Tuesday 31 December 2013

Tags of 2013 – Finis!?! Not quite…….

Tim’s December tag is HERE – we have making a 3 dimensional flower, stamping and embossing, and stencilling through a mask and, er,….. paint splattering. Surely even I can do that?

The techniques for the flower are a little product dependent and although I do have clearly for art I have never even seen the frosted vinyl. So I  decided to improvise by sticking some vellum on the CFA with glue n seal. Was devilishly difficult to die cut, but that may have IMG_0984[1]been the die I chose because I have done this before with paper + CFA no problem. All the manipulation caused the vellum to become unglued so I have a feeling I won’t be recommending this as an alternative (but maybe if I had used an adhesive sheet to stick them together………). However as I have only the teeniest bit of CFA and plain vellum left this is not going to be a day to experiment!!

My finished flower, although not perfect, is rather pretty and I just love the translucent effect the vellum has given it…. so that frosty vinyl might just be going on my shopping list along with some more CFA and plain vellum. For my second tag I had to use a bit of printed vellum that was in my stash – not as robust as the CFA flower certainly but not too shabby – I may have found a use for that huge stash of printed vellums in my cupboard!!IMG_0985[1] 

The splatter technique filled me with trepidation – here surely was a chance to really mess things up! After donning suitable protective clothing (!) I commenced splattering – well,there must be some principle of physics in operation here as I was astounded at how many times you can flick a paintbrush loaded with white paint at a tag and fail completely to get ANY AT ALL on the tag. But boy, did it flick everywhere else!! Although I liked the finished effect and was getting a bit better at it by the end of the second tag it took me longer to tidy up than to make the whole tag!!

Now those among you who give a hoot may notice that I have missed out the November tag. This was the chalk art effect one. Simples one would think. Well it would be if I could remember where I put the chalk…… the tags are prepped and ready to go, and I’ll show them to you in a day or so when I have either found the chalk or had a chance to liberate a stick from my stash at work. They’ll all be finished in time for the January giveaway which I will upload next week. Promise. But now it’s time to put the glad rags on and crack open a bottle of wine, preferable with bubbles….it is the end of 2013 after all!!

It only remains for me to wish one and all a very Happy New Year and all the very best for you and yours in 2014. Hope to see you around the blogosphere.

Love n Hugs

Cindy xx

Saturday 28 December 2013

Just a few piccies…..….

of favourite cards that I made this Christmas and haven’t had time to share.
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Linked to Artful Times challenge no 45 - Favourite Christmas card
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DECEMBER GIVEAWAY WINNER

A little later than advertised, but the winner of the Vintage Calender is Glennis (I have emailed you hun).

Don't forget the January Art Draw will be a complete set  of 12 tags a la Tim Holtz tags of 2013.......just need to get those last two finished!!

Hope everyone had a great Christmas!!

Cindy

Monday 9 December 2013

CRAFTY CARD MAKERS - WINTER FUN!!

Well, there is more to winter time than Christmas right?

Our challenge this fortnight is to create something that celebrates the winter season - maybe some form of fun you might have during the Winter, for example skiing, skating, sledding.

For my DT piece I have made a card using a digi image from our sponsor, PAPER SHELTER.



She has been coloured in with promarkers and I used papers from my stash (I think they are CD papers) and Kraft card. The snowflakes are made using a spellbinders cut and tuck die, this little one is particularly cute. And of course. some glitter!!

So I hope you will find a minute or two for yourself in the midst of your Christmas preparations to join in with us for our last challenge of 2013. Drop in to Crafty Cardmakers for more inspiration and to link up with your project, we'd love to see what you make.

 

Wednesday 4 December 2013

Try It On Tuesday... A gift or tag

I'm a little late. The story of my life. My trusty mouse died yesterday and I had to wait for the batteries to re-charge. But that, as one might say, is simply a first world world problem, and of no consequence in the greater scheme of things.

To Business!! This fortnight at TioT we are asking you to create a handmade gift or tag - it can be for any occasion.

My DT entry is this little trinket box which I have decorated as a gift.



I have used paper from Craftwork Cards Paper floristry kit, and added extra die cuts, a little UTEE heart and a key charm.

The third picture was supposed to show it is decorated inside as well but I'm afraid you'll have to use your imaginations!!

So let's see what you can get up to - it's Christmas so there must be an excuse at least for a gift tag in amongst all your crimbo preparations!!


