Sweet Pea Crafts

Clarity demo card

2012-01-11T14:33:00.002+01:00

I didn't actually see Barbara doing this demo but a friend kindly sent me the instructions and this is the result. It is a pity the camera doesn't do it justice because there was a final swipe of Encore Champagne ink across the crumpled tissue which really made it zing. It is similar in some ways to the Caught in Crystal technique but quicker to do so I think I may be making a few more in this style but with different stamped images. This is my first post of 2012 so I wish all my followers a Happy Crafty New Year!

Zentangled star

2011-12-19T15:27:00.003+01:00

I saw this star on the Zentangle website of Rick and Maria and just had to have a go! The zentangling is a bit basic, the paper I used was a bit too thick (watercolour 300gsm) and the pen was a bit scratchy and running out of ink but apart from that, I'm happy with the shape!

The lid of box no. 3

2011-12-07T22:26:00.003+01:00

I felt that this deserved a post all of its own. I know you have all seen the organza flower in a previous post but I am happy with its final destination on the lid of this box which I secured with "no nails". Off to make some more organza flowers..........

And box no. 3!

2011-12-07T22:16:00.002+01:00

This box has gone through many phases. Through the night I hated the bottom of it and tonight I have transformed it with my new La Blanche stamp and now I love it! It is really all a learning curve and I am fast finding that nothing is set in stone. You can always rescue your original artwork with a little imagination! Throw nothing away!!

Box number 2

2011-12-02T15:42:00.002+01:00

I love the paint effect on this box, pity it doesn't show up so well in the photo. I used Colourcraft Aztec Lustres paint which gives a gorgeous, well, lustre finish! Then I again used the gold acrylic swiped over certain areas. Had fun stamping floral images from Elusive Images Meadow stampsheet then embossed again with Sheena's WOW gold EP. From a previous project I found the perfectly matching tissue paper to stuff inside before finishing off with some gold braid around the edge of the lid and a butterfly brooch. I've already begun work on Box No. 3........

Altered boxes

2011-11-26T17:06:00.003+01:00

Some of you may know that I have embarked on an on-line course on altered boxes with the talented Louise Crosbie, aka Zuzu's Petals. This is my first box and I had a lot of fun altering it. First I sprayed it with mica powders that I mixed with water in my mini-spritzer. The colour is a beautiful peach though it doesn't show up too well in this photo. Then I dry brushed over it with gold acrylic paint and added a torn napkin with a roses and music theme and complemented that with some torn, distressed music paper around the sides. I then rubbed gold wax here and there over the music paper and finished off the lid with one of Sheena Douglass's flourish stamps embossed with her brass WoW EP. I coloured some lace with Distress Ink and attached it to the side of the lid. I'm happy with my first effort but realise now that I need to have a complete theme in mind and the necessary embellishments to decorate it before I begin my second box (though I have to confess to having already painted one in delicious pearlescent blue acrylic and again added dry brush gold acrylic on top in readiness - lol!) Loving this journey!

Another Christmas teabag card

2011-11-23T16:54:00.003+01:00

I had some die cuts left over from a previous project and decided to make another (final - lol!) teabag card. Sometimes life is just too short and other interesting techniques beckon. So if you receive this card from me this Christmas, put it somewhere safe, it could just become a collectors item :)

Fascinating Organza!

2011-10-31T16:01:00.002+01:00

I have been wanting to try to make an organza flower for a week or so and finally bought the material on Saturday and made this on Sunday. I was hoping it would be brooch-size but it turned out to be 15cm in diameter! I think it will have to be either worn on the head (a fascinator?) or sewn onto a bag. I found a piece of Friendly Plastic that I had "oozed" with Angelina fibres which seemed to match it perfectly. DH kindly made holes in it and I sewed it in place. The colour doesn't come out too well in the photo but the organza is a beautiful shimmery deep burgundy. Fun to make but patience required!

Tea-bag folded Christmas card

2011-10-19T15:35:00.004+02:00

Here is a tea-bag folded Christmas card that I made in advance of Friday's workshop.Of course there are many variations on tea-bag folds but this is the most basic one. (Don't forget to click on the photo to see it in greater detail.)

Iris folded Christmas cards

2011-10-19T15:27:00.003+02:00

Gosh, it is nearly 6 weeks since I last posted. What a naughty blogger I am! I am running a workshop on Friday on the techniques of iris folding and teabag folding. Here are a couple of samples I've prepared in advance.

A new series.....

2011-09-03T17:09:00.003+02:00

I thought I'd do a series of cards like this as they are fairly quick and easy. Well, after the preceding post I thought I needed to speed up my production somewhat - lol! This was created by laying down some Distress Inks on my craft mat, spritzing with water and finally dragging some glossy photo paper through it. I then mounted it onto some complementary coloured card and finally onto some A5 white card stock. The greeting and insert were done on the computer. I feel the photo doesn't do it justice as, in real life, the image is really glossy, but I hope you like it.

