as it's better than mine, but you can pop over to her blog for more piccies and details of how she made her.

It really is amazing,

A couple of cards and not a Tilda in sight!

2010-09-12T17:42:00.007+01:00

I've been trying to make some cards that are a bit different from the usual cute characters as I'm going to see if I can sell some through the local farm shop/cafe, being in a rural village thought flowers and countryside might go down well.

Joanna Sheen poppy stamp masked with Prima Script stamp coloured with Prisma's

Ducks over water with distress background

This one is my sample for next week's craft club project - Paper Piecing

Little Claire image "Blissful" with Papermania Capsule collection

CCC 2 and 7 Fragments

2010-09-12T17:20:00.006+01:00

Finally got round to making these two tags for the Fragment challenges I missed.

The first one is basic fragments

This one was really quick and easy which is why it's called basic fragments, the second however Tinted Vision invloves Alcohol Inks, now I can't quite get to grips with these and the fact that I only have three colours plus a gold doesn't help.

What I love about these challenges is you never know what you're doing but it all seems to fall into place.

CCC13 - Grungepaper flowers

2010-09-08T19:07:00.007+01:00

Ooo I love flowers and especially the Tattered Florals, well that's this weeks challenge for the Compendium of Curiosities flowers made from grungepaper - so glad it's the paper and not the board it smells much nicer.

I've made another tag for my collection, we're only a third of the way though the book, so I'm going to have to pick my favourites to frame I think, otherwise I'll have no wall left.

I inked the tag with Tea Dye and Aged Mahogany, stamped Viva flourish in Aged Maghogany.

The image (a freebie from Magic Moonlight) was transferred with Claudine Hellmuth's multi medium, I saw a tip in Craft Stamper to use transparencies instead of paper and it worked brilliantly, grungeflowers covered with T.H Retro papers and inked.

I'm trying to take better photo's and love how a few people have used Tim's book as the background, it looks fab.

Thanks for looking and any comments you feel like leaving.

CCC12 - Chipped Enamel

2010-09-02T14:04:00.004+01:00

It's week 12 of the Compendium of Curriosities challenge, this weeks technique is chipped enamel which can be found on page 44 of Tim's bible.

I don't have many of the Tim Holtz embellishments, so used a metal tag I had with one of Tim's flowers and added them to a tag.

Colours used: Dusty Concord, Worn Lipstick and Bundled Sage.
Prima script background stamp

My fragments finally came, so hope to make those soon.

Stamps for sale

2010-08-29T23:34:00.001+01:00

I've put some stamps for sale on my other blog including some Penny Blacks, click on the link on the sidebar.

Two awards in one week

2010-08-28T09:21:00.003+01:00

Nearly forgot I've been given my first awards this week by the lovely Jannette of Little-Bo's Crafty Place and my lovely friend Suzanne 2

So it goes without saying thankyou to both of you and now I must pass it on.

Teresa - Craftingallday Creations
Lizzy - Lizzy's Crafty Place
Sam - Whisper's Cards
Lisa - Wishcraft
Viv - Viv's Visuals
Joanne - Made by Joanne
Linda - Studio L3

These people have the most amazing blogs and their work truly inspires me now all I have to do it let them know.

Time to face up to a challenge "Time Queen" named thanks to Jack

2010-08-28T08:55:00.007+01:00

A few weeks ago a friend Bowlingbelle, Viv, invited me to join her Flickr group Art & Soul over on Yahoo. The challenge this month has been set by Viv herself and it was to make an cotton reel doll. Well being fairly new to altered art I was going to give this one a miss, however, yesterday I decided what the hell and would give it a go.

It felt like being back at primary school playing with empty toilet rolls and gluing and sticking.

She hasn't got a name yet, so if anyone has any suggestions but here is what I came up with....no laughing!

I had to use ribbon reels instead of a cotton reel so hope it's okay.

Thanks for looking

CCC 6 - Multi Medium Collage

2010-08-28T08:44:00.005+01:00

This was one of the earlier CCC challenges I missed, Multi Meduium is a gel/paste that as it's name suggests can be used for many things, sticking, varnishing and transferring images. The technique can be found on page 66 of Tim's book Compendium of Curriosities. This has got to be one of my favourite tags so far.

The letter "S" (obviously my initial) is from a wooden alphabet I have had forever, the image is from an old book and the script from a vintage "Gone with the Wind" bougth from the car boot (a book I've never read). You can't really tell on the photo but the buttons look like fabric.