Don't forget to check out Try it On Tuesday for more fabbo DT inspiration and we look forward to seeing what you make this time round.

SEASON'S
GREETINGS!!

Monday 2 December 2013

December giveaway – Vintage Calendar

Quick off the mark or what? (Don’t answer that) Well the Christmassy one was last month and so now we have a calender for the New Year.IMG_0913 

STILL trying to nail that Finnabair look LOL. Love the soft vintage tones of this piece.

Obviously it’s a calendar so has a limited shelf life though I suppose you could add a new calendar bit if you wanted to keep it for another year or pass it on to someone else.

The little vintage tag was a freebie from Astrid’s blog and I did think that the recipient might like to exchange it  for a photo of their own to ring the changes so to speak. Up to you, but I have made it removable.

This one will finish on Sunday 22nd December so I have a chance to get it to the winner before the New Year. If you want to play, add a comment before 9.00 pm that day and you’ll be in the draw. Overseas players welcome (but of course can’t guarantee delivery time!!) and feel free to link from your own blogs. That’s it folks!!

 

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Sunday 1 December 2013

Oh dear what a calamity....

I seem to have lost a couple of weeks somewhere. I cunningly set the date for the end of the November giveaway a week early so it could be sent in time for Christmas and wouldn't miss overseas posting dates.... and then forgot to do the draw.

Not many players this month, and the winner is Susan from Sweden. I have lots to post tomorrow so it will  be on its way very soon.

Thanks for playing!! - December giveaway will be up tomorrow. Maybe even later tonight.

Promise. (!)

 

Wednesday 13 November 2013

What’s On Your Workdesk? Wednesday #232

Well, not many more of these before Christmas that’s for sure! What’s WOYWW? I hear you ask. If you want to find out all the details then jump over to Julia Dunnit’s blog ‘Stamping Ground’ and click the buttons. One at least will take you to an explanation.

 

So what am I up to at the mo? Been having a bit of a dry spell but making the odd card and bits for our attempt at a Christmas craft fair in a few weeks. (There’s 5 of us so I don’t feel obliged to do too much, it’s a bit of a try out for us all).

Here’s a bundle of finished Christmas Tree decs. IMG_0952[1] IMG_0953[1] A few other decs that haven’t really moved on since you last saw them. The Fabulous Fashion CD is my new fave – I’ve had my eye on House of Zandra for a while and was mega pleased when they brought out some CDs. I’ve made several of the cards already and could become a fan of decoupage all over again they have such lovely images to work with.IMG_0955[1]

An MDF money box I am decorating with Steampunk Spells papers (The one behind I did earlier, it’s just there for inspiration lol). Such a tidy workspace!!

I’ve also completed the bunting I was making when I last joined in with WOYWW but you’ll have to check out the post below to see that as I’m not posting it again. Maybe I have been busy – sounds like quite a lot when you write it all down!!

This was supposed to be a short post so I’d better close. It also all seems a bit trivial when considering the devastation in the Philippines. Lots of cyber support to all those trying to make things better or dealing with their personal tragedies.

Would love to know you’ve been visiting, will be a late visitor myself as off to earn a few pennies yet again. See ya!!

Tuesday 12 November 2013

November Giveaway

A quick post from me, already running very late this month with all my commitments – I do, in fact, think somebody stole a week when I wasn’t paying attention.

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So here we go, a bit of Christmas bunting is up for grabs. I’m not sure how long it is, a little over 2 metres I would guess. To be included in the draw leave a comment on this post before 9.00 pm on Sunday 24th November. Overseas players welcome. Feel free to link from your own blogs, let me know you have done so and I’ll put you in the draw twice.

That’s it!! Simples.

Monday 11 November 2013

Paper piecing for Crafty Cardmakers

Welcome to our latest challenge, hosted by Viv, who has chosen the theme 'Paper Piecing'

Viv would like to see something paper pieced on your project. You could, for example, paper piece a flower or part of your image such as a character's clothing (This is what I have done). I am sure you can think of other ideas!

This challenge is sponsored by SATURATED CANARY with two of their fabulous digis   

and also by WOODWARE

So here’s my DT submission:

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It is an 8 x 8 card base made from centura pearl cardstock.  I have used a Clarity Stamp and papers from MME ‘Miss Caroline’ collection. I stamped the image several times to get the different layers for each girls dress.

I liked the idea so much I made another card using fantasy film for her dress.

