Karen's Carry Ons

Painted Canvas

2012-01-27T07:22:00.000-08:00

Hello! You know those gorgeous, angelic faces that lots of talented people are doing right now? Well, I am a bit crap at them but I have been persevering hahaha! My problem is that I can hear my art teacher from school whispering in my ear...'keep it real, keep it real' But a couple of days ago I told her to **** off and let me play hahahaha!!!!!

Its not perfect at all but it will do for now! All the paint is acrylic and there are various papers stuck on the background for a grungy look.

Thank you for taking a look, HUGS xxx

Chinese Style Clock

2012-01-23T06:35:00.000-08:00

I am determined that I shall have a pile of handmade gifts all ready for wrapping when I need them :-D I just didn't have the time last year but this year I am determined hahaha! This clock is made decorating an 8x8inch canvas. The background was painted, stamped & papered to death till I was happy!

This was the first time I had used modelling paste through a mask and although there are a couple of 'wobbles' I am pretty happy with the result. The lovely (and very useful) mask is from ~Tando Creative~ whose masks are incredible durable and, if you are messy like me, stand up to a good scrub haha! I also used the very pretty Bamboo mask for the corners.

Thank you for popping by, HUGS xxx

DCM - Kitchenalia!

2012-01-21T07:20:00.000-08:00

Its been such a long time since I entered a Daring Cardmakers Challenge!!!! But today I really fancied a bit of glueing & snipping. I am not too sure if this fits the bill but its about cooking hahaha!!!

The image & words are from Crafty Secrets...could be for a Valentine couldn't it? :-D The background is October Afternoon. The papers & images are very muted and old fashioned, its not my camera!

Thank you for popping by, HUGS xxx

Upside-down!

2012-01-18T09:26:00.000-08:00

Hello from a very cold Cornwall! Its been a bit chilly in my craft room the last few days so I have been doing some journalling on the sofa :-D Noooo..... haven't been writing on the furniture, its just that our sofa is warm & squidgy hahaha! Ever have days like this.....?

I know I have hahaha!!!!! Thanks for taking a look , keep warm, HUGS xxx

Song Bird Fly card!

2012-01-13T02:45:00.000-08:00

Helloooo and how is everyone?

Just a quick mention about my post below....thank you all for your feedback, I really appreciate all the comments I get. Someone mentioned hands...it is so much easier to just tuck them in behind as they are very daunting to draw. But I am going to have a go now so watch this space hahaha

I am pleased that I seem to (at last) got past that post-Christmas crafting block that most of us get and am raring to get my paints out again :-D Today I have a card to show you using some ~Tando Creative~ products!

The background was made using the fabulous Music Mask and some Scattered Straw DI. I love Tando's masks because they are really sturdy and stand up to lots of scrubbing hahaha! The pretty birdcage & bird were sprayed with Peacock Green Cosmic Shimmer Mists, while the swirl/branch was sprayed with Dylusions Garnet, along with the birds wing. The paper is BG 'Hello Luscious'.

Go and have a look at all the fabulous products that Tando make and then take a look ~here~ to see where you can get them. BTW....you don't need to register to look at the site :-D

Oh...it was lovely to make something non-Christmasy again I can tell you!!! Thank you for popping by, see you again soon and please take care, Hugs xxx

A bit of drawing!

2012-01-06T03:34:00.000-08:00

er...look away now if you don't like looking at pics of rudey nudey ladies !!!!

Don't ask me why but I felt I wanted to see if I could tackle the naked back of a woman, it could have been a conversation I had with an art student I know :-D It wasn't the drawing that was the challenge but the colouring. Anyway, I was quite pleased with the result and then it was suggested I draw the front to match!!!!! All done with the Derwent Skintone pencil set. Sorry that the 1st pic is a bit dark .

and here is the front... I wasn't too sure about blogging this one so I hope no-one is offended...

Thank you for taking a look today, HUGS xxx

If only Mosquitoes sucked FAT!

2011-12-29T07:21:00.000-08:00

Hellooooo....hope you all had a good Christmas???? I don't know about you all but I find that post-Christmas I am soooo tired and just want to laze around hahaha! This is when I can really justify journalling because I do most of mine sitting on the sofa :-D Here is a page I have done in response to a quote that my lovely buddy ~KAZ~ put on the forum I go on...

I think we all wish this one, especially at this time of the year!!!!! I have used acrylics for the background and the face is handrawn & coloured with pencils.

Thank you for looking and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! Hugs xxx

Christmas Planner!