A challenge to myself......

2011-08-28T14:57:00.002+02:00

I don't do quick and easy cards but this one took the biscuit for the most complicated and longest in the making I think I have ever made! I really wanted to make this card as I loved the design of the brass stencil and decoupage images by Mattie. This was not die cut! First I embossed the swirls on my lightbox and then cut out various elements. I cut round parts of it, leaving some attached to the frame. Then I added some blue backing paper and cut out the hat and added 3 layers of flowers with sticky pads (couldn't find my silicon glue!) I really enjoyed making this card and think it is one of my most satisfying to date. I won't tell you how long it took me to make...... but if you should receive it, you'll know how very special you are to me!

Favourite leaf

2011-08-16T12:41:00.002+02:00

I felt this little leaf deserved a picture of its own as it is definitely my favourite. It was stamped on acetate with black Stazon and gilded flakes were added on the reverse side.

Leaf samples

2011-08-16T12:35:00.002+02:00

I am running a papercraft workshop on Thursday and thought I would make up a page with a variety of ways of using the same stamp to get different effects. I'm sure there are many more but think this will suffice for the moment!

Pam's birthday card

2011-08-16T12:29:00.003+02:00

This is an encaustic piece that I made a few months ago. My friend Pam admired it and so I earmarked it for her birthday card. Happy Birthday, Pam!

Joyeux Anniversaire, Violette

2011-08-13T10:30:00.003+02:00

Here's a card that I made for a dear French neighbour whose birthday is today. The beautiful little vintage girl image was a free download from somewhere. The frame is a Clarity corner stamp embossed in gold and I added some punched flowers and jewels in the corner. Just off now to present it to her together with a large tin of Celebration chocolates!

Chic chick

2011-07-26T20:15:00.004+02:00

This is a card that I made this afternoon for a French friend of mine. She is always so beautifully dressed with matching jewellery, bag, shoes etc. and lived and worked for many years in Paris. The lady stamp is a Clarity stamp which I stamped with black Archival ink, cut out then stamped on various papers and cut out to "dress" her. The signpost and the souvenir de Paris are part of a sheet of Aladine stamps that I found here in a local garden centre.

Art card

2011-07-10T21:41:00.003+02:00

Here is a card that I made for a dear professional artist friend who recently stayed with us. It looks like a simple card but in fact comprises many different techniques. The A R T letters were made with alcohol inks on Bondaweb, stencilled over with TH mask letters and cut out. The easel was a Clarity stamp, as was the paint brush which was stamped and then cut out and painted with Inktense pencils. The palette was stamped onto opaque shrink plastic, coloured (though you can't see it!)and cut out. I am quite pleased with the finished card and I hope she will be too!

Sue's birthday card

2011-06-30T09:34:00.002+02:00

Here is a card that I made for my friend Sue who is in a clinic having intensive physio on her new knee at the moment and that is where she will be spending her birthday! The card was done by swiping alcohol inks onto glossy card, then dropping blender solution onto it. I then passed it through the Cuttlebug with a musical notes embossing folder. The greeting was done on the computer. Sue sings in a choir so I thought this would fit the bill!

Karen's birthday card

2011-06-28T17:27:00.003+02:00

This was quite a challenge for me as Karen, my niece, is definitely not a hearts and flowers person card-wise. You may know from a previous post that she recently suffered a severe stroke which has left her paralysed down her left side. She is in a stroke rehab unit now undergoing intensive physio to try to help her regain the use of the left side including her eye. So creating a birthday card for her at this difficult time was never going to be easy - nothing too sombre, nothing too frivolous. Despite the fact that she will be 45 next Monday, Karen is still a Goth at heart and although forum friends kindly sent me appropriate images, I just couldn't get my head around that kind of genre enough to create a card using the designs in the time available. In the end, I decided on this encaustic art card which I had recently made. I thought it might help her in some small way to glance at it occasionally and try to figure out what it means. Could it be a cave in the middle of a forest? How was the texture created? For people who haven't seen encaustic art before, I think half the fun is having them think "now just how did they do that?!" Anyway, I do hope she likes it. Time enough for Goth-type cards when she is fully recovered. Sadly, it seems I will have plenty of time to practise those type of cards but I aim to have one ready for her next birthday!

Seeing double!

2011-06-09T20:42:00.003+02:00

This week I have made two cards for Golden Wedding anniversaries - one for our lovely French neighbours who are foster parents to Teddy and the other for our good friends, Chris and Keith. It was fortunate for me that I could copy my original design to make the second card and I hope that both recipients like them. I was so pleased to be able to use my new Cuttlebug to die cut the hearts and emboss one of the layers on these cards.