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For more inspiration pop over to the Crafty Cardmaker’s Challenge Blog and then join in!

REMEMBER TO FOLLOW THE THEME!!

Wednesday 30 October 2013

What’s on Your Workdesk? Wednesday #230

Well here we are again. If you’re not quite sure where that is, then pop over to Stamping Ground the blog of our lovely WOYWW leader Julia where al will be revealed.

A quick one from me today. Here’s the desk. A different view to usual.

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This is what I am doing just now. It is likely going to be seasonal (!), it may be bunting and it may be the November giveaway. I haven’t quite decided yet. I’m summoning up the courage to cut that lovely green cardstock cos I only have just enough for what I have in mind but once I get that far it won’t take long to finish. After hand cutting those letters from templates I can see the advantage of one of those clever electronic cutting machines. I was thinking I would make more than one but frankly, the time that took to do has put me off already.

So that’s all, will be touring very early or very late as I am back working every Wednesday. My choice, but I do like to fish for sympathy.

Would love to hear from you!! Happy WOYWW.

Monday 28 October 2013

Monochromatic Purple at Crafty Cardmakers

It’s time for our next challenge, hosted by Fiona, who has chosen the theme of Purple.  She would like to see cards and projects that are all or mostly purple. Hair/skin colours are also allowed

I wanted to make a little gift for a crafty friend who has recently moved and is avidly awaiting her new craft room being open for business! A thought a small hanger would be appropriate as it won’t take up too much space and so this is what I have made as my DT sample for this fortnight’s challenge.

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The base is an old Maya Road (I think) greyboard shape. I coloured it with Dusty Concord DI then stamped and embossed some flowers and flourishes to add interest to the background. The flowers and embellishments were stamped and cut from a mix of grungepaper and card. The butterfly was made with film and angelina fibres. A chain and a favourite quote finished it off – and I added some rock candy and glossy accents for extra sparkle and shine.

For more inspiration pop over to the Crafty Cardmaker’s Challenge and join in!

REMEMBER TO FOLLOW THE THEME!! 

We are sponsored for this challenge with prizes from DI'S DIGISTAMPS and by HOBBY ART more details over at Crafty Cardmakers.

Sunday 27 October 2013

October winner is.....

KRISHA. (Hope that link works, blogger went all weird on me).

Anyhow just need to know what you would like me to put on it to finish it off.

Haven't done much crafty stuff this weekend - been too tired. Even the extra hour today didn't help. But I've tidied up in my craft room, my usual thing when I don't feel up to much. Let's face it it always needs doing!!

Have a good week, will put the November giveaway up shortly and here's a clue, it is going to  be Christmassy!!

Saturday 26 October 2013

Tags of 2013 - October

I read this month’s 12 tag's post with a sinking heart because I don’t have distress paints or distress glitter. I’m going to have to think outside the box, round the corner and into the wardrobe for this one. But hang on a minute, what really are the techniques? Make something glittery on a grungy background – yeah, I can do that!!IMG_0941[1]
I decided I’d do a pumpkin for my centrepiece. I have been cutting out three layer pumpkins at work today for a Halloween make and take with the kids next week so I did the same using smaller circles and grungepaper. Then I coloured with ripe persimmon, added glossy accents and some stellar flash which I’ve had lying around for a while – well it may not be distress but it’s a bit different to ordinary glitter!!
Similarly I cut out a frame using a decorative spellbinder die along with one of the standard circles. Just to be different I covered one in black embossing powder, then silver tinsel glitter.
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  But somehow it wasn’t glittery enough so I heated it again and dropped in ordinary black glitter. I quite liked it but I did the second one with just glue and glitter. Then I realised I did in fact have some black glitter paper and I could have die cut it straight out. Never mind, that wouldn’t have been messy enough would it?
I looked through my dies to find one I could use to make the ‘stalk’ bit for the pumpkin and I confess this time I used the glittered paper!!
OK, now to smoosh that background - IMG_0944[1]my favourite and most successful technique (NOT!). I used inks as I don’t have the paints.
Oh well, at least they aren’t complete mud.
A little better after some extra inking and stamping?? IMG_0945[1]
And here are the final tags (two each month, because there will be a complete set to give away in January), I used a nylon ribbon and gave it a blast with the heat gun to get a really crinkly effect.Do you like my purple bats? They are the cut out bits from the frame!!
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And now everything is covered in glitter. Oh well, it is only 60 days till Christmas!!
 Happy Halloween!!
ps OCTOBER GIVEAWAY CLOSES SUNDAY ‘ 9.00 PM.

