Saturday, 31 March 2018
Blossom Sympathy Card (Creative Stamping - issue 51)
Inspired by a card I saw recently, I created this card using a free stamp from the magazine called "Creative Stamping" (issue 51). I've used my water colour pencils to colour the blossom and background.
Friday, 30 March 2018
Easter Medley Tag
This afternoon, I fiddled with ink and stamps, making this Easter tag.
The tag started off with a Distress Ink background. Most of the stamps used are by Stamper's Anonymous, stamped using a Versafine ink, I've then coloured areas of the stamped images using Oxide inks.
The tag started off with a Distress Ink background. Most of the stamps used are by Stamper's Anonymous, stamped using a Versafine ink, I've then coloured areas of the stamped images using Oxide inks.
Thursday, 29 March 2018
Another Eclipse Card
This afternoon I have made another eclipse card with the name "Megan" across the middle.
I have used the Art Impressions "Giant Cake - U4386" stamp from their "Girlfriends" collection, coloured with Promarkers. The sentiment is from a Papermania stamp set called "Tea Cups".
I have used the Art Impressions "Giant Cake - U4386" stamp from their "Girlfriends" collection, coloured with Promarkers. The sentiment is from a Papermania stamp set called "Tea Cups".
Monday, 26 March 2018
Rocky Road with Maltesers
The daughter of our friend is eleven and she likes to bake, but her Mum doesn't, so as they were coming to visit, I thought we could make something quick while she was with us.
Fortunately, I had all the ingredients in the pantry so we were able to get cracking. I did work from a recipe I found on line, but tweeked it a little here and there.
Ingredients
300g Dairy Milk Chocolate (for main recipe)
100g Dairy Milk Chocolate (for the topping)
100g Plain/dark Chocolate (for the topping)
200g Digestive Biscuits (crushed and chunky)
125g Butter
3 tablespoons Golden Syrup
100g Mini Marshmallows
Box of Maltesers
Grease & line a 7-9" square tin (I use a foil tray as it saves on washing up and it is easy to tear the bake away from the foil).
Place the 300g chocolate, syrup and butter into a saucepan and melt gently, stirring to make sure it doesn't catch on the bottom of the pan.
Add the crushed biscuits, marshmallows and a handful of the maltesers and mix together. Then press into the prepared tin or tray.
In a bowl, break up the remaining milk chocolate and plain/ dark chocolate and melt gently (I use the microwave but keep an eye on it).
Pour the melted chocolate over the top of the mix in the tin, pushing the chocolate to the edges and corners. I then threw the remaining maltesers onto the chocolate top. (My little helper also added mini eggs to the top so it's ideal as an Easter treat too).
Leave to set before cutting up into about 16 portions. (You can accelerate the setting time by popping it into the fridge for half an hour).
I'm not even going to think about the calorie count of this, but you will definitely need a cup of tea or coffee with this!
Enjoy.
Sam xxx
Fortunately, I had all the ingredients in the pantry so we were able to get cracking. I did work from a recipe I found on line, but tweeked it a little here and there.
Ingredients
300g Dairy Milk Chocolate (for main recipe)
100g Dairy Milk Chocolate (for the topping)
100g Plain/dark Chocolate (for the topping)
200g Digestive Biscuits (crushed and chunky)
125g Butter
3 tablespoons Golden Syrup
100g Mini Marshmallows
Box of Maltesers
Grease & line a 7-9" square tin (I use a foil tray as it saves on washing up and it is easy to tear the bake away from the foil).
Place the 300g chocolate, syrup and butter into a saucepan and melt gently, stirring to make sure it doesn't catch on the bottom of the pan.
Add the crushed biscuits, marshmallows and a handful of the maltesers and mix together. Then press into the prepared tin or tray.
In a bowl, break up the remaining milk chocolate and plain/ dark chocolate and melt gently (I use the microwave but keep an eye on it).
Pour the melted chocolate over the top of the mix in the tin, pushing the chocolate to the edges and corners. I then threw the remaining maltesers onto the chocolate top. (My little helper also added mini eggs to the top so it's ideal as an Easter treat too).
Leave to set before cutting up into about 16 portions. (You can accelerate the setting time by popping it into the fridge for half an hour).
I'm not even going to think about the calorie count of this, but you will definitely need a cup of tea or coffee with this!
Enjoy.
Sam xxx
Guitar Happy Birthday Card
I played around with some stamps that I've not used before and made this little birthday card.