For Karen

2011-06-09T20:37:00.002+02:00

Here is a card that I made this week for my niece, Karen who has suffered a stroke at the age of 44 years. She is paralysed on her left side and has been in intensive care for the past 10 days but is showing signs of recovering. I wanted to make a card that would make her smile and hope this one fits the bill!

For Theresa

2011-04-24T16:43:00.004+02:00

This is a Shari Carroll style card that I made for a dear Scottish friend of mine who is going to attempt, with her sister, to cross from one side of Scotland to the other next month. They made a promise to their dying father last year that they would do it so it will be bitter-sweet for them. They went walking in the Lake District many times with him so will have happy times to recall along their journey as well. Good luck Theresa and Ann Marie!

More encaustic paintings!

2011-04-13T16:21:00.005+02:00

Thought I show you a few of the pictures that I did yesterday while giving the encaustic workshop. The ladies came up with some great pieces too and were very happy with their day.

Another encaustic card

2011-04-04T14:56:00.004+02:00

Well, I've been playing around with my wax all week and this is my latest offering. The trees are a Clarity stamp which I stamped onto glossy card with Adirondack Espresso ink. Both pieces are mounted on gold mirror card and the greeting is stamped and embossed in gold. I am quite enjoying revisiting this technique and hope to make some more cards with this medium while the Muse is on my shoulder!

Encaustic card

2011-03-20T22:08:00.002+01:00

Suddenly encaustic art has had a revival! In the space of just one week, Michael and Shona have appeared on Create & Craft with their encaustic art demonstrations, my forum friend Hilda has blogged an encaustic art square and I have been asked to do a workshop in encaustic art! Not having looked at my encaustic art products for more than 5 years, I was persuaded to have a play. Here is the result.

Clarity landscape

2011-03-18T20:56:00.002+01:00

I finally got around trying my first Clarity landscape yesterday and here is my second attempt. The first attempt was really brilliant................ at how not to do it! i.e. stamp and mask off your image before you do the sky and background! Remember how you tore the paper to make the hills as you will need it later to make the next layer! Anyway, I managed to cover up my biggest mistake with a little "hedging" on the hills. At least I managed to do the brayering to a degree of satisfaction this time! Just don't look too closely!

SECC craft stash!

2011-03-11T16:25:00.002+01:00

As you can see I certainly did my bit for the UK economy at this year's craft fair at the SECC in Glasgow. In fact, I have it on good authority that they all positively RELY on my being there every March in order to keep the venue alive - lol! I had a great time as usual and was thrilled this year to meet Sheena Douglass in person and to have a chat with Barbara (Gray)as she wasn't there last March. These ladies are such an inspiration to me and countless others. Now, the problem is, just where to put it all?!

My beautiful birthday cards!

2011-03-11T16:17:00.003+01:00

Now that I have returned from Scotland, I've been able to put all my cards together and here they are! Many thanks to all my lovely family and friends who have bought or made me such stunning cards and gifts.

A special birthday card

2011-02-05T17:43:00.002+01:00

This is a 70th birthday card for a dear friend in Italy. I made it using my new My Craft Studio "Fab Glam Fifties" CDs. On the CD, the image is called "Sharon" so thought it was appropriate somehow, though of course, she'll never know that! The placing of the image and the greeting were both dictated by "happy accidents"!

Whose Birthday card is THIS?

2011-01-28T17:43:00.004+01:00

I've got a few friends' birthdays coming up next month. Could this one be yours?!

Ghostly apparitions!

2011-01-20T15:04:00.003+01:00

This week sadly sees the last Lots To Do challenge so I just had to enter, even though the challenge was my "bete noir" - brayering! I bravely brayered onto Clarity glossy card with B&J Hydrangea then spritzed with water and covered with cling film which I then scrunched and left to dry naturally. I was pretty pleased with the result - I swear I can see Marie Antoinette on the right-hand side with her big hair and little triangular face. Is that the flapping of white coats I hear? Anyway it seemed a shame to cover it up so just a little matting and layering and a stamped greeting completed this A5 card. Click on the image to enlarge and you too will see her. lol!

Boxing Day at our lake

2010-12-30T19:25:00.002+01:00

Guilt overtook me and I went with Teddy to the lake for a bracing walk after a very indulgent Christmas Day dinner! The weather was superb and although the sun was in the wrong position, I took this photo anyway.

Favourite card of 2010

2010-12-18T21:28:00.003+01:00

At Lotstodo, the challenge this week is to enter your favourite card of the past year. Here is mine. It was quite difficult to get the spacing right with the trees but I am happy with the result. The tree is a Clarity stamp and the text is by the Stamp Barn in Canada.