2011-12-22T03:30:00.000-08:00

Helloooo! I know it may seem like I am a bit late with this project....but I did make it in November and its now well used haha! My old planner was looking a bit moth-eared so when the prompt for the ~DECEMBER TANDO CHALLENGE~ came through it was the ideal time to make a new one.

It measures 7x7inches and I have used Tando snowflakes and letters. The inside pages have been folded to make pockets...

All the inserts have been computer generated. The pretty papers are by American Tradition Designs. I appreciate that you are all busy now but there is still a little time to enter this challenge :-D

HAVE A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

Thank you for taking time out from your busy-ness to have a look today, HUGS xxx

Jingle all the way hehe!

2011-12-17T09:47:00.000-08:00

This is my very last Christmas card...phew! :-D

I have used the very pretty Reindeer & Sleigh chipboard from ~Tando Creative~ and painted it gold. Some of you will recognise the houses stamp from Crafty Individuals. I stamped 2 out, watercoloured, applied GA here & there and then layerd them up.

Don't forget the MONTHLY CHALLENGE over on our ~challenge blog~. There are amazing prizes that you get to choose yourself...how good is that???
Thank you for taking a look today, see you soon,
Hugs, Karen xxx

Are you ready?????

2011-12-15T02:40:00.000-08:00

Sooooo.....are you ready for the big day???? I'm not!!! I always used to be and then would enjoy the last week all relaxed but nowadays I have got a bit slack...doesn't help that hubby is in Bah Humbug mode till Christmas Eve hahahaha!!! Anyway, so that you don't think I have forgotten my blog here are a couple of random pics for you :-D The first is of the tags I have made this year, just really simple stamped ones. I like to use plain paper for wrapping & then prettyfy the parcels with ribbons etc.

The daughter of one of our clerks came to me yesterday to ask if I had a little box that could be covered for a kings gift in her nativity. I did a deal with her so while she hoovered my craft room I decorated it for her. Only took 15mins but she was pleased with it...

Its nice to do something spontaneous sometimes! Thank you for looking my lovelies and as my friend ~GINI~ said to me....enjoy the love/pain of your Christmas preparations...she so has that right! If you haven't found her blog do pop over as she always makes me smile :-D

HUGS xxx

A Mini 3D Sleigh for Christmas!

2011-12-09T07:23:00.000-08:00

Helloooo....how cute is this little sleigh? I found a sturdy little box that was just the right size so that I could make it 3D...how lucky was that? I also found that its the perfect size to fit some After Eight chocolates in to go on the dinner table at Christmas YUM YUM :-D

The sleigh has been covered with BG papers and the runners & flourishes painted gold with some glitter added. I just love this gorgeous snowflake that I have put on the back...

Oh and if you are wondering about the size here is the sleigh again with the international size gude hahaha!

Apart from the little box all the chipboard is by ~Tando Creative~ ..

Now I wonder if that open box of After Eights will go off now they are open? Perhaps I should do the right thing & eat them up before Christmas hahahaha! Thank you so so much for popping by, I really appreciate it, HUGS XXXXXXX

December is here!

2011-12-02T03:06:00.000-08:00

Hellooo there! I remember this time last year when I decided to complete a year of Kates wonderful ~365 Challenge~ . I knew that 2011 was going to be one of those years made full of memories and here I am on the last month with all those lovely memories recorded! 2011 isn't over yet though as there is always lots going on! Here are my final pages for the year...

I may add more to this page but I do love the glittery Santa which was cut from a 12x12 page. I have finished November, though I seem to have spent the month blowing my nose or throwing up hahaha!!!

A mixed Blessings month really. We learnt that my hubby is to be a Grandad again which is very exciting :-D The 2 little ones in our lives both had their 1st birthday. We were very sad to lose our gorgeous Auntie Frances, who at 95, informed me that she had had a wonderful life and had been a bit naughty sometimes, Bless her! We managed to squeeze in a fabulous long weekend in London, where we saw Les Miserables, between the lurgies hahaha! Oh and we have already had our 1st Christmas dinner out!!! I am so pleased that I did this challenge so THANK YOU KATE xxxx

Thank you for popping by, HUGS n STUFF xxx

Advent Boxes!!!!

2011-11-28T03:05:00.000-08:00

Hellooooo, every year I just love to make some type of Advent Calendar, though I am running out of people to give them to now hahaha!!! As soon as I saw these gorgeous little boxes from ~Tando-Creative~ all I could think of was 'Advent' stuff hahaha!!! They would make amazing favour boxes but as I have done a 'few' of those lately I wasn't going there!!!!

