Congratulations Card

Today I have made a card with a totally different sort of mood to the ones I have been making lately.  I used a blended Distress Ink background and lots of different stamps including some I've had for years and not used and some I have used often.

Seconds, Minutes, Hours Cards.

I made the background using Distress Inks through a stencil.  I've played with a new stamp to me, it's made by Papermania Urban Stamp, called "Chronology (looking glasses)".  The sentiment is from a Penny Black set called "sentiments".  Both are stamped in Black Onyx Versafine Ink.

Thank You Card (Lovely as a tree / Stampin' Up)

I saw a photograph on a local photography group on Facebook that inspired me to create this card.

I used a base of brayered Distress Oxides and then topped it with Distress Inks.

I used the Stampin' Up "Lovely as a tree" set for the main tree image and Lavinia Stamps "Tree Scene" for the smaller trees in the distance.  The sentiment came free with a magazine a while back (all stamped in Versafine).

Get Well Card

For this card, I brayered Distress Oxides onto the card at a diagonal angle.  I then used a wood mounted stamp that I've had years and maybe used a couple of times previously to stamp the foliage and butterfly background (Stamps Happen Inc "Butterfly Square #90336) in sepia coloured Versafine ink.

Using a Crafty Individuals stamp (CI - 495) I stamped the foliage and bird image in a black onyx Versafine ink.  Finally, I used a Stampin' Up stamp from their "Petite Pairs" set for the sentiment, again stamped in Versafine Ink.

Halloween Tag

Continuing my play with the stamps that came with issue 60 of Creative Stamping magazine, I have made this halloween tag on a Distress Ink background.

Every Leaf Sentiment Tag (Creative Stamping Magazine)

Yesterday, I received my subscription copy of issue 60 of Creative Stamping Magazine. There is a fab sheet of very usable stamps with this issue, so as it is raining outside, I had a play.

I used Distress Oxides for the background and the leaves and sentiments that came with the magazine for this tag.

Week 31 - 52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2018

The prompt for Week 31 is "Sunshine Colours" (typical that the week that I choose this for the prompt the weather breaks).

For this tag, I have used Distress Inks through a Stamper's Anonymous stencil (THMM101).  The sentiment and bee's were free with issue 185 of "Cardmaking & Papercraft" magazine.

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If you would like to know more about this challenge, click on the button at the top of the screen next to the "home" button. 

There is a Facebook Group for this challenge.  Please feel free to join in, you will be able to meet others taking part in the challenge and upload your creations too.

Sam x

Sewing a skirt in an hour - using Simplicity 4552 pattern

Well my urge to sew continues, so mid afternoon, I decided to make a quick light weight summer skirt.  I used Simplicity Pattern 4552, which is an easy pattern and has plus sizes too.

I had the fabric in my existing stash.  I'd purchased it from "Fabricland" when I was in Bristol a couple of years ago, so in some respects the skirt hasn't cost me anything and was completed within an hour... i did say it was a simple pattern!

I think the fabric really lends itself to this skirt.  There is a slit from the left knee to the hem too, which can't be seen in this photo.

You're In My Thoughts (Thoughtful Branches) Card

I popped a circular mask onto a piece of card and then blended Distress Inks to create the background, then removed the mask.

I used a Hobby Art Ltd stamp for the seed heads, which are part of their "Jainie's Collection Oliver Owl".  The sentiment is from a Stampin' Up set called "Thoughtful Branches".  Both are stamped in Versafine Ink.

Tea Cup Bird (Crafty Individuals) Tag

I ordered a couple of stamp sets from Crafty Individuals which arrived today.  They generously enclosed some free stamps with my order.  The bird with the tea cups is one of the free stamps.

I've used a background of Distress Oxides brayered on to the tag, then spritzed the surface of the tag with water and let it dry.

Using a harlequin and trellis stamps, I stamped the background using a Sepia Versafine Ink.  I then used a Lavinia stamp for the ivy.  I stamped the bird and tea cups on an off cut of card, painted it with Distress Inks and then cut round and adhered it to the tag.

Baby Girl Gift Tag

I've used various shades of Distress Oxides to create the coloured background for this tag.

I stamped the central image using a Stampendous wood mounted block (V061 Baby Romper Block 2004).  I used a Lavinia Stamps star clear pound stamp to stamp the multiple stars in the background.

I then added the daisy border using a Stamper's Anonymous "Ornate Trims" stamp. The other text is using Darkroom Door Stamps from their "Hello Baby, Vol 1".  I finally added some sticky back pearl gems for the romper buttons.

Wooden Block Stamp Dilemma

Reading a blog this morning, I was reminded how stamping products have changed in the years I have been crafting. 