A snow dog!

2010-12-18T17:14:00.002+01:00

Teddy loves the snow and enjoys running around in it, though I usually have to "dunk" him in the bath afterwards to thaw out his little legs where the snow freezes to his fur! Don't forget to click on the photos for a better view.

Snowy morning

2010-12-18T17:04:00.004+01:00

Sorry I've not posted on my blog for ages. Most of you will know that I have had mega computer problems involving "Damien" being in intensive care for 6 weeks! All seems well now and hopefully normal service can be resumed! Woke up to snow this morning and with the sun on the mountains just had to take several (dozen!) photos! Here are just a couple. This is the view from our terrace.

Sheena Douglas's leaf demo

2010-11-02T10:11:00.003+01:00

I was so inspired by Sheena's demo yesterday on C&C that I had to have a go myself. I am really pleased with the end result. I especially like the idea of putting a shadow around part of the leaves to make them "pop" out.

Halloween challenge

2010-10-30T21:49:00.004+02:00

This is my entry for this week's challenge on Lotstodorevisited. If any of you used to subscribe to Craft Creations magazine (which I think was one of the earliest card makers' magazines)you may have seen the template for this witch which appeared in one of the first few editions. Unfortunately, I still haven't found a recipient for this card!

The statue again!

2010-10-24T20:07:00.002+02:00

I meant to upload 2 photos but the blogger got the better of me as usual! Here is other view that I meant to post a minute ago!

Is stat you?!!!!!!

2010-10-24T20:00:00.003+02:00

Hi guys. Well I spent yesterday doing a workshop in Paverpol which I had seen many years ago demonstrated on Create and Craft and really fancied having a go! There were nine of us and we all came away with something pleasing, although I wish mine wasn't quite so ugly!!!!! Here are a couple of photos. Let me know what you think - honestly!!

Easelphant card

2010-10-16T15:50:00.002+02:00

I'm always late trying new techniques but this is my very first "easel" card! It is for an Italian friend who loves images of elephants, hence the title "Easelphant card"! I think I'll be trying lots of other cards in this format as I like the added interest.

Oriental lady

2010-10-15T09:31:00.002+02:00

Not been a very good blogger lately - sorry folks! Had a 2 week holiday and came home to lots of computer problems. All sorted now, so here is my entry for this week's challenge on Lotstodo which is Oriental.

When Teddy met Loli.....

2010-09-04T11:38:00.002+02:00

Here they are, the two "betrothed". Sir Edward finally met his Spanish "Contessa" yesterday and was besotted as you can see. Loli however, decided to "play hard to get"! Well, it WAS just their first date and there were chaperones around! He has invited her to the "royal palace" next Thursday and is already planning a romantic meal together "a deux"!

Fairies or Angels

2010-09-02T17:09:00.003+02:00

Well, at last I managed to enter this week's Lotstodo challenge! So here is my entry. Hope you like it! I love her boots!

Zentangle egg

2010-08-14T15:34:00.002+02:00

Technology and I don't make good bedfellows! I uploaded this photo and promply lost it in cyberspace so if anyone finds it, can you please let me know!

Zentangles

2010-08-14T15:20:00.002+02:00

The challenge on Lots to Do this week is Zentangles which I really enjoy. It's just a posh name for doodling which is very relaxing (hence the "zen" in zentangles). Some time ago I posted a coloured zentangle (they are usually done in black ink) of my hand so apologies for submitting yet another, this time with a coloured background. If you just draw round your hand you have ready made shapes to doodle inside, making starting off easier. I also did an egg shape on a pale brayered background. Check out this link
www.zentangle.com You'll soon be hooked too!

Christmas calligraphy verse

2010-08-04T15:36:00.002+02:00

I've been having a look through my calligraphy drawer with a view to picking up where I left off nearly 20 years ago and saw this verse. The lettering isn't great as it was one of my very early pieces but I do love the sentiment and the style of the stained glass. Must have had more imagination in those days - lol! The parchment is a lovely pale green which doesn't show up too well but of course the smudge at the "t" in stall does - typical! I do have to say that the smudge wasn't there 20 years ago - honest!

Calligraphy competition entry

2010-08-02T14:38:00.002+02:00

We've been posting about calligraphy on LTDR today so I just wanted to share a piece I did almost 20 years ago at night school in Scotland for an Osmiroid competition. I didn't win but enjoyed taking part. I love penmanship but it is a long laborious process not only in the learning but also in the preparation as you have to rule up all the lines in pencil first. Of course, if you arrive at the last word of your masterpiece and make an error........... or even worse notice a spelling mistake!!!