When made up these are approx 5cm cubed so just the right size. I love the scalloped top which tucks down neatly for the closure, you need to add a bit of glue in this fold to make it stronger. I have painted the scallops and then used My Minds Eye glittery papers for the rest. To keep with the 'country' feel I have strung them together with string & used Kraft card for the labels. You can still open them hung this way but how amazing would they be strung individually & hung on your tree? I did manage to get a pic of them altogether though I know it doesn't look very elegant hahaha!!!

Wouldn't these make fantastic favour boxes or just a little box for that 'special' little present??? For stockists take a looksee ~here~. Thank you for taking a look today, Hugs & Stuff, XXXXXXX

Snowflakes and Stars!

2011-11-17T08:04:00.000-08:00

Hello there! I have been busy with the lovely new ~Tando Creative~ Christmas stuff ! I have decorated a candle holder using the fabulous snowflakes & stars. They have been painted & glittered.

Thanks for popping by, see you soon :-D xxx

A friend to be silly with?

2011-11-08T03:10:00.000-08:00

Helloooo! Novembers Challenge is still ongoing over at the ~Tando Creative Challenge Blog~. This months challenge can be anything using...

BLUE & BROWN

Its a fantastic challenge as you don't have to use any Tando products and at the end of the month there is a draw where you can win Tando Products which you choose from a selection....how good is that???? We are showing you different entries from the DT each week and this week its my turn :-D

This 7x5" canvas has been painted up and then I have painted & stickled 3 of Tando's Karens Arch Frames. I had so much fun using my Stampotique stamps for this hahaha!

Do pop over to have a look at the challenge and the list of prizes you can choose from.....its well worth the effort! Thank you for popping by, HUGS xxx

' New Look'? .....I wish haha!

2011-11-04T06:01:00.000-07:00

...I wish hahahahaha!!!!! This is a journal page that I did for the lovely Dawns ~Journal Journeys Challenge~ . The prompt was 'New Look' which did require a bit of thought as all I could think of was a chain of shops hahaha!!!! As I was under the weather with a nasty bug I was retired to the sofa so there is lots of doodling on this one!

Its all tongue in cheek isn't it really? Who wouldn't like a new bod eh? Do pop across and see what the others have done and maybe have a go. Thank you for popping by and please be safe with the fireworks this weekend. HUGS xxx

November already!!!!!

2011-11-01T06:19:00.000-07:00

Hellooo and welcome to November!!! The month of storms, Guy Fawkes and warm woollies! Here is this months calendar page for Kate fabulous ~365 CHALLENGE~. I intended this page to be all rainclouds & umbrellas but then these gorgeous stamps by Kanban fell into my lap hahahaha!!!

Here are my October pages all finished...

October kicked off with a really special family day when my daughter got married :-D, then I managed to have a fabulous weekend away with some wonderful girly pals......great way to relax after all the wedding stuff :-D We have been out to dinner a couple of times and been to another wedding. Lots of civil duties tucked in there too and the start of 'proper' crafting again hahaha! Busy month...and it flew by!!!!

Thank you for taking a looksee today, take care & stay warm, HUGS xxx

Getting back to it slowly!!!

2011-10-26T03:17:00.000-07:00

Hi there! I am just showing you a couple of cards I made recently. Its been hard getting back into my 'normal' crafting again ...more a case of more in the bin than I am pleased with hahaha!!! This first card was for my teenage step-grandaughter who is well into her art. Lots of messy painty fingers helped to make the background and isn't it amazing how glitter gets everywhere hehe ?

The second card was for my very dear friend ~Kaz~ who admired this La Blanche stamp when I saw her last :-D

Thank you for taking the time to have a look today, big HUGS & take care xxx

Printers Tray/birthday card!

2011-10-21T03:36:00.000-07:00

Hellooo, everyone seems to be loving these ~printers trays~ from TANDO CREATIVE which come in different shapes and sizes. I chose the little one (103x103cm) which has a lid, cover...whatever you like to call it haha! I decided to be a little different and make mine into a birthday card for my daughter, vintage style. Though maybe I should have chosen a more modern theme as she says she feels old now....she is 26!!! Oh, I wish I was 26 again...daft mare hahahahaha!!!

I glued all the levels together and sprayed them with Glimmer Mists. I also used one of Tando's ~plaques~, which come in a pack of 3, for the cover, also sprayed with Glimmer Mists. The papers are Basic Grey Bittersweet.

The little bits inside are from my stash...old lace and a bead, a stamped bustier with teensy buttons, an old stamp and a silver butterfly charm.

We are pretty busy over at Tando at the moment...there is the MONTHLY CHALLENGE with prizes that you can find ~HERE~ and then something very exciting...

...our lovely Carol is running a FREE online class ~HERE~. Here is a sneaky peak of what you could be doing, please take a look!!!!

