Spellbinders Filigree Pocket - Get Well Soon Card

I see a lot of craft items, many I am happy to pass me by, but the new Spellbinders Shadow Boxes and Filigree Pocket was something that I thought I could get plenty of use from.  I ordered them from Hope and Chances, an on-line store that specialises in all things Spellbinders and has fab customer service too.

These goodies arrived yesterday, but I didn't get a chance to play with them.  Today, I needed to make a "Get Well Card" so decided to have a play, although, I've not used the filigree panel for the correct use, but I think it's worked pretty well.

I also used another Spellbinder product for the area around the sentiment "Jubilee Tags" which I thought worked well with the filigree panels.

Design Team Make - 30th November 2018 (CAS one layer) My Time To Craft Challenge

It's time for another "My Time To Craft Challenge".  The prompt for this challenge is "Clean & Simple - one layer". Please do pop over and check out the other fab makes by the other Design Team members.

For my Design Team make for this challenge, I used a sentiment stamp from Visible Image called "She Smiled" and a butterfly stamp from IndigoBlu called "Flutterby".  I also used a Stampin' Up stamp set called "Gorgeous Grunge" for the background speckles.  All these were stamped in Versafine Clair Ink in the "Fantasia" shade.

I coloured part of the butterfly with an "Amethyst" coloured Promarker and a gold metallic pen.

Gelli Plate and Lavinia Stamps - Thinking of You Card

I recently watched an on-line tutorial by Tracey Dutton of Lavinia Stamps, where she was making backgrounds using a Gelli Plate, Colorbox Inks and Brusho paints.  I had to have a go, it was messy, but I loved each unexpected result. It's definitely something I will be doing again.

I decided which background I would use and without any real agenda, looked at my Lavinia Stamps to see which I thought would suit.  I decided on the "Seasonal Tree" and "Midnight Meandering Rabbits"

I stamped the tree in Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" and the rabbits in Versafin "Olympia Green".  I used a touch of Distress Ink with a moist paintbrush to colour the land at the base of the rabbits and tree.  Finally, I stamped the sentiment, which is by Hobby Arts Ltd.

Peace Christmas Card - Visible Image "Peace, Love and Hope" Stamp Set

While surfin' the internet, I came across a card by the very talented Eileen Godwen (have a look at her Pinterest page here).  Inspired, I thought I would try my hand at something similar.

I set up the Visible Image "Strobes" stencil on a piece of card.  I then sprinkled a very tiny amount of Cosmic Shimmer Pixie Powder in a "Midnight Blue" shade onto the card/stencil and lightly spritzed the surface.  I removed the stencil and used my heat gun to dry the surface.  (In hindsight, maybe I should have used more Pixie Powder as the stencil detail is lost).

Using the Visible Image stamp set called "Peace, Love and Hope" . I stamped the word "peace" and the stars in Versafine Clair ink in a shade of "Monarch".  I attached a few silver sequins to add a little shine to the card.

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree... Card

This is my go to Christmas card this year, quick to make but with is lovely look to it.  Unfortunately, the photograph doesn't pick up the clear gems on the tree!

For the tree, I used a Lavinia Stamps "Feather - LAV494".  the sentiment is from a Stampin' Up set called "Winter Memories".  For both I have used a Versafine Clair ink in the shade of "Rain Forest". I've used sticky gems to decorate the tree.

Birthday Gatefold Card

I seem to be on a roll making gatefold cards.  I love them.  I made this card for my friend who is celebrating her birthday.  

The paper I have used is one of those 12x12" sheets which you put off using as you like it so much.  Today I bit the bullet and made something with it.  The paper is actually from a stack called "Mix & Match Pink Highlights" by Craft Sensations, I don't recall where I purchased it from.

I scored a sheet of 6"x12" thick card at 3" and 9" intervals to create the gatefold.  I then covered each surface (with the exception of the central back area) with patterned paper.  

I die cut a stitched square, stamped the "Happy Birthday" sentiment using a Papertrey Ink stamp set called "Stylish Sentiments"

For the front sentiment decoration, I cut a circle of co-ordinating cardstock, then cut another circle in a light shade.  Using a Spellbinder die from the "Royal Circle" set, I cut the green shape.  I cut a smaller round circle and popped it through the Big Shot in a Cuttlebug embossing folder.  I then stamped the sentiment.  I used a stamp from a Stampin' Up set called "Dragonfly Dreams" and then cut it into shape using a Spellbinder die from their "Victorian Tags" set.  I layered all these elements.  Some with sticky foam pads for a 3D look and some flat to add dimension.