Sir Ted immortalised!

2010-07-11T16:11:00.003+02:00

Here's a card I made today for a dear, dog-lover friend of mine. Teddy loves this doggy bag (note the little teddies all over it?) and when he hops into it, we call him "boil in a bag" dog, especially in this heatwave! This was also my first time using Safmat. It is probably best on top of coloured card or paper where the edges might show less.

Embossed feather

2010-07-09T17:54:00.002+02:00

This I took from an idea at my picture framing class where someone had an image of a water-colour feather with a mount featuring an embossed feather which exactly echoed the painting. Not being an artist, this is how I interpreted it. Don't forget to click on the picture for a closer view.

Latest picture framing project

2010-07-09T17:50:00.003+02:00

I wanted to reframe this painting that my DH had done a couple of years ago. He had an exhibition and needed to frame the picture in a hurry and very cheaply. So here is what I did with it.

Hats or Crowns challenge

2010-07-09T17:25:00.002+02:00

Finally managed to submit an entry this week! Here's my take on this week's challenge on LTDR. The girl was a free download and the frame is made from Clarity Stamp corners. Punched flowers, jewels and computer generated wording completes this A5 card.

Modest craft grab in Glasgow!

2010-06-23T14:40:00.003+02:00

On our whistle-stop trip to Glasgow to change the car last week, I managed to make some time to pick up one or two bits - all essentials of course! I can't believe how restrained I was. Still, it was only 12 weeks since I was last there (see photo of craft stash then below!)

Mail art entry

2010-06-04T22:00:00.002+02:00

Here I am at the 11th hour submitting my entry to this week's challenge on Lotstodo, which is Mail Art. As I have the necessary Clarity stamps, it seemed a shame not to enter. I have to admit, it is an unfinished card but hope it fits the bill. I'll finish it off later.

Side view of Japanese picture

2010-06-03T21:25:00.003+02:00

Just wanted to show the depth in this picture which was the whole point of it. The "screens" gradually come towards you and were built up with lots of layers.

Second embellishment.....to Japanese photo

2010-06-03T21:18:00.002+02:00

After several unsuccessful attempts to upload the other photos, I have blogged this just to let you know that I am having problems. Sorry! If the photos load, then I stand corrected! Let me know your preferred embellishment in the bottom left-hand corner. Thanks.

Can't blog other images at the moment

2010-06-03T21:05:00.001+02:00

For reasons unknown to me, I seem unable to add any other photos to my blog at the moment so can't give you the alternative embellishment to choose from. See technology!

Third picture framing project

2010-06-03T20:48:00.003+02:00

Well folks, here is my third and latest project in the art of picture mounting. I can't really call it picture framing as it is more about the image and surrounding mount than the frame which is done by professionals. This was a pretty challenging project which I am delighted to say that I managed to complete and in a very short space of time! Just wish I had made more notes! You will need to click on the image to see it closer. The 3 "sliding screens" on the left are all graded, one behind the other which is why I have shown 3 images in total - sorry if it gets a bit boring! I still haven't decided which embellishment I should add bottom left so if you would like to leave your opinion, I would be very grateful. Personally, I lean towards the gold square (difficult to see, I know)but others have said that they prefer the longer, copper one which echoes the screens. I will add whichever on the outside of the glass (as advised my prof) when the votes are counted!

Second framed picture

2010-05-20T21:49:00.002+02:00

Not having posted on my blog for ages, I sure am making up for it tonight! Here is my second picture framing project that I finished yesterday. I got a little more adventurous and did a double bevel! Sounds like an ice skating manoeuvre! My next project is in the planning stage but is very ambitious. If I can pull it off, I will be very chuffed with myself. Watch this space........well in a few weeks' time maybe!
Don't forget to click on the picture for a closer view.

Well one tree even!

2010-05-20T21:46:00.002+02:00

Don't know what happened there but my two trees became one so here is the missing one!

Tree cards, well two actually!

2010-05-20T21:28:00.003+02:00

I finally got around to stamping with my Elusive Images tree stamps after having them for a couple of months! Here's the results. Both backgrounds were made with Distress inks sprayed with water on the craft sheet then the cards were dragged through the inks. The card with 2 trees has its leaves embossed in gold.

Hot air balloon

2010-05-20T21:21:00.002+02:00

I glanced out of my bedroom window this morning and what did I see? A dirty big hot air balloon a-lookin at me! So out I went in my "goonie" to take a photo of it as it drifted over our garden. Coincidentally, Lottie posted a photo of a hot air balloon over HER garden at almost the same time. Are they taking over the world? We should be told!

Putting on the Glitz!

