IndigoBlu Dinkie Poppy - Just Wanted To Say...Card

Today I have played with an IndigoBlu Dinkie poppy stamp.

I stamped two images of the poppy and then coated them in Versamark and then clear embossing powder, then heated to give a lovely raised look.  I then painted both with layers of Brusho.

For the base layer, I stamped another flower and made a mask, then splattered green and mauve dots of Distress Ink using a paint brush.  I then left to dry.

I returned to the other poppy and cut out some of the petals.  In the middle I used a metallic pen to add a little gold/green shimmer.  I curled some of the petals and used foam pads to keep some of them lifted. The remainder I stuck flat on top of the main poppy image.

I stamped the sentiment using Hobby Art Stamps "General Greetings CS016D) in Versafine "Black Onyx".  Finally, I added some dew drops to the poppy using droplets of Glossy Accents.

I decided that the Poppy looked odd just kind of floating in the middle of the card, so I added a couple of leaves

Week 44 - 52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2018

It's the weekend that the clocks go back and we gain an extra hour in bed.  

It seems only right that the prompt for Week 44 is "Time".

For my tag, I used three colours of Distress Oxides to create the background (Antique Linen, Bundled Sage and Victorian Velvet), which I spritzed to get a lovely mottled look.

Once dry, I ran an antistatic bag across the surface of the tag then used a Versamark ink pad to stamp the verse (Visible Image "What Really Matters") and the image of the clock (Woodware "Tic Toc").  I then coated it is Wow Embossing Powder in a shade of "Earthtone Blueberry".  The words "Tic and Toc" were heat embossed using a Wow Embossing Powder in a "Metallic Silver" shade.

Finally, using a Stamper's Anonymous "Ornate Trims" set, I added the border using a Versafine Clair ink in a shade of "Blue Belle".

~~~

If you would like to know more about the 52 week challenge, click on this link for all the information you need.

There is also a Facebook Group for this challenge.  Feel free to pop over and join in the chat with the others taking part and share your images to the weekly prompt albums too.  It's a very relaxed challenge and we'd love to see you.  Sam x

Stay Strong Card (Visible Image)

My friend is going through an absolutely awful time at the moment. An image for a card, just doesn't seem appropriate.  So while rummaging through my stamps, I came across this sentiment by Visible Image called "Stay Strong", which kind of says it all.

I made the coloured background by using six Distress Oxide colours spritzed, blotted and then dried.  I ran an antistatic bag across the surface and then stamped the sentiment in Versamark clear ink, then coated in Wow Embossing Powder in a "Metallic Silver" then heat embossed the sentiment.  Once dry, I gave a blast of hairspray across the surface, to set the chalky background.  

I finally added a few little stars using a small Lavinia Stamp, stamped in Memento Ink.

Another Jo Rice Workshop

Today I attended a workshop by the lovely Jo Rice.  It is the third workshop that I have attended run by Jo and each one has been different.  Today we used a "Hobby Art" stamp set for the three projects.

Remembrance Card (Lavinia Stamps)

Yesterday I visited a local church (St.Eleth's Church in Amlwch, Anglesey), which had a fabulous Remembrance display including a whole drift of crochet poppies running from the tower to the ground.  Inspired by this display, I made this clean and simple card.

I masked off a circle on the middle of a card blank and used Distress Inks to create the background scene.  I used the Lavinia Stamps "Group Poppies" stamped in Memento Ink shades of "Cottage Ivy" and "Love Letters".

The sentiment is a stamp by Stampin' Up and is part of the "Sheltering Tree" set, also stamped in Memento Ink "Cottage Ivy".

Here are some photos of my inspiration from yesterday.

Restful Christmas Card (Penny Black)

A few months ago, I watched a tutorial on how to use a Penny Black Slapstick stamp called "Restful".  I tried to source this stamp in the UK, but it seemed to be sold out, so I ordered it from America.  It arrived and has sat on my desk for a couple of weeks.  Today I decided to try the technique out.

Although I have a lot of crafting stash, I didn't have many of the exact products used in the tutorial, so I improvised with what I had.

This photo is my second attempt at the card.  The first one went wrong because I did not follow my instincts and the result ended in the bin - so lesson learnt!

For my version, I have used the following items:  Versafine "Vintage Sepia", various shades of Memento and Cats Eyes inks.  Versamark clear ink pad, clear embossing powder, Distress Inks, Signo Pen, Gesso for the snow flakes.

The Merry Dancers (Lavinia Stamps)

Lavinia Stamps have created a stamp called "Fairy Chain".  Each time I look at it, for some reason I think of the "Northern Lights, so for this card, I paired the two.

For this card I started with a sheet of Shenandoah paper with the tones that I wanted for the sky.  I used all Lavinia Stamps for this card:  Sacred Spells (stamped in Versafine Smokey Grey Shade, Fairy Chain, Spotty Toadstool and Small Fairy Fir Tree, stamped in two shades of Versafine Clair - Fantasia and Monarch.  

For the snowscene at the base of the card, I used various shades of Distress Oxides.  I also used a white Signo Pen and a Sakura Gelly Roll pen to add some shimmer and some Liquid Pearls for the dots on the toadstool.

Make a Wish Card (Lavinia Stamps)

I had a quick play with my Distress Oxides this afternoon, deciding to make the background into this card.

I've stamped the images in two shades of Versafine Ink.  I've used the following stamps, all of which are by Lavinia Stamps:  Make a Dandelion, Fairy Dandelions, Make a Wish, Sacred Spells and Pound Stamps.

This photo doesn't show it, but there is a glitter/shimmer across the card too, as if the fairy has been sprinkling her magic dust.  I have also used a Sakura pen which also unfortunately doesn't display on the photo.

Week 43 - 52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2018

The prompt for Week 43 is "Sunsets".

For my tag, I started off by stamping the bird which was part of a set by AALL & Create #49.  I added a little bit of green to the bird with Promarkers.  Using Distress Inks I then inked the rocks that the bird is standing on.

I then masked the bird and shaded the background in yellows, orange and pink shades of Distress Inks.  Using a Penny Black cling stamp called "Skyward", I stamped the trees in the background using Versafine ink.  I also inked some of the edges of the tag.