Thank you for coming to look, please leave a comment to say that you have been...I love those! Take care and keep warm & dry HUGS xxx

Autumn means.....

2011-10-18T02:33:00.000-07:00

...kicking leaves in bright wellies!!!! Thats the title of my entry for this month ~Journal Journey~ that the lovely Dawn has organised! The theme being Autumn.

The legs & wellies are hand drawn and the leaves & letters are from my trusty National Trust mag which is great for cutting up :-D. I love autumn...the colours and the temperature!!! I found a lovely quote after I had done my page...

'Autumn is a second Spring when every leaf is a flower' ~ Albert Camus

Just about sums it up don't you think? Thank you for taking a looksee today, lots of HUGS xxx

Mirror, mirror on the wall!!!

2011-10-14T04:22:00.000-07:00

Now I started this project a few months ago and have been dipping in & out of it while involved in other things. Its a tarted up Ikea frame I found in a charity shop for 50p....too good a bargain to miss eh? I found that the Tando twinchies fit very neatly along the edges and, after painting & sprucing, I added lots of little Tando pieces....flowers, butterflies, frames, birds, hearts & a house. Oh and that large frame is just perfect for the centre!

Sorry that I am in it....now I know how hard is it to photograph a mirror hahaha!!! To find out more about Tando Creative Chipboard (which is the best ) take a look ~here~ and for stockists look ~here~. Thank you for taking a look....please leave a message to show you have been and don't forget the Tando Challenge will you. HUGS xxx

I am back & Octobers pages!!!!!!!!

2011-10-11T07:34:00.000-07:00

At last I can get myself back to normal after months of manic wedding activity :-D . More of that later as first I want to show you my October pages for the ~365 CHALLENGE~ that the lovely Kate Crane inspires! Now I am not really into Halloween but couldn't resist a wierdy or two hahahaha! So I have used soft colours for this month just to confuse peeps!

Here are my September pages all done. I tried to add more writing this time and you will see there are not so many wedding hearts either as I tried to rest up before the day (as if!) Been pretty busy though with other things such as a christening , a hen night, graduation and making loads of chutneys & jams!!!!

Now on to my daughters wedding...you can skip this bit if you like :-D I made......

200 day & evening invitations...

80 orders of service...

SIX fiddly made-to-measure bridesmaids dresses...

80 favour boxes...

a guest book which I forgot to photograph and a partridge in a pear tree!!!! (not really hahaha) But I enjoyed it really even though 2 of her engaged friends asked if I could do their stuff as well!!!!!

Thank you for taking a looksee today, its soooo nice to be back! HUGS XXX

Hellooooo Campers!!!!

2011-09-16T07:34:00.000-07:00

Hi there! I think nearly all those in the UK will recognise the tones of my title quote from an old English sitcom hahahaha!!!! I haven't been crafting for ages but I did do this double page in my journal a while back using clippings from a National Trust magazine. I love the legs sticking out of the tent :-D

Whooo! back to my own crafting soon. Till then, HUGS xxx

September pages!

2011-09-04T14:32:00.000-07:00

Hellooooo.... I am really sorry that I haven't been able to get around to everyones blogs lately but I will be able to get all painty & bloghop again soon :-D. In the meantime here are my September pages for the 365 Challenge over at ~The Kathryn Wheel~ .

I painted the background with different colours of acrylic paint & then stamped blackberries all around the edges. I watercoloured the berries & leaves as well as the fabby AFTH cats. I cut some of the page so that I could tuck the cats behind the berries. The cats have been coloured to match my own three but I must assure you mine are not as angelic as these look hahahaha! Here are my August pages all finished...

As you can see there are still a lot of hearts showing the 'wedding stuff' days. My daughters wedding is on 1st October so I will be able to show you next month all the stuff I have been making for her big day. Nearly done now...phew!!!!! I have also been making a lot of preserves this year....jams & chutneys...oh & I have a few bottles of damson brandy on the go too...YUM! ( I mean maturing not drinking! hahaha)

Thank you for taking a look today...I am off to have a nosy at my besty friend ~Kaz~ blog as she has rejoined this challenge after a little break....so pleased she is back xxx

Have a good week...till next time , HUGS xxx

Tando Challenge 2 - Rustic Charm!

2011-09-01T02:20:00.000-07:00

WHOOOO!!!!! its the beginning of the month & time for a new challenge over at the ~TANDO CREATIVE CHALLENGE BLOG~ If you took part in last months please pop over soon to see if you are the lucky prizewinner -D
This months challenge theme is....... RUSTIC CHARM...you can make anything you like as long as it fits the theme. You don't have to use Tando products for this challenge. Here is my bit of rustic charm...