Distress Inks used: Barn Door, Crushed Olive, Old Paper and Tea Dye
Also used: Claudine Hellmuth Gloss Multi Medium and Ranger Crackle Accents.

CCC11 - Blended Batik

2010-08-24T23:01:00.007+01:00

How time flies, another week, another CCC at Studio L3, week 11 and it's Blended Batik. I've recycled a linen tag I just happened to take off a top this morning. I wasn't sure whether the technique would work on fabric or not, but as you can see came out just fine.

Apologies for not using Sir Tim's stamps but I need to build up my collection, all other products are TH though. I would love some floral/nature stamps if anyone can direct me to any please let me know.

Products used

Distress Inks: Tea Dye, Forest Moss, Peeled Paint, Aged Mahagony
Wings from Heart Wings die inked with Peeled Paint and stickles
a bottle top squished in my bug with charm attached
floral embellishments.

Altered Mirror

2010-08-24T10:42:00.019+01:00

Ages ago I bought a cheap Ikea mirror at the car boot and thought it was time I did something with it, so I've been having fun getting messy and came up with this.

I sanded it down then added a base layer of acrylic paint. Inked using Spiced Marmalade, Fired Brick and Aged Mahogany distress inks. Stamped script background using Coffee and Sepia archival ink, could really have done to have been Stazon as it doesn't show up very clearly, only where the embossing powder clung to it and shouldn't, lol. Sprayed with gold cosmic shimmer, must add a few other colours to my wishlist. The images were stamped with distress ink and embossed with distress EP in Aged Maghogany. Finally added some odds and ends and Tim Holtz embellishments. The flower is made from grungepaper covered in a Crafty Individuals paper inked and stickled.

If anyone knows how to get the pictures next to each and save space please let me know, I have tried all sorts with no joy.

Thanks for looking

Challenge Between Friends

2010-08-22T22:39:00.003+01:00

Time for another Challenge Between Friends on Docrafts. It was Suzanne 2,s turn to host the challenge and she set a Glitter challenge - I'm still sparkling! Now I know why they are at the back of a drawer and don't get used.

For a some reason it was one of those cards I knew what I wanted to do but just wouldn't come together and took ages, still not sure about it.

DP: Tim Holtz Vintage Shabby
Scalloped Oval inked with Barn Door, Worn Lipstick and Victorian Velvet Distress Inks
Dimension Fourth stamp using gluepad and glitters
other bits from stash

Scraplings and Paint Chips

2010-08-20T14:19:00.012+01:00

I can hear you all saying to yourself "What on earth are scraplings and paintchips?" Well I had no idea either until I came across the Art Exchange on the Gingersnaps Yahoo Group. Scraplings are mini cards measuring 1.5" x 4.25" and paint chips are the paint samples from the DIY store.

Thought I'd give them ago so off I went to B&Q to raid their paint aisle, now this was a challenge because I didn't realise how small they were and I never got on with ATC's for that reason, I'm in my comfort zone with tags however, I think they look quite good.

I stuck to a floral theme for all of them, something I don't do enough of, Stamps used were Paper Artsy on the orange and purple and Penny Blacks on the green and pink.

CCC 10 - Distress Stickles

2010-08-20T13:53:00.006+01:00

We're on Challenge 10 of the Compendium of Curriosities and this week Linda at Studio L3 has chosen Distress Stickles. I've made another tag for my collection.

Products used:

Tim Holtz Vintage Shabby papers which are my favourite all time papers
Tattered Floral die
Sizzix Swirl
Hero Art Cling background
Distress Inks in Barn Door and Fired Brick
Distress Stickles in Rock Candy (tag and swirl) and Fired Brick (flower)

Can't wait for next challenge, I'm really enjoying these, they just seem to come together on their own.

Blooms and Buttons

2010-08-19T08:09:00.004+01:00

A quick card today for the Just Cute Bears challenge "Blooms and Buttons"

DP: DCVW "Pocket of Posies"
Image: Milton
Medium: Copics and Prismas
other: flowers and button from stash, mini Papermania buttons

I tried the colouring technique that seems to be popular at the moment, using your Copics and Prisma's together. Wow, what a difference, it seems to bring the colouring to life. My Prisma's are far too neglected so it's time to get them back out. I must say this is the first bear I've coloured that I'm happy with, I think they are one of the hardest things to colour.

I was going to add a sentiment but decided it would "unbalance" the card.