~~~

If you would like to know more about the 52 Week Challenge, then click here for full details including a list of the previous weekly prompts.

There is also a Facebook page for this challenge, which is a friendly relaxed place where you can share your challenge images and talk to others taking part in the challenge.  Sam x

Design Team Make - 19th October 2018 (Halloween) My Time To Craft Challenge Blog

The prompt for the "My Time To Craft Challenge Blog" this time is "Halloween/Cats".  

For my card, I used two shades of Distress Oxides (Antique Linen and Hickory Smoke) to create a mottled background base colour.

I then lay a skull stencil (produced by "Creative Expressions") and applied a Distress Ink using the shade of "Dusty Concord".

I used two dies from my stash (I had purchased second hand, so I don't know who makes them) to cut the cob webs and the spider.

The hat, skull and sentiment banner are all from the same red rubber stamp set which I've had for years, unfortunately I don't recall who made them.  I added some touches of red Promarker and red self adhesive gems for the eyes.

Giant Cake Birthday Card (Art Impressions Girlfriends Stamp)

Something a bit different from me this afternoon, with this Birthday Card.  I've used the Art Impressions "Girlfriends - Giant Cake" stamp, coloured with Promarkers.

The sentiment is by Papertrey Ink and is part of their "Stylish Sentiments" stamp set.  Stamped in Versafine Ink.

Hope & Chances Charity Kit - Gift Bag

I was making a purchase from the Hope and Chances website a couple of days ago and decided to pop one of their charity kits into my shopping basket.  The proceeds from the sale of these kits go to the Ronald McDonald House Charity.

This April 2018 Charity kit consists of instructions and everything you need to make the project (with the exception of adhesive). As soon as my order arrived today, I got cracking to make the decorated gift bag, the instructions were incredibly easy to follow and within minutes I had this little gift bag completed.

Hope Card using IndigoBlu Colour Me Daisy

I made this card with a certain friend in mind that has a lot on her mind at the moment.

I used the IndigoBlu "Colour Me Daisy" stamp, coloured with Distress Inks.  I die cut the word "Hope" using a Stampin' Up set called "Sunshine Wishes".  I added droplets of "Glossy Accents" to give a raindrop look to the flower.

Seasonal Heart Tree Card (Lavinia Stamps)

More Lavinia Stamps play today with this Christmas/wintery feel card.

I used two Lavinia Stamps for this card (Seasonal Tree and Small Reindeer), using a Versamark ink I heat embossed using Wow clear embossing powder, which I then heat set.

I masked a circle for the moon and then used blended Distress Inks for the background colours.  I lifted the moon mask and added a little colour to it too.

I die cut the hearts and then stuck them to the card, drawing the hanging string with a pencil.  I then used a Versamark pen and marked areas on the card.  

I tore some clear paper and added it to the bottom of the card, to give the effect of snow covered ground.  I then added some glittery embossing powder, which gave the card a frosty twinkly look.  Unfortunately, the can not really be seen in this photo.  Finally, I added a few snow flakes with a white Signo Pen.

Half Cut Technique Card using Lavinia Stamps

Today I tried a technique that was new to me.  I think it may be called the "Half Cut", if not, then I'd love to know what it's called.It's where a card has two folds and on one fold you only cut half of the shape.  I have found it difficult to photograph it properly, so I've provided additional images.

I used Distress Inks for the backgrounds of all areas.  The stamped images are all Lavinia Stamps and have all been stamped in Versafine Ink.