A Sparkly Christmas Tag

I had a quick play making a frosty/sparkly tag.

I started with some water colour paper and brushing some diluted Distress Oxides in shades of "Tumbled Glass" and "Salty Ocean".  I stamped the sentiment in Versafine Clair "Blue Belle" (I think it came free with a magazine a year or so back).

I then stamped random snowflakes with Versamark ink and coated with Wow "Bright White" embossing powder and then heated with a heat gun.

Finally, I added some dots of liquid pearls, a few sequins and sticky gems to embellish the tag.  I used Bakers Twine instead of ribbon as a hanger.

Week 48 - 52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2018

The prompt for Week 48 is:  "Baby/New Arrival".

My tag for this week has had many stages, resulting in some ending in the bin.  I have settled on this one, but I may well make another one when I am feeling more into it.

I created a background of Distress Oxide inks in various colours.  Stamped the baby image (part of a Visible Image set called Bloom and Grow).  I then stamped the light bulb shape around the baby (an Inkylicious stamp) - both stamped in Versarfine Clair "Twilight" shade.  

I masked both the baby and the edges of the bulb and stamped the stars using a Lavinia Stamps pound stamp.

On an offcut of the Oxide background I stamped the "Naturally Homegrown" sentiment, which is part of a Graphic 45 set called "Home Sweet Home 2" and die cut it to shape.

Using a blank tag, I covered it with an off-cut of Shenandoah paper and using the Lavinia "Sacred Spells" stamp added the text in Versafine ink.

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Don't forget, if you would like to know more about this challenge, then click here for all the details you will need.

Why not join the challenge Facebook Group?  Here, you will be able to chat about the challenge with others and upload images of your creations to the weekly albums too.  The more the merrier.  Sam x

You're Amazing - Visible Image Card

I took advantage of the 50% off Black Friday offer at Visible Image.  My order arrived late morning and I have wasted no time in trying out some of my new goodies!

I have used three Visible Image products to create this card. This bird is from the "Life is beautiful" set, the sentiment is from the "One of a kind" set and the background is a stencil called "Meshing around".

I stamped the bird in two shades of Versafine Clair ink "Green Oasis" and "Paradise".  The un-inked area of the bird, I painted using a Distress Ink in the shade of "Lucky Clover".  I then created a mask and positioned it on top of the main image using a repo adhesive.

For the stencilled background I used two shades of Distress inks "Wilted Violet" for the inner shade which was covered with "Chipped Saphire" on the outer areas.

The sentiment was stamped in Versafine Clair "Green Oasis".  I added extra colour to the bird using a grey Promarker and also some shimmer using a Sakura Gelly Roll pen.

Snow Globe Wish Tag

As I mentioned in my earlier post, I fell in love with the goodies in the November 2018 Craft Box, so I got busy making this tag.

For the base, I cut down a sheet of the patterned paper that came in the box of goodies.  I then dragged a white and a black small ink pad across the surface of the tag so that some of the background detail isn't quite as obvious.

Using a small script stamp, I shadow stamped across the surface.

Using a small snowflake stamp that came with a magazine, I stamped the snowflake in Versamark and coated with clear embossing powder and then used my head gun to melt the powder.

I added the silver snowflake trim to the base of the tag, but it was looking a bit too new and sparkly, so I inked over it in black to dull it down a bit.

Using Glossy Accents, I covered the snowglobe and the eyes of the girl.  I also used the Glossy Accents to adhere the sequins.

Finally, I added some pearls and sticky gems to the hat area.

A Little Indulgence

Have you ever purchased from Craft Box UK?  They have amazing monthly boxes of crafty loveliness which you can subscribe to.  

I don't subscribe, but I do sometimes purchase a one off box if it takes my fancy.  I fell in love with the November 2018 Signature Craft Box and it arrived a couple of days ago. Here's a photo of all the goodies held within a ribbon bound box.

In the box were the following items all beautifully colour co-ordinated in frosty blues and silver shades.

• Exclusive Papers
• Exclusive Stamps
• Snip Art Design 
• Stencil
• Sentiment
• Flowers
• Charms
• Lace
• Glitter Stones
• Necklace
• Washi Tape
• Glitter
• Bauble 
• Silver Ribbon

The box that they arrive in is ideal for altering in the future too.