Thursday 24 October 2013

More Steampunk Spells…

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Haven’t had time to upload this project but I love it. It is an MDF moneybox from the MDF Man basically just prettied up with G45 papers ands embellishments.

 

Keeping this one for myself!!

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That’s all folks!!

Wednesday 23 October 2013

What's on your workdesk? Wednesday, # 229

Sigh, I am missing you all but have been so busy with work work work once again, I have just not had time to do much of anything at all. (oh don't go there, we've been privatised and then sold on again in less than 2 months - just so fed up with it all) So would really appreciate some crafty love this week!!!

So here's my desk which kind of sums up about how creative I feel today.


LOL, I really do have an obsession with glue and scissors. (How many different methods of adhesion are there in this picture?!! I counted 14) The disgusting chopping board is where I  place things while I am heat embossing -  it has become pretty grungy over the years. The arch is still there from 3 weeks ago and I've just finished a project (see post below), haven't tidied up and have no idea what I am going to do next. Hopefully it will look more active by next week!

GOOD NEWS: Final total for MacMillan fundraising was £365 which, when you add in the gift aid and the matching scheme from my employers (well they are now my previous employers, just squeaked in before it changed) made it well worth doing.

Wondering what WOYWW is? Go here for details!!

I shall be at work so may not visit many of you till the evening - see ya soon!
 

Tuesday 22 October 2013

Something wicked this way comes……Halloween at TioT

I am not a big fan of halloween challenges. It’s not that I dislike it, quite the opposite, In fact some of the greatest things I see are quite ‘dark’ (Check out Laura Carsons blog for starters!!) but I just don’t really get it, it’s not the kind of stuff I buy and I never know what to make. So I was wondering what on earth I could do as my DT entry for this fortnight’s challenge at Try it on Tuesday that would pass muster. And then ………
…….I fell in love with Graphic 45’s Steampunk Spells papers. Serious, serious, obsession. So although I wouldn’t call my project overly halloweenly, it will have to do. (Warning: Picture heavy post follows!!)
Having bought some of the papers and stickers etc, I resolved that for once I would actually USE them rather than stroke them. It’s actually quite liberating to take the plunge and cut into those papers!! After looking around the Graphic 45 blog I came across this gorgeous mini tag book ‘tutorial’ by Annette Green. There are two parts to the tutorial – watch them both BEFORE you start if you want to follow all of Anne’s instructions, especially regarding construction – believe me it does make a difference!! (From that I guess you can work out I didn’t do that!!)
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I recycled a damaged children’s board book for my project – I can usually lay my hands on these quite easily at work and it makes for a very substantial base. I copied Anne’s staggered look – the board book was already this shape so that was quite easy. The front cover is quite simple, I used one of the topper cards, made up a flower and added a ‘Halloween’ embellishment I had in my stash (so now it qualifies – so  there!!).
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The next page we have a kind of double spread. The little book is a removeable accordian book and   uses some of the small elements in the papers. I cut some other bits from the papers and did a little stamping. There was supposed to be a removeable tag tucked in the other side but guess who glued the ‘love potion’ plate on all four sides? (No, there are no prizes.)
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The next double spread has a little pocket with some removeable tags, and an extra page with a photo or journal block. Turn this over and and we reveal another tag and a journaling block folded over and secured with a metal spinner. This is something that Annette had in her mini and I just had to try it out – fantastic!! IMG_0935[1]
Here are the next pages – another insert attached to the right hand side tag.
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Are you still with me? Turn it over and discover a little pocket and tag on the reverse.
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The final spread has some bunting and another journal block.
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Sometimes I have a hard time just making things if I don’t have an idea who they are to go to, or what their purpose is. I have no idea what this is for, and although there are journaling spots and places where one could add photos I doubt I ever will - but I don’t care. One of the things Annette said in her video when explaining one of the delightful little details on her project was ‘it’s just fun… there’s no purpose, it’s just fun’. It really struck a chord with me and I think I need to adopt this mantra and not worry about why I am doing things so much!!
So there we have it, it certainly was fun to make and I am really pleased with it - I hope that maybe it will inspire someone else to just create for the fun of it. But whatever your Halloween make is, we’d love to see it over at Try It On Tuesday so go on over and join in!!