Its a diddy little key cupboard from The Craft Barn...its only about 5inches high! I gave it a colourwash of pink & rubbed some Frayed Burlap DI on the edges. Paper went onto the hearts & the door insets. I colourwashed the insed with green. The bird, branch, mini frame, flowers & hearts are all chippie by Tando & painted to match with some crackle accents in places.

How cute is that little drawer in the bottom????? No idea what will go in there hahahaha!

Thank you for taking a look today, the challenge is open all this month, please have a go! HUGS xxx

Shopping List Notebook!

2011-08-15T04:01:00.000-07:00

Hellooooo, I made this a while back for a friend but couldn't show it as it was a birthday pressie! Its a fairly large shopping list notebook...

I used mountboard for the covers & painted round the edges with red acrylic to match her kitchen. The lovely retro paper on the front is from a Craft Secrets pad...so perfect for the job! The beautiful little chippie bookframe is from Tando Creative...you get 6 in a pack...

...if you fancy some take a look ~HERE~ for stockists. I used good old copier paper for the pages & bound them all together with my trusty Bind It All. There are magnets on the back so that she can stick the book on her fridge.

Don't forget that Tando are now running a ~CHALLENGE BLOG~ . You don't have to use any Tando at all and there are some fabulous PRIZES to be had & YOU get to choose them....how good is that????

Thank you for taking a look today, HUGS xxx

Journal Journeys 2

2011-08-09T07:42:00.000-07:00

Helloooo, the prompt for Augusts ~JOURNAL JOURNEYS~ is Fairies! I think I may already have shown you a page or 2 with that theme before so I had to put my thinking cap on and also have a nose arounf The Graphic Fairys blog for inspiration -D Look what I found....A MODERN HOUSEHOLD FAIRY hahahahahaha!!!!!

Now I know she is carrying a rediculous size of super-duper-clean-anything-but-looks-dodgy soap but if it means she will come & deal with my cleaning chores she can use it!!!!! I tore some strips of paper to act as masks before I blitzed the pages with glimmer mists, glued on the wording & the fairy then just doodled to my hears content...oh & as she is magic she has to have sparkle on her wings hehe!

Thank you for looking today....do pop over to the blog & have a go, specially if you love your journalling! Hugs xxx

Using fabric on a card!

2011-08-05T02:50:00.000-07:00

oooops!!!! I missed the boat for the entry to last weeks Just For Fun challnge to use fabric :-( I had in my head that the theme changed on fridays...never mind, I am still going to blog it!!!!

I used muslin for the background & spritzed with glimmer mists. The fabulous Masai warrior is from Clarity Stamps & I have layered him up with a new outfit & used a coctail stick for his spear, although it wasn't quite long enough!

Thank you for popping along to take a look today, have a fabulous weekend won't you? HUGS xxx

August Calendar pages!

2011-08-02T03:39:00.000-07:00

Helloooooo, I didn't expect to be back here so quickly but it is that time of the month...noooo not that time of the month but time to blog a new set of calendar pages for the 365 Challenge set up by the lovely Kate over at ~The Kathryn Wheel~. As my life seems to consist of lots of sewing-for-the-wedding days at the moment it seemed apt to do a these pages accordingly. I promise I will show you these dresses when the wedding is over.....in fact you will probably get fed up with seeing pics hahahaha!

If you are interested here are July's pages all filled in....

I was a bit poorly at the beginning of the month but there are definitely not enough sofa days for the rest of it :-( But there was lots of fun at the end when the family got together again for another Fun Day at the local Donkey Sancturay this time.....amazing slide there to prove that you are never too old to play hahahahaha!!!!

Thank you for taking a look today, lots of Hugs

NEW Tando Challenges !!!!!

2011-08-01T03:40:00.000-07:00

Whoooooo!!!!!! Tando Creative have started a ~CHALLENGE BLOG~ :-D and there are PRIZES up for grabs! Its going to be a monthly challenge so loads of time for you all to have a go and the great thing is that you don't have to use Tando products for this...good eh? We are going to be showing the DT work in stages so this week there are 3 for you to see, including mine and the theme is...

'GO WILD'

You can interpret the prompt any way that you choose, I chose to make up a 4x4" canvas using my Tando elephant. He has been covered with GA then alcohol ink dropped in while still wet...soooo easy! BUT...like I said no need to use our products for this challenge so go on...have a go. Look ~HERE~ for the list of prizes you can choose from, its huge hahaha!

So pop over ~Tando Creative Challenges~ for a looksee at everything and please join in my lovelies! Thank you for taking a look at my bit of wildness today , HUGS xxx

New Baby for a Special Mum!