I have always crafted in one way or another since I was a child. I got into paper crafting close to twenty years ago.  Back then opportunities to purchase in my area were limited to one local shop.  I remember the euphoric feeling I had when I went in there and oohed over the lovely goodies that were all new to me.

Back then, the stamps were wood mounted, they cost a lot and (still) take up a lot of storage space (as you can see from the photos above, I have drawers of them, which I can not bear to part with). The inks were limited too and I had no idea how the different inks worked.

Today, I prefer to use the clear stamps, they take up less space, I can use them in my Misti (stamping platform) and get excellent results every time.  With the wood mounted blocks, precision stamping used to be a little hit and miss as it was hard to re-position the stamps in the exact place.

Another change in the crafting world since I have been crafting are Youtube tutorials.  Where I live, there isn't an opportunity to learn from more experienced crafters due to living in remote North Wales, so I would buy a book and try to replicate the techniques.  But of course you have to store the book and the techniques soon date. So the use of Youtube, Facebook and Crafting Forums allow me now to keep up with new trends and techniques.

On-line shopping is another huge change.  Now I am able to access a vast range of products instead of those chosen to be stocked by one shop.  Hubby may not think this is so great as it is so easy to spend!

So today my question is: Should I remove the stamps from the blocks to free up storage, I could then use the stamps in my Misti or retain them as they are?  

Have a happy Thursday

Sam x

From Me To you Floral Card

Here's a card I made this afternoon using a Stampendous Stamp called "Ranunculus Field" stamped in Versafine Ink and coloured with Promarkers.  The background is painted Distress Inks.

I've used a Papertrey Ink sentiment from their "Everyday Button Bits" set also stamped in Versafine.

Visible Image Butterfly Card

This card started off with several layers of different colours of Distress Oxides.  I then used Distress Inks through a Clarity Stamps Stencil.

I used a Visible Image butterfly stamp for the central image.  The sentiment was free with a Crafts Beautiful magazine (Dec 2017). Finally I added a few extra shimmery dots, which can not be seen in the photograph, using a Sakura Jelly Roll pen.

Music Time Tunnel Congratulations Card

Here's a card I've used using Distress Oxides and Inks through a Visible Image "Time Tunnel" stencil.  The stamp was free in issue 52 of Creative Stamping magazine.  The image was stamped in Versafine Ink.

I thought this card would be handy to give to congratulate a pupil on a music exam or for any musically minded people.

Ice Lolly Birthday Card

I made this card using the free stamps that came with Issue 59 of Creative Stamping Magazine. I’ve stamped in Versafine Ink and coloured with Promarkers.

Congratulations Card

Rummaging through my stamp drawer, I came across a stamp I have no recollection of purchasing.  I can only presume it came with a second hand bundle that I got on-line.

The stamp is by Dovecraft and is wood mounted, so I thought I'd see what the stamping quality was like.  It wasn't too bad so I decided to use the image to make a congratulations card.  The sentiment is from a Stampin' Up set called "Floral Phrases".

Hobby Art Seed Pod Tag

I've used some of the new Distress Oxides for the background of this tag.  The seed heads are from a Hobby Art Ltd stamp set called "Janie's Collection Oliver Owl".  The sentiment is from a Stampin' Up set called "Moon Lake", both stamped in Versafine "Vintage Sepia".

Week 30 - 52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2018

The prompt for Week 30 is "Seaside / Sealife"
The prompt seems particularly apt as the children in our area have just finished school for the six week summer break.  I made two tags for the challenge this week, both are quite different to each other.

The first tag fits "Sealife" better than "Seaside".  I used water colour paper and stamped the lobster, shell and seaweed using a Stampin' Up set called "By The Tide".  I then used Brusho to paint the background.  I added additional detail using a couple of Lavinia Stamps.

The second tag is coloured with Promparkers.  The stamps I have used on this tag were free from Issue 59 of the "Creative Stamping" magazine.

New Distress Oxide Play

Today I had chance toplay with the fourth release of Distress Oxide Inks. They are lovely additional colours to the existing three sets. 

Distress Oxide Inks #4 release

An exciting day for me today as I received my package of new Distress Oxide inks from Art From The Heart.  This is the fourth release of the inks.  Now I need to play!

Sewing - A Shell Top

My urge to sew has continued today making a Shell Top, which featured in The Great British Sewing Bee book called Fashion With Fabric.  This is a really handy book as it has the full size patterns and very detailed instructions.

Sewing - making summer trousers

I’m in the mood for sewing. I knew the mood was coming upon me when I found myself in the fabric shop last week. Today I will make some light weight summer trousers.