Challenges:
Dream Valley Challenges - Halloween
Country View Crafts  - Something SpookyMake my Monday  -Halloween

Tuesday 15 October 2013

Try It On Tuesday – How Much Texture is enough?

Or alternatively, knowing when to stop!! The current challenge at Try It on Tuesday is TEXTURE and no, you haven’t got the dates wrong, I am adding my DT piece mid way through the challenge to hopefully give you some additional inspiration if all the DT yumminess last week wasn’t quite enough.
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IMG_0882[1]I’m still trying to emulate that Finnabair style and this piece has been several colours from completely white (it looked so nice I couldn’t decide what colour to add) to pink and finally sort of greeny brown. I haven’t quite captured the look for this one but I had great fun playing with my texture paste, stencil, paints, chipboard, die cuts and buttons (don’t you just love that cute flower button?) and of course flowers and I like it so that’s the point really. It really is amazing what you can do with just some paper and paint.
The base of this frame comes from Any Crafts a Pound and did, in fact cost me a £1. A £ well spent in my opinion. It needed a little re-inforcing on the bendy bits but otherwise is a great little greyboard frame – I shall pick up some more when I see them next at a show.
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And of course the little beauty in the frame is my darling Chelsey. Thank goodness there is someone in the family who is photogenic!! (I must really like this photo, just realised I have used it before!)
So now it’s over to you to make something for the challenge at Try It On Tuesday. Remember we would like you add textures to your project.  The choice of what you do or use is up to you,  if you could tell us what you used that would be great.
This month our Sponsor is -
Smeared Ink
who are offering  a $10  prize to our  October winner.
So go on, join in!!

I am entering this piece in the following challenges:
Dream Valley Challenges #67 – Buttons
All Crafts Challenge - Anything but a Card
Natalie & Amy - Shabby Chic


Monday 14 October 2013

Shabby Chic at Crafty Cardmakers

This wasn’t what I had originally intended to do for this challenge, I had something a whole lot quicker  in mind but at some point in the last month or so I became aware that an artist whose style I had long admired was giving classes in the UK – Anna Dabrowska aka Finnabair. Of course this was after the event so to speak, and even if I had known I might not have got a place but to say I was miffed to have missed her is an understatement. So I thought I would have a go at a couple of pieces in her style, one of which was destined to become  my DT entry for the current Crafty Cardmakers theme – Shabby Chic.IMG_0907[1]
IMG_0902[1] The base for this project is an IKEA mirror frame – for some reason I decided to fill in in the mirror bit because I had this idea that I wanted a huge butterfly exploding out of the centre panel. If I had known the difficulties that butterfly would give me I would have stuck to the mirror!! I painstakingly chose some lovely shabby papers and covered the whole thing  - and then proceeded to obliterate it all with paint, ink and gesso!!
I loved using my new new ‘peacock’ stencil with artists spackle to give some texture – yum!!
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I was really pleased with my diamond ‘relief’ – they are the waste from some trellis die-cut I have. Obviously I had to stick each one down individually but the finished effect was pretty neat.
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Tried out the Kroma Crackle for even more shabbiness.



And of course there had to be flowers – these are made of UTEE using a mould.
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The problem with the butterfly was I didn’t have a stamp big enough so it had to be digital – I tried several ways of colouring and printing it but it kept turning out either too strong against the background or more matt and dull than the background. In the end I found using a Golden glossy gel medium lifted it enough without being too brash. The layering of paint and gesso to create depth takes time as you need to let them dry between applications so this was not a quick project but quite a rewarding one!!  


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Well I might not have quite nailed the look but I hope my take on the Shabby Chic theme will inspire  you to join in with to the Crafty CardMakers Challenge. This fortnight it is hosted by BettyC, who would like to see any creation, scrapbook page, altered art, or card that is 'shabby chic'. There’s lots more DT loveliness over on the blog to inspire as well.
PLEASE BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE RULES BEFORE ADDING YOUR CREATION AND CHECK IT MEETS THE THEME. 
We are sponsored by
MILK COFFEE DIGITAL STAMPS
WITH A PRIZE OF 5 DIGIS FROM THEIR STORE
And also by SIR STAMPALOT
with a fabulous prize:-
So go on, get  crafting!!



What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday? #771

  Morning deskers, welcome to our weekly Wednesday Blog Hop - WOYWW. Here's the link to the one responsible, the lovely   Julia at Stamp...