2011-07-27T05:04:00.000-07:00

Hellooooo from a very sunny & hot Cornwall :-D I was asked to make a special card for a young friend who has just given birth to a beautiful little girl. The card had to be special because the new Mum is blind....I think she may be able to make out really bright colours tho. This got my thinking cap on I can tell you...

remembered that years ago I had made a card for my Mum with knitting on so I got out the needles & some lovely bright lambswool & started clickety-clicking, then transfered the piece to a couple of coctail sticks with a bead on the ends. The lettering is heavily embossed so that Gemma can feel them & I added some lace & a big bow to finish! Its all very touchy feely for her.

Thank you for taking a look today, HUGS xxx

Craft-Room Challange 4

2011-07-23T04:27:00.000-07:00

mmm...just scraping in with this I think!!! This challenge is all about lovely butterflies.....how can anyone not like them, they are so beautiful aren't they? I have done a journal page for this one...

The butterflies were stamped &Elusive Images) & coloured with Inktense watercolour pencils.

Thank you for fluttering by today, HUGS xxx

Tando Class 2

2011-07-20T02:49:00.000-07:00

Another week and another Tando class from the lovely Zoe! There are 2 techniques this week and the 1st is one that I have done before but that doesn't matter does it........I still want to join in :-D Again I have used ando twinchies. This one is all about using masks & layers of paint...

I have been crafting for ages now & I can't believe that I have never used perfect pearls for what they were probably originally intended hahaha...

I didn't have any black gesso so used acrylic....I am sure that Zoe will let me off!!! Please pop ~OVER HERE FOR CLASSES~ and if you try any of the techniques please leave a link so that we can come & see them. Thank you for taking a look today, take care, HUGS xxx

Altered Carry Box!

2011-07-16T03:22:00.000-07:00

Helloooo :-D. As soon as I saw this fabulous carry box I knew that I had to have it hahaha! You know how it is...hahaha! I was browsing round the Craft Barn shop & my eyes just zoomed in but I had to be quick as they were going like hot cakes hahahaha!!!

I have painted it using Eco Acrylics and there has been much water-spraying, dabbing & stamping thrown at it! Don't you just love the way acrylic paint bubbles when you use a heat gun? It gives a fantastic texture! The flowers are a couple of rows from ~Tando Creative~ which have been painted to match.

One side is perfect for my masks and the other for pens etc! I just love it haha!

Thank you for popping by, HUGS xxx

Tando online class - lesson 1

2011-07-11T04:02:00.000-07:00

Hi, following on from my previous post I thought I would have a go! This is such an easy technique once you have snaffled the shaving foam when hubby isn't looking hahaha!!! I love the results...all marbly & soft. It really works well, even on this twinchie!

I have used Sepia & Solar Scarlet Magic Color inks for mine but I am not going to give away how to do this....I am going to be naughty & make you go look for yourself ~HERE~. The classes are free so thats a bonus isn't it and Zoe will be showing lots of different techniques over the coming weeks.

Thank you for taking a look & I hope that you join in with this, HUGS xxx

TANDO ONLINE CLASSES!!!!!!

2011-07-07T04:13:00.000-07:00

Helloooo, no crafting from me but I do have some exciting news for you!!! My lovely super- talented-try-anything-new-and-interesting friend ~Zoe~ is kicking off a fabulous ONLINE CLASS over at Tando Creative. It starts tomorow & will be weekly.....oh & its free!!!! Take a look ~HERE~ to see what its all about :-D Zoe is going to be using allsorts of techniques, which knowing her will give amazing results, and will be making them up in a book format! Here is sneaky peak haha...

Isn't that pretty???? Wonder how she did that??? Please pop over to see what Zoe does tomorrow. HUGS xxx

Grrrr...can't beive tha I have had to o over al thi as my keyboard is sick!!!!!! Technology eh?? :-D

New- Journal Journey's Challenge

2011-07-01T08:04:00.000-07:00

Goodness...twice in one day...thats nearly blogging overload for me hahahaha!!! I popped over to the lovely Dawns blog (in my bloglist) and saw that she has started her first challenge blog... ~JOURNAL JOURNEYS~...right up my street at the moment :-D The theme this month is orange and pink and I had this page already done but never blogged. Oh & I haven't done the journalling on it yet!

I think all Mums would understand this one! I have used misters for the background & a new Tando Mask. The stamp is by Stampotique. Hope you like, HUGS xxx

Half way through already!!!!!

2011-07-01T07:03:00.000-07:00

Helloooo everyone :-D Hard to believe that we are half way through the 365 Challenge by Kate Crane over at ~The Katheryn Wheel~. Here are my July pages, I had a hoot of a time hahaha...