Thanks for looking

CCC catch up tags

2010-08-17T08:47:00.012+01:00

I've been making some more tags for Challenges 1 - 7 as I only began the challenges at number 8. I thought if I made them all as tags I could keep them in a book, but think I might get some 12 x 12 3d frames to show them all off in.

Challenge 1 - Water Stamping (red and orange)
Challenge 3 - Alcohol Ink Mono (purple with birdcage)

Challenge 4 - Shabby Chic (purple in black)
Challenge 5 - Distress Embossing (blue and green)

There's a couple I can't do at the moment because I need to get some Fragments, they are next on my evergrowing Wishlist, along with all the new Tim stuff when it reaches the UK.

To find out how I used all these techniques I'm afraid you'll just have to get the fab Compendium of Curiosites as part of the challenge rules state we cannot share them out of respect to the fabulous Tim's work. The challenge itself can be found over at Studio L3 hosted by the lovely Linda.

Hope you like what I've made so far.

Totally Gorjuss - Aqua

2010-08-14T21:11:00.004+01:00

I finally got round to making a card with one of my new Bon Voyage stamps, I've had so many things I want to do in my head lately.

Anyway, the challenge over at Totally Gorjuss this week is "Aqua" so my card is perfect.

Tilda coloured with Copics
Kay&Co and My Mind's Eye papers
Prima E-line flowers
Personal Impressions sentiment

That's it short and sweet but I've five more Tilda's to go at, back soon,

CCC9 - Cracklepaint

2010-08-13T12:01:00.005+01:00

It's my second week doing the Compendium of Curiosties challenge over at Studio L3, I've decided to work backwards and forwards as I'd love to keep a sample of all the techniques so I'm off to see what weeks 1-8 were.

Hope you like the tags I made for this one

For the male themed one I used Faded Jeans, Broken China, Tumbled Glass and Tea Dye with Rock Candy crackle paint

For the girly one I covered the tag with a Pearl Adirondack paint dabber, then used Alchol Inks in Wild Plum, Stream, Butterscotch and Gold and covered in the crackle paint then did the same with the heart in Wild Plum. The crackle paint on the top layer of the heart has for some reason come off in places but adds to the distressed look.

A couple of challenges

2010-08-13T11:49:00.003+01:00

I saw this lovely idea in Craft Stamper and thought it was so unusual just colouring part of the image and had to have a go.

DP: My Mind's Eye - Jen Wilson "Le Paperie"
Image: Sarah Kay "Best Friends Forever"
Medium: Copics

I'm entering it into the Crafty Cardmakers "Birthday" challenge and Bunnyzoes "Vintage" was also going to be for Crafty Catz Buttons and Bows but I'm too late for that one.

Thanks for looking.

Vintage collage

2010-08-11T22:37:00.002+01:00

I made this in two stages the ideas both coming from Craft Stamper which I absolutely love now. The frame is a photo mount which I have covered in Viva Decor texture paste then stamped an image into. Next it's been covered with various colours of Adirondack acrylic paint dabbers and some Perfect Pearls to give it some glimmer. Added the Tim Holtz grunge flower and heart. It then sat on my desk for a week or so as I didn't know what to do with it until I saw a Vintage Collage in this months issue.

I've used various stamps, techniques and Distress inks making up little squares adding some of the fab TH embellishments to finnish it off. It's going up on the wall by my desk, hope you like it as much as I do.

Challenge Between Friends

2010-08-11T22:31:00.003+01:00

Time for a Docraft challenge between friends, the theme this wee set by Papercraftpat is "Butterflys". I knew straight away what I was going to do as I've had this Marieanne die for sometime and not used it on a card.

The papers were a freebie My Mind's Eye set with a magazine last month.

The Sugar Bowl challenge - All about you!

2010-08-05T11:51:00.005+01:00

WOW what a fab challenge this week over at The Sugar Bowl "Do It Yourself" you get to chose your own prize, 6 Sugar Nellie Stamps and a set of ordinary or Aqua promarkers how fab is that. Also you can chose your own sketch from the Gallery with any theme.

I've done something different and decorated a notebook as we will be making these at my craft club next week so it's my sample. I followed the sketch from Challenge 16.

Papers are a mixture, K&Co, My Mind's Eye and Coredinations Whitewash
Sugar Nellie image "Penpal" coloured with Copics
Ribbons, flowers and pearls from stash
Magnolia Sentiment

Thanks for looking