So here are the finished trousers.  I needed to adjust the pattern to accommodate the extra pounds on my tummy area.  If I had allowed an extra half inch they would be spot on.  I know for next time.  At least they're wearable.

Thinking Of You Floral Card

I've not made a card in this style for a long time.  I totally enjoyed all the processes.

I already had an idea of what I would do and the colours that I would use, so I started with a piece of patterned paper for the base.

I then die cut a banner using Stampin' Up "Banners Framelit" and then put it through the Big Shot in a Sizzix embossing folder with a trellis design.  I then stuck it to the patterned paper.

I then used Stamper's Anonymous "Mini Bouquet" to stamp the flowers.  I coloured them with Promarkers and then cut them out.

I then die cut some scrolls and foliage and assembled all the pieces onto the banner.  Finally, I stamped the sentiment (using a free stamp from a magazine).

Lavinia Stamps "Fairy Bridge" Artist Trading Coin

I made my second Artist Trading Coin today to go into the little album I made a couple of weeks ago.

I used a Lavinia Stamp called "Fairy Bridge", coloured with Promarkers and water colour pencils.

Lavinia Stamps "Moon Pod" Card

This is a really pretty card, but unfortunately photographs don't seem to pick up the full shimmery look of the card.  I may try to video it later when the sun comes out.

I made the background for this card using blended pink/purple Distress Inks.  I then splattered water across the surface to give a more mottled look.

I used Lavinia Stamps "Moon Pods" stamped in Versafine.  Using the same ink I stamped the sentiment which is by Sweet Poppy.

I used a white Signo pen for the dots on the "Moon Pods" and a gold Sakura Jellyroll pen for a shimmer to areas of the pods.

I used a Lavinia Stamps "Pound Stamp" for the stars.  To give a more shimmery look I stamped the stars in a Brilliance Ink called "Platinum Planet".  I then added a mauve coloured Stickles to the middle of the stars for extra shimmer, which can be seen in certain lights.

Week 29 - 52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2018

The prompt for Week 29 is "Floral"

With this hot weather and regular watering of plants, the garden is full of vibrant colours.  One of my favourite less obvious plants in the garden is the Honeysuckle, which is why I opted to use it for my tag.

I used a Honeysuckle stamp made by Lavinia Stamps to cover the surface of the tag and then coloured it with Promarkers, adding a touch of gold shimmer with a gellyroll pen.

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If you would like to know more or take part in this informal challenge, you can click on the tab above (to the right hand side of the "home" button), where you will find a list of the previous challenge prompts.

You are welcome to join the Facebook Group for the challenge and share your projects with other challenge participants.

Week 28 - 52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2018

Week 28 Prompt is "Inspired by..."

I am inspired by many things.  It may be something growing in the garden, a piece of architecture or it could be a beautiful item of clothing.  For as long as I can remember, I have loved the style of the artist Gustav Klimt.  For this reason I have loosely based my tag on his style.

I used Distress Oxides for the base of the tag, then used Distress Inks through a Clarity Stamps Stencil.  I then stamped the scrolls on the edges and finally stamped the cat.  I used a metallic gold coloured pen for the scrolls on the cat and filled the background with little dots of colour.

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If you would like to know more about this challenge or would like to see a list of the previous prompts, please click on the tab at the top of the screen (next to the home button).

The challenge does have a Facebook Group, where member cans share their makes and talk to others taking part.  Please feel free to join in.  This challenge is very relaxed you do as much or as little as you please.

Sam x

Sunshine Wishes Anniversary Card

Today I found out that our friends celebrate their anniversary tomorrow, so I made a quick card this evening.

I used Distress Oxides for the main background and inked the edges with Distress Inks.  I then stamped the two text areas using a stamp from the Stampin' Up "By The Tide" set.

I then used my Big Shot to die cut the heart and the love word.  For these I used Stampin' Up "Expressions Thinlits" and "Sunshine Wishes" sets.  I then punched some hearts from the same colour card and added some sticky backed bling crystals.

Lavinia Stamps - Fairy Hive of Activity

This is my first entry into the July Lavinia Stamps monthly challenge.  The theme this month is "Childhood Dreams".

I have used the following Lavinia Stamps:  Indian Flourish, Fairy Hive, Fairy Foragers, Fern Heads and Small Pixies  on a Distress Oxide background.  I have used Versafine Black Onyx and Versafine Clair inks for all stamping.  I've added a few touches of metallic gold with a pen for high lighting areas.

Week 27 - 52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2018

The prompt for Week 27 is "Bright & Beautiful"

For my tag, I used a Funstamps "Stained Glass Sunflower" stamp for the central image.  For the foliage, I used Lavinia Stamps "Zen Leaf 2" all coloured with Promarkers.