I have a few of June's dates to still fill in but here it is today...

There has been lots going on in my little world, some good, some brilliant & some not good! At least 9 days spent with wedding stuff, which doesn't sound an awful lot but when you think that I can only spend 21days at my craft desk...mmm...! I had a fantastic time at the Craft Barn on 4th & 5th and a very sad day or two after a very loved Aunty passed away. Not too many sofa days though are there? Must remedy that hahaha!!!

Do pop over to Kate's blog to have a look at all the other brilliant calendars! Thank you for looking today, HUGS XXX

Having more 'me' time

2011-06-27T08:06:00.000-07:00

Hellooo, I actually had a 'me' day again the other day, thats twice in as few weeks :-D Think I may allocate fridays as 'Me Fridays' from now on...well until this wedding is over hahaha!!! This time I made up a journal page...

Girl stamp is Stampotique, floer stamp was a freebie and can you spot a Tando mask in the background???

Thank you for popping by, HUGS xxx

Welcome Bird Hanging!

2011-06-23T02:53:00.000-07:00

Hellooo....thank you for all your lovely comments about my Art Doll in my previous posts, I truly appreciated them :-D

When I was at the Craft Barn Extravaganza a few weeks ago I started playing with some of the new Tando Creative Masks on one of the large bird hangings that Tando supply! At last I have got around to finishing it off and mounting it on an 8x8inch canvas...

The canvas was inked up & then gesso'd to 'quieten' it down and then overstamped with distress inks. I just have to show you the new masks (forgive me if I already have hahaha) as I just love them!!!!

If you would like to see more in the range plus the gorgeous Tando Creative chippie take a look ~HERE~.

Thank you for taking a peek today, See you again soon, HUGS xxx

Art Doll

2011-06-18T05:13:00.000-07:00

Hellooo...ever had one of those days when you just want to do something for you??? I had one yesterday....no wedding stuff and no DT stuff...just for me :-D So I did something I have never done before and I made an Art Doll. I had so much fun & it was a real distraction from the sadness I was feeling. There is a new challenge blog aroundcalled ~CRAFT ROOM CHALLENGE~ and this is for them...

I found the template on the net & saved it ages ago but, being a numpty, forgot to write down where I got it from so I can't credit it...but its fab isn't it? I used Mona's face & ~~tarted~~ glammed her up with some glittery eye-shadow & lippy haha! There is lots of sticking, stamping & beading going on on her. I reckon she looks a cross between a Goth & a try-hard Moulin Rouge girl hahaha!

Do pop over & take a look at the other fabulous entries and a BIG thank you for coming to see this today, HUGS XXX

Music is Forever!

2011-06-15T03:21:00.000-07:00

Hellooooo! It was my son-in-laws birthday this week and I had to think of yet another 'man' card!!! How hard are they??? But...I have never had a problem making a card for Ben as he seems to be interested in so many things :-D This year I went with a music theme and delved into my ~TANDO~ box (yes...I have a special BIG box for it now hee hee).

When I spied the new music mask I knew it would be perfect for the background and I used black soot DI for that! These Tando masks are amazing...they are extrememly sturdy, which is good for me as I am useless with the thinner sort hahaha. Oh and you can emboss with these masks as well...bonus! The little chippie guitar is part of a pack & I covered it 1st with Viva Croco (note to self...must get more colours!) & then dabbed some Cosmic Shimmer Acrylic pens on it to 'lift' it. Doesn't it look metallic like that?

I love that quote from Paul Simon that I used to finish it all off! Take a look at the mask in all its glory...

If you fancy a gander to see the other new masks take a look ~HERE~ and if you, like me, simply cannot resist one or two then take a look for a ~STOCKIST~ near you.

Thank you so much for popping by today, see you soon....HUGS XXX

Mini Bird House!

2011-06-13T02:40:00.000-07:00

Firstly, I would like to thanks everyone who popped by to say hello when I was demo-ing last weekend, I had a really fabulous time of it! If you came you might have seen this little bird house by ~TANDO-CREATIVE~ on my stand. Its sooo cute as it only measures 3inches high :-D

I covered the main parts with paper (BG Indian Summer) and painted the inside bright yellow as you can see when it all slots together! The roof has been attacked with Viva Croco in Blackberry then dabbed with the new Cosmic Shimmer drawing inks (my new best friends haha). I then went round all the edges with a gold krylon pen. A few beads & some wire for the hanger finished it off!