2010-04-24T15:52:00.002+02:00

My mojo finally crept out of hiding this morning and I managed to make this card. It is a project on one of my Debbi Moore CD's (Glitter & Glitz, Magic Moments). I'm very happy with it but only problem is it does use up rather a lot of expensive printer ink! However, for a special birthday, I'm willing to accept that!

Unfinished card

2010-04-04T14:46:00.003+02:00

I finally managed some play time yesterday after having been laid low with a virus so I decided to try out this technique that I had seen demoed in Glasgow. I already had the Dreamweaver tree stencil so felt I was halfway there. First you put soap on the stencil to prevent it sticking too well to the double sided adhesive sheet you place it on. Then you sprinkle on some gilding flakes (which fly everywhere!). Take off the stencil and sprinkle black glitter over the "trees" which are left sticky (the glitter gets everywhere too!)then cut it out and stick it to card. Might try it next time on a smaller stencil as it uses up quite a lot of flakes. Nice effect though!

Latest craft stash!

2010-03-17T11:49:00.003+01:00

Had a great time at the craft fair and as you can see managed to do my bit for the British economy! I can't wait to get started playing with all my goodies. Pride of place is my new red laptop and digital camera which even takes photos in sepia!

Birthday cards for the BIG one!

2010-02-25T12:29:00.003+01:00

I have been very naughty and opened all my birthday cards even though the day of trauma isn't until Sunday! I didn't want them to spoil in all the travelling and we are on Ryanair and every ounce counts! Here are two photos - one of the wonderful cards and presents from my dear Lotstodo friends and one showing all the cards received so far.

Picture framing - my first attempt!

2010-02-25T12:26:00.003+01:00

I started going to picture framing classes about a month ago and this is my first "oeuvre". Not very exciting but it was just to learn the basics. Hoping the next one will be more impressive! (Sorry for the flare on the glass)

Craft Day at Keri's

2010-02-05T16:51:00.002+01:00

Here is a photo that I took of our craft day today. Everyone had a fun day and went away with at least a couple of stunning hand made boxes. From left to right they are, Laura, Denise, Keri, Martha, Morag and Catrin. Think we just might have a few more craft converts!

Tag card

2010-02-01T17:49:00.002+01:00

I am ashamed to see how long it is since I last posted on my blog. Soooooo sorry, folks! At last I have managed to find time to do the latest challenge on Lotstodo which this week is to make an unusually shaped tag. I hope mine fits the bill. I stippled the background using bubble wrap and Distress inks, repeating the colours I had used on the tag. Then I stamped out the watch faces and embossed them in gold. I typed "tempus fugit" (how true that is as I fly towards becoming an oap in 3 week's time!) and wrapped some gold cord around the tag. It was finished off with some more cord and coloured wool. I did a blue insert to finish off the card which is heading to UK for someone's birthday. Hope they like it!

For Craig

2010-01-03T20:57:00.002+01:00

Sadly I had to make this bereavement card for the husband of a friend of mine who died recently. I had been saving the alcohol ink background as I didn't want to cover it with anything until now when I realised that I could put this verse on top and it wouldn't detract from the background, rather I felt that it would enhance it.

My Zentangle hand

2009-12-29T11:27:00.002+01:00

I just love this art, probably because I love doodling!

Blog dog!

2009-12-27T17:39:00.002+01:00

I bought some dog stamps from a seller on ebay and have been trying to get decent images from them for the past few months. They are polymer stamps and for some reason, are as sticky on the front as they are on the back so the black ink just lifts off when I take the stamp off the card. The answer seems to be to wash them well in soapy water before using each time. Finally I have an image that I am happy with. This is the same breed as I own - a Bichon Frise - which is quite popular here in France. In real life he gives me as much grief as this stamp did! Not true, I love him to bits, he is a real little character and I wouldn't swap him for anything! Well, maybe a 20 euro note or a nice bottle of Sancerre.......I'm open to offers!

Henriette's birthday box

2009-12-24T22:01:00.002+01:00

Here's a tiny box that I made for my neighbour, Henriette, whose birthday it is tomorrow. She'll be NINETY-ONE!!!!! What a grand old lady she is with a mind as clear as a bell. We have some great chats together. She doesn't want to celebrate her birthday tomorrow as her son-in-law was operated on yesterday for cancer of the kidney but I couldn't not visit her and give her something. So, I thought this tiny hand made box with a little scented bag inside would not be too intrusive for her at this sad time and I hope she will accept it from me with all my love and best wishes for a happy outcome.

Sunset

2009-12-21T18:19:00.002+01:00

Just about managed to photograph this spectacular sunset before it disappeared below the horizon on this, the shortest day of the year!