These are the stamps that I used:  Willow The Witch, Bugs, Bats, Sacred Tree, Sacred Spells.

Here's a photo of how you cut the card.

I watched this tutorial on how to cut the shape.

I'm going to enter this into the Lavinia Stamps October Creative challenge.

Week 42 - 52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2018

The prompt for Week 42 is "Autumn".

With the strong winds, our garden is covered in leaves that have been ripped from the trees, making everywhere look very Autumnal so this prompt is very apt.

I started with  a base of Distress Inks in various shades.  I then stamped the Autumn sentiment, which is from Sweet Poppy, stamped in Versafine "Vintage Sepia".

I then used an assortment of Lavinia Stamps, including Chinese Lanterns, Wild Vines, Silhouette Thistle and some pound stamps too.  Stamped in Versafine and Memento inks.  I added accents in a gold metallic pen too.

I am going to enter this tag into Stamping Sensations challenge on an Autumn prompt.



~~~

If you would like to know more about the 52 Week tag challenge click here for more information, including the previous prompts.

There is also a Facebook Group for this challenge, where you can share your creations in the weekly prompt albums and chat to others taking part too.  The challenge is very relaxed and you are more than welcome join in.  Sam x

Look To The Sky Card

Today I have been playing with more Lavinia Stamps creating this card.

I wasn't in the mood to get very messy, so opted for a sheet of Shenandoah, Natural Wonders patterned paper.  After studying it, I decided on the area that I would work on, as I could see sky, hills, water and rocks in the image.  I then cut it down to size.

I started by using the Lavinia Stamps "Tree Scene (LAV219)" along the shoreline in the distance, stamped in Versafine "Smokey Grey" ink.  I then stamped the Lavinia Stamps "Small Reindeer (LAV487)", the Lavinia Stamps "Birds (LAV097)",  the Lavinia Stamps "Small Fairy Fir Tree (LAV492) and finally the Lavinia Stamps "Spanish Moss Foliage (LAV505)" all stamped in Versafine "Onyx Black".

I then used a brush with water colour pencils to highlight colours in specific areas.  Finally, I used a pencil to create the look of shadows on the water beneath the tree line in the distance.

I have entered this card into #82 "Moving Along With The Times" Challenge.

I have also entered this into the Crafty Cats #433 Weekly Challenge.

Carousel 5th Birthday Card (Stampin' Up)

Today, I've been playing with a stamp set I've had for about a year and never used before. It's the Stampin' Up "Carousel Birthday" set.

I started by stamping the big wheel stamp in a Versamakr ink and then sprinkling with Wow embossing powder and then heat set it.  I used Brusho in two shades to create the land/sky background.

On a separate sheet, I stamped the tents in various shades of Versafine Clair Ink, colouring sections with Promarkers.

I die cut a circle and #5 and added them to the centre of the big wheel.  I also die cut the clouds using a Stampin' Up die from a set called "Up and Away".

Finally, I added the "Happy Birthday" sentiment to the top of the card.

Anniversary Card

Today I've made an anniversary card, using patterned paper from a 6x6" stack I got from The Range, which I think was called "Pretty Posy".

The "Love" word was die cut using a Stampin' Up set called "Expressions Thinlit Dies".

For the stamped sentiment, I used a Rubbadubbadoo stamp.

Willow The Witch through the willow arch Halloween Card (Lavinia Stamps)

Today I have continued to play with Lavinia Stamps, with another entry for the Lavinia October Monthly Creative Challenge.

For this card, I started with a Distress Ink background.  All stamp used are Lavinia Stamps stamped in various shades of Versafine Ink.  

I started with the path (LAV246), then Willow the Witch and her cauldron (LAV194).  I then stamped the Willow Arch (LAV513) and then the Twisted Willow arch supports ((LAV514) which I coloured with a Promarker.

Inside the arch I used Spanish Moss Foliage (LAV505) trailing from the arch.  I then stamped the bats (LAV167). I used a couple of the pound stamps for the stars and the toadstools.

I added some stars to the sky using a white Signo Pen and finally added some shimmer to areas using a Sakura Jellyroll pen.

Reindeer & Feather Tree Tag (Lavinia Stamps)

With Christmas fast approaching I decided to dip my toe into festive waters and make a tag. I am really not feeling Christmas yet!

The Christmas tree is actually a feather stamp. Both the feather and the reindeer are from Lavinia Stamps.

I stamped the tree in Versafine Clair Ink using a colour called "Shady Lane".  The reindeer is stamped in a Versarine Ink in the "Vintage Sepia" shade.

I painted the background using a brush and water colour pencils.  I added snowflakes and the reindeer nose using Liquid Pearls.

Finally the sentiment is from a Stampin' Up set called "Festival of Trees"

Hocus Pocus Tag with Lavinia Stamps

With Halloween round the corner, I thought I would make a tag for the Lavinia Stamps monthly challenge with a title of "Hocus Pocus".

I started the tag by masking off a circle for the moon and shaded with Distress Inks.  I then added a mask on top while I coloured the rest of the background in various shades of Distress Inks.

Using Versafine Fine Ink "Black Onyx", I stamped the bats over the moon area.  Then using Versafine Ink "Smokey Grey" I stamped the verse areas using the Lavinia "Sacred Spells" stamp.  I then added the trees using the Lavinia "Sacred Tree" stamped in Versafine "Black Onyx" ink.

I used the Lavinia "Willow The Witch" set for the cauldron and the witch image, stamped in Versafine "Black Onyx".

I will enter this into the October Lavinia Stamps Creative Challenge with a theme of Hocus Pocus.

Week 41 - 52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2018

The prompt for Week 41 is "Die Cut".

I've used assorted patterned paper and dies to create my tag.  In some places I have stamped or inked the patterned paper.  I have also sanded areas too.  I've added some drops of liquid pearls to some areas too.