The central starburst is from the Stampin' Up set called "Amazing You". The guitar is also from a Stampin' Up set, which is called "Epic Celebrations" which I coloured using Promarkers. The sentiment is from a Papertrey Ink set called "Stylish Sentiments". I finished it with a few silver sequin stars.
The central starburst is from the Stampin' Up set called "Amazing You". The guitar is also from a Stampin' Up set, which is called "Epic Celebrations" which I coloured using Promarkers. The sentiment is from a Papertrey Ink set called "Stylish Sentiments". I finished it with a few silver sequin stars.
Sunday, 25 March 2018
Week 13 - 52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2018
As it's the weekend where we move the clock forwards by one hour, it seems apt to have a prompt for Week 13 is "Springtime".
I used yellows, greens and greys to create the Distress Oxide ink background, using small splatters of Distress Inks in both blue and oranges. I've used all sorts of stamps and die cuts for this tag, gradually layering them up till I was happy with the look of the tag.
~~~
If you would like more info on the tag challenge, then click on the tab to the side of the "home" button at the top of the page. Full details and the previous weekly prompts are detailed there.
If you fancy joining in the challenge, then why not join our Facebook Page where you can share your tags and chat with other members.
I used yellows, greens and greys to create the Distress Oxide ink background, using small splatters of Distress Inks in both blue and oranges. I've used all sorts of stamps and die cuts for this tag, gradually layering them up till I was happy with the look of the tag.
~~~
If you would like more info on the tag challenge, then click on the tab to the side of the "home" button at the top of the page. Full details and the previous weekly prompts are detailed there.
If you fancy joining in the challenge, then why not join our Facebook Page where you can share your tags and chat with other members.
Saturday, 24 March 2018
Triple Layer Stamping Card
When you can't sleep what else do you do, but get up and get crafting. I've got up twice so far tonight and it's only 4:40am now!
I saw a card with what appeared to be layers of stamping. I'm still not sure what the technique is called, but I will call it "Triple Layer Stamping". I found a tutorial on how to do it, so thought I would give it a try.
The sentiment is from a Stampin' Up set called "Petite Pairs". The leaves are also from a Stampin' Up set called Vintage Leaves. In both instances, I have used a Versafine Ink in "Vintage Sepia" shade. I have coloured the leaves with a Promarker in a "Pear Green" colour. Looking at the completed card, I think the leaves are too large for the size of the card. So I had another go at the technique on a square card.
I am happier with this attempt. I used two Stampin' Up sets for this card. The "Hello" sentiment is from the "Sale-A-Bration Hello" set. The flower is from the "Secret Garden" set. I have used a Versafine ink in "Onyx Black" for this second card.
I saw a card with what appeared to be layers of stamping. I'm still not sure what the technique is called, but I will call it "Triple Layer Stamping". I found a tutorial on how to do it, so thought I would give it a try.
The sentiment is from a Stampin' Up set called "Petite Pairs". The leaves are also from a Stampin' Up set called Vintage Leaves. In both instances, I have used a Versafine Ink in "Vintage Sepia" shade. I have coloured the leaves with a Promarker in a "Pear Green" colour. Looking at the completed card, I think the leaves are too large for the size of the card. So I had another go at the technique on a square card.
I am happier with this attempt. I used two Stampin' Up sets for this card. The "Hello" sentiment is from the "Sale-A-Bration Hello" set. The flower is from the "Secret Garden" set. I have used a Versafine ink in "Onyx Black" for this second card.
Wednesday, 21 March 2018
Celebrate "Girlfriends" Card
I made this card with a friends birthday in mind, but I may keep it for another occasion.
I have used the Art Impressions "Girlfriends UMU3573" stamp, coloured with Promarkers. The sentiment is from the Stampin' Up set called "Endless Birthday Wishes".
I have used the Art Impressions "Girlfriends UMU3573" stamp, coloured with Promarkers. The sentiment is from the Stampin' Up set called "Endless Birthday Wishes".
Monday, 19 March 2018
Easter Nest Card
I made a quick little Easter card last night using a stamp from the Stampin' Up "Nature's Nest" set, coloured with Promarkers.
Sunday, 18 March 2018
Week 12 - 52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2018
The prompt for Week 12 is "Thinking Of You".
For the past week or so, I have been thinking of my Dad. It will be fourteen years since he died this week, so the prompt seems apt to reflect a little. The daffodil has significance as i put one in the coffin with him when I said my last goodbye to him.