Little boxes

2009-12-18T22:39:00.002+01:00

Just made this week's challenge with an hour and a half to spare - phew! The challenge this week is a box. I couldn't decide so have entered FIVE! I love making these little paper boxes especially using paint and cling film. The larger one has a top made with alcohol ink and a Clarity stamp star embossed in silver on top.

Christmas pyramid boxes

2009-12-06T14:35:00.002+01:00

I can't believe it is a whole month since I last posted anything on my blog so thanks Joy for your gentle reminder! I haven't taken part in the last couple of challenges so I guess that is to blame for the omission. Anyway, here is a selection of some of the pyramids I made and that I demonstrate on one of my workshops. Hope you like them. (Click for a close-up)

Inchies Challenge

2009-11-06T12:01:00.003+01:00

The challenge set by Lotstodo this week is to include an inchie or several in your piece. This was the first time I have ever attempted to make an inchie and as you can see, I got carried away and made nine! The cardstock is actually a lovely sparkly brown but hasn't photographed very well. Click to have a closer look.

Silver Wedding cards

2009-11-06T11:56:00.002+01:00

Here is a photo of our Silver Wedding cards received from friends and family. Underneath is a photo of the day it all happened in the Seychelles 25 years ago. Seems just like yesterday!

Christmas card

2009-11-02T17:25:00.002+01:00

Gosh, it is ages since I updated my blog - sorry folks! I'm not keen on making Christmas cards I have to admit, but this one kind of came in via the back door. I was impressed by a card on Clarity Stamps' gallery using a tree stamp I had, so I played around with it, then sprinkled silver glitter embossing powder on it and suddenly it made me think Christmas. I added the sentiment and layered it up with silver mirror card and here it is - my first Christmas card of 2009! Only 119 more to do, lol!

Places or Cities

2009-10-08T13:10:00.003+02:00

That is the challenge this week on Lotstodo, so as we are about to go to Rome, that just had to be the subject of my entry! Don't forget to click on the photo for better detail.

Oriental card

2009-10-05T15:33:00.003+02:00

Realised I haven't put anything on my blog for ages so this is a card that I made yesterday. Another Clarity Stamp of course, dressed in Angelina fibres and put on a background card that was swirled around in wet distress inks. The 3 buttons along the bottom were given to me by my friend Ping. Silver border peel-offs around the centre piece complete the card.

Edwige's doggy card

2009-09-11T16:11:00.002+02:00

Here's a card made with one of my new dog stamps that I got yesterday from eBay. I made it for my friend Edwige who owns the "poodle parlour" where Teddy goes for his coiffure. She is off on holiday to Italy next week, leaving her Sheltie with a host family here for 3 weeks so I thought I'd make her a card that says, "Enjoy yourselves, you two......" and inside it says "I'll be waiting here for you" and is signed with a large paw print (another stamp). The background is of course the colours of the Italian flag.

Tissue challenge

2009-09-09T13:14:00.002+02:00

This week's challenge on Lotstodo is to use tissue paper in your entry so I decided to use some to stamp on a candle! I perched the candle on the windowsill of my craft room to take the picture but it is so hot today that I'm surprised it didn't melt!

Another shirt!

2009-09-04T11:49:00.003+02:00

Here's the card I made for our French neighbour's birthday today. Hope he likes it!

Words

2009-09-01T20:28:00.002+02:00

That's the challenge this week on Lotstodo and this is my entry. I made this card for my friend Ingrid who is living in Belgium now. Thanks to my lovely forum friend Joy for the stamped image which enabled me to make this card. I hope I have done it justice. The base card was schmoozed through broken china and tattered rose distress inks which had been swiped on my craft map. The lady was painted in the same colours and some paper flowers were added from my punch. I stamped the greeting in blue (albeit none too straight!) and the card was done. I hope Ingrid likes it. I do!

Paper Challenge

2009-08-28T16:04:00.002+02:00

Not thrilled with this but I think it meets the criteria for this week's challenge on Lotstodo, i.e. to use paper. Thanks to Ping who demonstrated how to fold this "shirt" at our crafty playday on Wednesday. Think I need to refine it a little.......! The Japanese lady on the "tie" is a Clarity stamp, coloured and then shrunk.

No internet connection

2009-08-27T22:52:00.001+02:00

Not been able to post for the past week due to internet connection problems. Hopefully all is sorted now and "normal" service will be resumed!

Tyvek seahorse

2009-08-21T17:38:00.002+02:00

A last minute entry to this week's Lotstodo challenge. This is made from Tyvek, painted on both sides then heated with a heat gun to create the bubbles.

My first blog award!