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I have also fallen fowl of one of the Black Friday sales. 

Visible Image have 50% off everything!  I think it would have been rude to ignore this amazing offer.  My order of stamps and stencils arrived today, so it is definitely time to get playing!

Gatefold Birthday Card

I made this gatefold card for my Sister-in-law who is celebrating her birthday. Here is the front of the card with both flaps closed.

This view shows the card open - it doesn't photograph very well I'm afraid.

This is an image of the front and back of the card laid flat.

I used Stampin' Up patterned paper, a Spellbinder's die called "Royal Circle" and the sentiment stamp is by Hobby Arts from their "General Greetings" set.

Gardening Robin Tag - Hobby Art Stamps

Another reason for it being a "Happy Post" Day is that I received a small order of stamps from Hobby Art Ltd.  My order consisted of Robins and Puffins.  I wasted no time in making this tag using the "Gardening Robin FMGR09F" stamp.

I heat embossed the snowflakes.  Stamped the sentiment in Versafine then stamped the robin/spade image.  I coloured the image in with a damp paint brush and Distress Inks.  I added a little shimmer using a Sakura Jelly Roll Pen.

Yey, I'm a winner! Hope and Chances Blog - Wednesday Spellbinders Giveaway

Today has been a day for Happy Post.  I received a Spellbinders embossing folder, courtesy of Hope and Chances blog giveaway run by Spellbinders Ambassador, Christine Emberson.

Now I just need to play.

Seasons Greetings Card (Creative Stamping Magazine Stamps)

The last few days I have struggled to make anything worthy of sharing on my blog.  Yesterday, five projects ended up in the bin. Today, I have tidied my workspace,  I don't know whether this has helped, but at least I have managed to make this card.

I have used free stamps from the first special edition of the Creative Stamping magazine.  I stamped the wreath in Versafine Vintage Sepia, coloured with a Distress Ink Pen.  The sentiment is stamped with Versafine Clair "Verdant".

Week 47 - 52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2018

The prompt for Week 47 is "Circle".

I have opted for a very simple tag this week.  I've used Distress inks for the background.  I have stamped the Lavinia Stamps "Small Green Man" in Versafine Black Onyx.  I have added touches of shimmer using a Sakura Gelly Roll pen.

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Please click here if you would like further information about this challenge.

There is also a Facebook Group for this challenge, where participants can share their creations and talk craft with each other.  The more the merrier, so please pop over and say hi.  Sam x

Easy Chocolate Brownies

The day started so well with me baking a batch of brownies, but soon turned pear-shaped when Hubby phoned to say he had broken his leg!

Now for the next 6-8 weeks I will be his taxi and we will be in each others company 24-7 a bit scary after being together 35 years!

(I'm also playing nurse to Rosie our dog who had a fast growing lump removed from her nose by the Vet yesterday).

So back to the yummy brownies.  Here is the recipe:

• 200ml Vegetable Oil
• 125g Dark brown soft sugar
• 125g Golden sugar
• 100g Self Raising flour
• 100g chopped walnuts (optional)
• 60g Cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Sodium Bicarbonate
• 3 Eggs
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract

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Pre-heat the oven to 180

Lightly oil (brush the base and sides) with Vegetable Oil and add a sheet of baking parchment to the base of a 8'x10" baking tray.

Put all the ingredients into a mixing bowl and beat together.

Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin and bake in the centre of the oven for 25-30 minutes. (You'll notice the surface will have a few cracks in it.

Leave to cool then cut into approximately 12 pieces.

Design Team Make - 16th November 2018 (Let It Snow) My Time To Craft Challenge #384

It's time for the "My Time To Craft" fortnightly challenge.  This time the prompt is "Let It Snow" #384.

I started off with a piece of pale blue plain cardstock.  Using a Versamark ink pad, I stamped the image of snowflakes and then coated in Wow "Bright White" super fine embossing powder.  I then heat embossed to set the snowflakes.

I die cut the dry embossed circle using a Spellbinders die from their "Blooming Collection".

I stamped the sentiment and then die cut into the decorative shape using a Spellbinders "Victorian Tags" die set.  I added some sequins to the snowflakes to add a little subtle icey shimmer to the card.

Lavinia Stamps Fairy Wishes Tag

I made this tag to go on my Grand-daughter's birthday present.  I've used  Lavinia Stamps, Fairy Wishes, Forest Scene, Fairy Foragers and a pound stamp for the stars, all on a Distress Oxide background.