For my tag, I started with a background of Tim Holtz Distress Oxide inks. I then used a Phil Martin stamp called "Botanica SYR010" to create the chicken wire/scroll background.
I then stamped the daffodil and leaves on white cardstock, the stamp I used is part of an Apple Blossom "March Daffodil Stamp Set" which is part of their "12 Months Of Flowers" collection. I coloured the various sections of the daffodil with Promarkers and then cut the leaves and flower sections out and glued into position on the tag using both normal glue and foam pads to add dimension.
I then heat embossed and die cut the sentiment using Spellbinders "Victorian Tags". I also die cut the numbers and letters for "14 years" using Xcut dies.
~~~
If you would like more information on the challenge, click on the button to the right hand side of the "home" button, where you will find all the information you need, including the prompts from previous weeks.
There is also a Facebook Group where you can share your challenge tags and talk to other members of the group.
For the past week or so, I have been thinking of my Dad. It will be fourteen years since he died this week, so the prompt seems apt to reflect a little. The daffodil has significance as i put one in the coffin with him when I said my last goodbye to him.
For my tag, I started with a background of Tim Holtz Distress Oxide inks. I then used a Phil Martin stamp called "Botanica SYR010" to create the chicken wire/scroll background.
I then stamped the daffodil and leaves on white cardstock, the stamp I used is part of an Apple Blossom "March Daffodil Stamp Set" which is part of their "12 Months Of Flowers" collection. I coloured the various sections of the daffodil with Promarkers and then cut the leaves and flower sections out and glued into position on the tag using both normal glue and foam pads to add dimension.
I then heat embossed and die cut the sentiment using Spellbinders "Victorian Tags". I also die cut the numbers and letters for "14 years" using Xcut dies.
~~~
If you would like more information on the challenge, click on the button to the right hand side of the "home" button, where you will find all the information you need, including the prompts from previous weeks.
There is also a Facebook Group where you can share your challenge tags and talk to other members of the group.
Saturday, 17 March 2018
Get Well Card
A friend has been in pain for some time and is having an operation next week to correct the problem, so I made her a quick "Get Well" card.
I have used the Stampin' Up "Sunburst Thinlit" to create the sun rays and "Swirly Scribbles" for the green wreath. The patterned paper came free with a magazine. I used a punch to cut the orange flowers. The sentiment is stamped using a Stampin' Up stamp from their "Hopeful Thoughts" set.
I have used the Stampin' Up "Sunburst Thinlit" to create the sun rays and "Swirly Scribbles" for the green wreath. The patterned paper came free with a magazine. I used a punch to cut the orange flowers. The sentiment is stamped using a Stampin' Up stamp from their "Hopeful Thoughts" set.
Sunday, 11 March 2018
Week 11 - 52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2018
The prompt for week 11 is "Nautical".
I've made two tags for this week, which are quite different but still appropriate for the prompt.
The first tag has a blended background of Tim Holtz Distress Oxide Inks. The two sentiments are both from the same set by Hobby Art Ltd, called "By The Sea" CS038D. The central seascape is a Rubbadubbadoo stamp from their set called "Mostly For Men" SNSDM-MM.
The second tag has a striped patterned paper background with a net look stamped across the surface using a Creative Expressions stamp called "Chicken Wire". I used a die cut to replicate the weeds growing up the tag. The stamped anchor is from a Stampin' Up set called "The Open Sea", I then inked the edges of the tag.
~~~
If you would like more information about this challenge, then click on the tab above, just to the right of the "Home" button.
There is also a Facebook Group where you can share your challenge tags and talk to others in the group.
I've made two tags for this week, which are quite different but still appropriate for the prompt.
The first tag has a blended background of Tim Holtz Distress Oxide Inks. The two sentiments are both from the same set by Hobby Art Ltd, called "By The Sea" CS038D. The central seascape is a Rubbadubbadoo stamp from their set called "Mostly For Men" SNSDM-MM.
The second tag has a striped patterned paper background with a net look stamped across the surface using a Creative Expressions stamp called "Chicken Wire". I used a die cut to replicate the weeds growing up the tag. The stamped anchor is from a Stampin' Up set called "The Open Sea", I then inked the edges of the tag.
~~~
If you would like more information about this challenge, then click on the tab above, just to the right of the "Home" button.
There is also a Facebook Group where you can share your challenge tags and talk to others in the group.
Friday, 9 March 2018
A Sympathy Card (Stampin' Up Hopeful Thoughts)
For this sympathy card, I used the Stampin' Up "Hopeful Thoughts" set for the flower and the sentiment. The patterned paper is from a 6x6" stack I got from The Range some time ago called "Floral Fusion".