~~~

If you would like to know more about the challenge, check out the Facebook Group or click here for full details and a list of the previous prompts for this challenge.

Sam x

Visible Image "One Kind Word" Card

I pre-ordered some newly released "Visible Image" stamps which I have been eagerly awaiting.  Today they arrived!

I started off this card by stamping a script stamp (Crafters Companion stamp) in Versafine Clair "Verdant".

I then used "Broken China" Distress Ink through a Visible Image "Time Tunnel" stencil.

Using a Versafine Clair Ink in "Blue Belle" shade I stamped the typewriter and sentiment (both are from the "One Kind Word" set).  I then stamped the typewriter again on a plain piece of card, and stamped the "Hello" in Versafine "Tulip Red".  I cut out the typewriter image and mounted it onto the card using foam pads, so that it gives a more 3-D look to the card.

Design Team Make - 5th October 2018 (Kraft Card) My Time To Craft Challenge #380

This is my make for the "My Time To Craft"  5th October 2018 challenge working to a prompt of "Kraft Card".

For my card, I have used a Kraft base.  I have die cut four decorative layers using a Spellbinders die set (I've had it for years, so I don't recall the name, sorry).  I positioned them some flat on the larger layer and others elevated with foam pads.

Before I stuck the smallest layer,  I used a stamp from the Stampin' Up set called "Petite Pairs" stamped in a sepia shade of Versafine Ink.

Finally, I die cut some foliage in green card and added it with the flowers to the top right hand corner of the card.

Visible Image "Reason To Smile" Tag

For this tag I used a Distress ink background and a Visible Image stamp called "Reason To Smile" stamp for the sentiment.  The little flowers, I used a tiny Papertrey Ink stamp from their "Love Lives Here" set.  I also added some white dots, to break up the intense colour using a Signo Pen.

Sizzix Big Shot

In the past couple of years my craft items are in regular use.  I guess in some respects used heavily, but even so, I was surprised when my Sizzix Big Shot made a thud/cracking noise and the handle then went floppy.  Hubby, investigated the die cutter and pronounced it dead!

I went on-line to find a replacement and was surprised at the prices.  I opted for one from Hobbycraft at £55 with free delivery.  (I think I paid a similar, if not more for my original machine three or four years ago).  As a new customer they offer a 15% discount on your next order (this is not discounted at checkout, you need to check your emails for a code and then apply it to your order, but even without the code I think it is still a great price.

Today my new Big Shot arrived and is ready for action, so normal crafting can resume again.

Halloween Bauble and Trick or Treat Bags (Design Team make for "Love To Craft Challenge Blog" #27)

This is my second month creating for the Design Team of the "Love To Craft Challenge Blog".  This time it is #27 (October 2018) and as always the prompt is "Anything Goes".

This time I have two projects on the halloween theme, which I hope will inspire you.  I've made a halloween bauble and trick or treat bags.

I had a clear plastic hanging bauble in my stash, just waiting to be used.  I asked Hubby to cut a slice off the back of the bauble so that I had an aperture for inserting the battery operated tea light which I balanced on a disc of black card.

Using a cob web & spider die (purchased second hand) I cut several of each.  I stuck the cobweb dies to the bauble and decorated it with shiny gems and silver stars.  For the spider. I stuck several die cuts together using a black foam pad for dimension and added white eyes.  Using a clear sewing thread I attached the spider to the thread and then tied it to the top of the bauble.  Hopefully this gives the look of the spider spinning the web.

I picked up a pack of white bags with a string handle from Home Bargains.  They come plain so ideal for dressing up.  Using a selection of halloween dies and stamps (Stampin' up Spooky Fun and Halloween Scenes Edgelits I created these bags ready for the Trick of Treat visitors at the end of the month.