2009-08-11T11:40:00.001+02:00

I was so thrilled this morning to receive this award from Zoe. Thank you so much for your appreciation - it is mutual xx

Ruby Wedding card

2009-08-10T21:11:00.003+02:00

At last I can blog the card I made for our friends Carole and Paul as the anniversary was yesterday and they have now seen it. The heart stamp is from Clarity Stamps and I stamped it once in cream and once in red, embossed them both in gold, cut them into quarters and mixed them together. The word stamp is an Anita's stamp which I picked up in a sale for £2.99! Again, I've also shown the insert. I'm happy to say that the card was much appreciated.

Chinese butterfly

2009-08-08T16:49:00.003+02:00

Thanks to the inspiration from a very talented Canadian lady, Yogi, I made this card. I tore a piece from a Chinese newspaper (thanks to my friend Ping who gets a Chinese Daily and kindly passed one on to me). Then I covered it in a thin coat of gesso after which I added distress inks in blue and green. Next I edged it with my gold Krylon leafing pen and added the butterfly to which I'd added a coat of glossy accents. I had dragged a glossy card through the same colours of distress inks which I'd spritzed lightly with water then spritzed the card and dried it with a heat gun. I added the Chinese "love" character and embossed it with gold, a couple of beads (again thanks Ping!) and finally stamped my JudiKins Japanese poem "Beneath a Plum Tree" as the background in unembossed gold. Looking back on my very early attempts at cardmaking 16 years ago, I think I can say that I am definitely on a journey of discovery and I'm loving every minute of it!

Pierrot card

2009-08-06T13:07:00.003+02:00

Here's a card that I made this morning using my friend Pam's "Pierrot" stamp from Paperartsy that I borrowed during our recent "playday". I also used her block stamps from The Stamp Man or Stamp Addicts (can't remember which)and her wonderful Marvy blender blocks (what delicious colours they come in!). The fern stamp is actually mine from Clarity Stamps, also the "love" stamp from I know not where! I've also included the photo of the insert which I did in turquoise paper with a heart punched border to echo the turquoise colour on the front of the card.

Recycle challenge

2009-08-03T20:22:00.002+02:00

I have done a very minimalist entry to this week's lotstodo challenge. I scrunched up the foil from around the top of a bottle of fizzy wine, then coloured it with alcohol inks. I put it behind an aperture card and stamped the message in silver on the front.

Alcohol inks and acetate

2009-08-03T11:18:00.002+02:00

Following on from the last card, I inked up some acetate with several inks then backed it with some Chinese paper. I loved it so much that I didn't want to use it for background so it has become a card in it's own right! I'm playing around with backing the acetate with text but finding the right balance is difficult. I want it to be subtle but still be able to make out the text. This amazing art journey continues.....!

Acetate challenge

2009-07-31T20:08:00.002+02:00

I'm a bit late in submitting my entry for this week's challenge on Lotstodo but I found it exciting and interesting in where it might lead me....... I coloured some acetate with alcohol inks then punched them out with my square punch, backed some of them with coloured paper and embossed around them. Finally I (bravely!) added a hand-written message and lines to the butterfly. I can see that this will be an ongoing project as it has so many applications!

Paris challenge

2009-07-23T18:07:00.002+02:00

Well this week's challenge on Lotstodo could have been made with me in mind so I just HAD to enter. I used 3 of Clarity Stamp stamps, gave the lady a Japanese paper jacket and cut out the doorway from black card.

Another Barry birthday card!

2009-07-20T17:51:00.002+02:00

Here's a card that I made for yet another friend named Barry (we have THREE!). It is a pinch from Barbara (Clarity Stamp) using her fisherman stamp and the reflection technique using her brayer and crumpled paper which she demonstrated on C&C recently.

Barry's birthday card

2009-07-18T14:27:00.003+02:00

We celebrated our friend Barry's 75th birthday on Tuesday in a wonderful old hotel near the Med. It was a lovely party culminating in the town's marvellous firework display (it was Bastille Day). This is the card I made for him. The subject matter was easy as he is a professional photographer and the "book" format lends itself wonderfully to special birthdays in the form of "yearbooks". Here also is a photo of the firework finale. Don't forget to click on the photos for better views.

Chris's birthday card

2009-07-18T14:20:00.002+02:00

Here's a card I made for my crafty friend Chris for her birthday last Wednesday. I stamped the poppy image (unknown to her!) when we had the recent craft day in her new craft room and the background was a glossy card swished through some spritzed distress inks and over-stamped with a cracked effect in smoky grey.

Crafting day with friends

2009-07-09T15:01:00.002+02:00

As I told you all, I had a great day crafting yesterday with my friends and here is a photo of us in Chris's new craft room. The part you can't see has 5 tall sets of drawers and a shelving unit all stuffed full of wonderful stamps and stash. We are all very envious! The photo shows from left to right Ping, Sue, me, Pam and Chris. Can't wait for our next crafty day in August at Sue's!