Sunday, 4 March 2018
Week 10 - 52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2018
The combined wrath of "Storm Emma" and "The Beast From The East" has left the UK covered in a blanket of snow and shivering in the below zero temperatures this week. Inspired by this, the prompt for Week 10 is "Winter Weather".
Being housebound due to the weather I had time to play with a couple of ideas for tags.
The first tag, I have created a background using Tim Holtz Distress Inks. I stamped the geese (using a Little Claire stamp from their "Christmas Geese" set) onto white card, colouring the scarves using Promarkers. I then cut the image out and applied it to the tag. The sentiment I've used is part of a set which came free with a magazine. I added white snowflakes using a Signo white pen and stickles glitter glue.
For the second tag, I used stamps which came free with a magazine for the mittens around the mug, snowflakes and sentiment, coloured using Promarkers. I dragged a light blue ink over the surface to provide a more icy look to the tag and added some self adhesive gems.
The third tag, the one with the penguin, kind of sums up how I've been feeling since the cold spell hit! I used a Versamark ink an clear embossing powder on the stamped snowflake image, then dried it with the heat gun. I then used Distress Oxide inks to create the blue/grey background. I used a die that came free with a magazine to create the penguin.
Being housebound due to the weather I had time to play with a couple of ideas for tags.
The first tag, I have created a background using Tim Holtz Distress Inks. I stamped the geese (using a Little Claire stamp from their "Christmas Geese" set) onto white card, colouring the scarves using Promarkers. I then cut the image out and applied it to the tag. The sentiment I've used is part of a set which came free with a magazine. I added white snowflakes using a Signo white pen and stickles glitter glue.
For the second tag, I used stamps which came free with a magazine for the mittens around the mug, snowflakes and sentiment, coloured using Promarkers. I dragged a light blue ink over the surface to provide a more icy look to the tag and added some self adhesive gems.
The third tag, the one with the penguin, kind of sums up how I've been feeling since the cold spell hit! I used a Versamark ink an clear embossing powder on the stamped snowflake image, then dried it with the heat gun. I then used Distress Oxide inks to create the blue/grey background. I used a die that came free with a magazine to create the penguin.
Friday, 2 March 2018
Enjoy The Journey Globe Tag
I'm in hibernation mode with this strange "Storm Emma" weather we have been having. Fortunately, Anglesey hasn't been hit hard by the snow, but it is icy and the wind is awful. So I am not venturing anywhere!
I made this tag. It has a Distress Oxide background. For the globe, I stamped an image using the Sizzix/Tim Holtz "The Journey" (561221) set. I coloured the water of the globe with an oxide and die cut the land. The sentiment at the base of the tag is also from the same set.
I used assorted stamps and die cuts to fill the background. Including Stampin' Up "Gorgeous Grunge", "By The Tide" and "The Open Sea".
I made this tag. It has a Distress Oxide background. For the globe, I stamped an image using the Sizzix/Tim Holtz "The Journey" (561221) set. I coloured the water of the globe with an oxide and die cut the land. The sentiment at the base of the tag is also from the same set.
I used assorted stamps and die cuts to fill the background. Including Stampin' Up "Gorgeous Grunge", "By The Tide" and "The Open Sea".
Thursday, 1 March 2018
Male Birthday Eclipse Card
I'm getting a feel for these eclipse cards now, so I made one for Liam who will be celebrating his birthday next week.
I've realised they are not easy to take photographs of, they have to be at an angle to see the word across the middle of the card.
I used patterned paper with a red background for this eclipse card, mounted on black card, it gives a nod to the colours of his favourite footie team Manchester United.
The banner at the top was stamped using a Papertrey Ink stamp from their "Movers & Shakers" set. I then die cut it into a banner using the Stampin' Up "Banner Framelits". The "Congrats" is a die cut using a die from the Stampin' Up die set called "Sunshine Wishes".
I've realised they are not easy to take photographs of, they have to be at an angle to see the word across the middle of the card.
I used patterned paper with a red background for this eclipse card, mounted on black card, it gives a nod to the colours of his favourite footie team Manchester United.
The banner at the top was stamped using a Papertrey Ink stamp from their "Movers & Shakers" set. I then die cut it into a banner using the Stampin' Up "Banner Framelits". The "Congrats" is a die cut using a die from the Stampin' Up die set called "Sunshine Wishes".