Artist Trading Coin using Indigoblu "Bumble Bee"

I absolutely love the Indigoblu "Bumble Bee" stamp and decided to make this Artist Trading Coin.

I had a section of patterned paper with a bee design on it.  I smeared some Gesson over the surface and left to dry.  I then stamped the Bee image, using Versafine Ink, onto the Gesso surface.  Die cut the circle and then inked the edges of the disc.

On a separate piece of card, I stamped the Bee again and cut the shape out, with the exception of the tricky legs.  I coloured the body of the Bee with a gold coloured Promarker.  I coloured the wings with a Sakura Jelly Roll pen, which added a shimmer look to the wings.  I added a clear sticky pad below the wing to give the look that the wings are lifted.  The body of the Bee I stuck flat to the disc.  Finally, I added some tiny sticky Adornit letters to spell the words "Bee Happy".

IndigoBlu Colour Me Daisy - sympathy card

I made this sympathy card using the IndigoBlu "Colour Me Daisy" stamp, stamped in Versafine Ink.  I've coloured it using Distress Ink pens.  The sentiment is from a Stampin' Up set called "Sheltering Tree".

Purple Pixie Celebrate Card (Lavinia Stamps)

I've been playing with stamps and ink this afternoon, making this card using the following Lavinia Stamps:  Fairy Dandelions, Sacred Spells, Spanish Moss Foliage, Fairy Washing Line, Make a Dandelion and Birds.

I created the background using Distress Oxides and Pixie Powder in Violet/Purple shade.  I have heat embossed the dandelion wishes too.

Visible Image Christmas Cards

Today I've played with a Visible Image stamp set - "Peace, Love and Hope" to create a couple of Christmas cards.

For the top card, I used Distress Ink through the Visible Image "Time Tunnel" stencil.  The sentiment and reindeers are stamped in Versafine "Vintage Sepia" ink.

Week 46 - 52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2018

The prompt for Week 46 is "Cover a tag".

For my tag, I started off with a background created with several shades of Distress Oxides.  I used two shades of Versafine Ink - Black Onyx and Smokey Grey ink to stamp many Lavinia Stamp images.

The Lavinia Stamps I've used are the following:  Single Skeleton Tree, Fairy Foragers, Fairy Wishes, Fern Heads, Birds, Fairy Barnacle, Large Owl, Lunar Buds, Sacred Spells, Wallace Family and Badger 2.

Finally, I added some shimmer using a Sakura Jelly Roll pen and coloured the moon with a white Signo Pen.

As this tag fits the brief, I have decided to enter it into the Lavinia Stamps monthly challenge https://woobox.com/546nbo/gallery/wmf0lCKibNM

Hero Arts Pine Cone Christmas Card

There are some stamps in my stamp stash that I have had for years and rarely tire of.  This Pine Cone stamp - F31690 by Hero Arts is one of those.

Although I've had it for ages, I have not used it very often.  I fell in love with the image, but wasn't really sure how I could use it to get the different colours.  Scroll on more years than I care to remember and I now know how to achieve the look I was after!

The stamp is wood mounted, to achieve the look I was after, I removed it from the wooden block so that I could use it in my Misti.  I used Distress Ink Pens to colour and then stamp the actual image.  I then coated the stamp in Versamark and stamped the clear coat on top of the coloured image, sprinkled with clear embossing powder and then heated till set.

I used a moist brush and water colour pencils to colour the background of the cone and the actual pale blue background.  I then stamped the sentiment, which is part of a Papertrey Ink set. Finally using a fan shaped paint brush and white Gesso, I tapped some dots onto the surface to replicate snowflakes.  I also added a few frosty shimmer areas to the cone using a Sakura Gelly Roll pen.

Lavinia Stamps Moonlight Dance Card

This evening I have been playing with Lavinia Stamps, creating a card for their monthly challenge.  The prompt for the November challenge is "While you were sleeping".

I've used various shades of Distress Inks for the background.  I've used the following Lavinia Stamps:  Fairy Chain, Forest So Green and Single Skeleton Tree, all stamped in Versafine Ink.  

As a finishing touch, I added a few sequins, Perfect Pearls and a little shimmer using a Sakura Jelly Roll pen.

Week 45 - 52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2018

It's that time again, the Week 45 prompt is "Mixed Media".

This was my second attempt at a tag for this prompt.  The first went very badly, ending up in the bin.  I think it's mainly due to me feeling pretty rubbish at the moment.

So for this tag, I started off with running some card through a chevron embossing folder, then inked it in a sludgy green and a red ink.  

I stamped a script pattern on a small brown tag, and with the other gave it a thin coating of Gesso.  Once dry, I inked the edges and cut added some die cuts and sticky pearls.

I found a small piece of cardboard, so I stripped the surface off to expose the ribbed surface.  I gave that a thin coat of Gesso, when dry I added some red ink to the raised areas.  

After sticking everything down, I added some extra embellishments:  sequins, punched hearts, a heart pin and a button.

I persevered and made this tag.  I started by sticking four lolly sticks together, then giving a thin coat of Gesso.  I then used Distress Inks through the Visible Image "Time Tunnel" stencil.

I coated a wooden star in Gesso, when dry I used two shades of Distress Inks.  Using the Visible Image "Peace Love & Hope" stamp set, I stamped the "Hope" word and the circle with the distressed edge onto the star.

I added little sequins to the white area of the spiral.  Die cut a black circle which I added to the middle of the star and two hearts in different sizes.

Finally, I used the three stitched circle stamps from the Visible Image "You Are Not Alone" Stamp set, stamped in a Distress Oxide ink onto black card cut into a tag shape. I then mounted the wooden lolly design onto the black card.

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If you would like to know more about the 52 week challenge, please click on this link.

There is also a closed Facebook Group for this challenge.  It's a small friendly group of like minded people who take part in this very relaxed challenge by sharing their makes and chatting about craft related things.  You are more than welcome to join us.  Sam x

Design Team Make for "My Time To Craft Challenge Blog" #383 (Sketch) - Anniversary Card

It's time for another Design Team make for the "My Time To Craft" challenge blog with a prompt of working with this sketch.

For my card, I decided to go with an anniversary theme.  I pulled out patterned papers from the same collection, deciding on some from a 6x6" stack called "Wanderlust" which I purchased from "The Range" some time ago.

Using a stamp and die set from Papertrey Ink called "Wonderful Words Love", I die cut the word "love" and then stamped the sentiment of "is all you need" in a Versafine Clair ink in the shade of "Blue Belle".  I then used a Stampin' Up set called "Banners Framelits" to cut the tag/banner shape and then mounted it on a larger similar shape.

Using various matching patterned paper, I cut the shapes and positioned the pieces according to the sketch.

If you have a minute to spare, please do pop over to the "My Time To Craft Challenge Blog" and take a look at the other creations by the design team and maybe enter the challenge yourself.

Have a good day.  Sam x

Teacher Gift - Design Team Make for Love To Craft Challenge Blog - Challenge #28

This is my Design Team make for the #28 of the "Love To Craft Challenge Blog" - 1st November 2018. 

Please pop over to the challenge blog and take a look at all the other fab makes by my fellow Design Team members and maybe you could take part too.  it's an "Anything Goes" challenge so you can enter any crafts you make.

My friend was telling me about her children wanting to give their teachers a gift and how expensive it can be, which got me thinking what I would give in that situation, coming up with this little pad and pen set.

I started by buying a cheap pack of short pens and post-it notes, I think the pack of pens were about 70p from Home Bargains.  I already had the Post-it pad in my stash.  I measured the pens then marked and scored card at the appropriate places.  I used a corner rounder to tidy the corners of the flap. Here's a photo of my measurements:

Once scored and cut to size, I then cut a strip of the card and loosely wrapped it around the pen and then glued the two ends together.

I then positioned it on the card base and added double sided sticky tape to secure it into position.  

I glued the Post-it note alongside the pen.  I then stuck on a + and - sticky backed magnet snap for the closure.  I used ones I had in my stash by BasicGrey.

It then decorated the front. I started by stamping the sentiment.  I used a stamp by Rubbadubbado, the sentiment was stamped in Versafine "Black Onyx", which I die cut using Spellbinders "Victorian Tags".  I then stuck it to the central lower section of the front.  Using an Xcut punch, I cut snowflakes and glued them to the surface.

To make the main image, I used a Spellbinder's die set called "Four Seasons Silhouettes".  Using the winter die, I cut the image.  I then mounted it onto grey card and cut to size.  Using foam pads, I glued the image to the top flap section of the front cover.  Finally, I added some tiny self adhesive gems to the middle of the snowflakes.