The little house comes in pieces but its seemples to put together. For a list of stockists please visit ~here~. Thank you for taking a look today, please pop by again soon as we have something new nearly every day!!! HUGS xxx

JUNE'S CALENDAR

2011-06-01T02:49:00.000-07:00

Blimey...it June already...half way through the year. That means its halfway to Christmas again hahahaha!!!!! Although I am very busy with other stuff and haven't managed to do any challenges lately (I really miss those ) I have managed to keep this one up! Well, its a sort of diary for this year as its a special year in our family, with my daughters wedding on a countdown now! Pop over to ~THE KATHERYN WHEEL~ to see what its all about, its never too late to join in. Anyway here is Junes pages...a seaside sort of theme this time. Mind you the weather is definitely not seaside weather here hahaha!

The rhyme by D.R. Benson reads...

I simply can't understand

Why swimsuits are in such demand.

They're soggy and damp,

Bind like a clamp

And hold about three pound of sand!

haha...reminded me of when I was a kid playing on the beach....the sand just got everywhere...and I mean everywhere!!!!

Here are May's filled in pages, there has been a lot going on...

I had a fantastic weekend away with some crafting buddies, lots of wedding stuff days (making all the invitations, cutting out bridesmaids dresses etc). A few civic duties as my hubby is Deputy Mayor this year...a good chance to really dress up eh? The bad hair days refer to the unwanted guests in it!!!!!! I do know where they came from now so avoidance tactics are in operation!!!! Mustn't forget the good old sofa days which I couldn't manage without at all!

So there you are, another month over. June is going to start with a bang for me as I am demo-ing the fabulous ~TANDO CHIPBOARD~ at ~THE CRAFT BARN~ this weekend. This will be my 1st time at this sort of thing and its a bit daunting and scary but I am also very excited too! So if you are around one of the days do pop by and say hello :-D Take care, HUGS xxx

Bits & Bobs frame!

2011-05-23T07:22:00.000-07:00

Hello, :-D . I am still up to my eyes but I promise that I will get round to all your bloggies very soon xxx Today I have a little plaque for you using lots of different Tando pieces. This is another piece that I did on the retreat last week. I love these round frames which come in a nest! I have used the outer circle for this which measures 12cm across.

I painted it with acrylic and then crackled it with transparent Viva Decor. The background was just painted & lightly stamped with a lovely verse added. The Tando butterfly (from the butterfly grab bag) Has been stamped with a butterfly image (another grab bag) & then touched round the gaps with acrylic. The larger flowers are from yet another grab bag (see hw useful these bags are :-D) and have been stamped & painted. The tiddly flowers have been cut off the little row of flowers that are also available. I then layered the flowers up as in the picture.

Just goes to show just what a range of designs that ~TANDO CREATIVE~ have & how they all go together! ooooo do look out for their new ~MASKS & STENCILS~ ... they have to be the sturdiest I have tried and even I can use them (usuallt pants at this haha)

Thank you for taking a looksee today my lovelies, take care, HUGS xxx

Retreat Suitcase???

2011-05-18T04:09:00.000-07:00

Hello lovely bloggers!!!! As you may have read from my previous post I have been on a crafty retreat with my BubblyFunk Forum pals. We had a fabulous time as usual full of fun & laughter....THANKS GIRLS!!! If you are interested we went to TOAD HALL at EATON MANOR in Shropshire! Gorgeous spot & amazing facilities! Anyway... I took some stuff to play with while I was there...a little 9inch wide suitcase. Its made of thick card & I am amazed at the battering with paint, water & sprays that it handled. Bet you can't spot the deliberate mistake? hahahahaha

I love the leather handle :-D

The pen around the name plate has come out a bit bright on the photo...its hardly visable irl. Its from ~TANDO CREATIVE~ of course haha! The butterflies are from a large plate from Elusive Images, which I am sad to say is no more :-( They have been painted & then glittered. I put the mahoosive one on the inside...

So now I have a little case to put my journalling pens in!!!! oooo have to show you this little lady...I won her in the raffle we had! She was made especially by the lovely Sally out of a pair of socks!

Isn't she cute???? Thank you for dropping by to take a look today. Oh and the deliberate mistake if you didn't notice was that I did everything upside down on the top hahahahaha! Too much pimms I reckon hahaha, HUGS xxx

HAPPY & GRUMPY!!!

2011-05-09T09:00:00.000-07:00

Hi lovely bloggers! I am off to a craft retreat at the weekend so I have been busy preparing for that BUT I do have something to show you. I have been practising my faces and find that I can't draw those gorgeous beings that so many of you can. You know...the ones with those gorgeous eyes that are like pools??? Am absolutely useless at them. So I am sticking with my usual ones. These are 'happy' and 'grumpy' pages hahaha....

I have since filled it in with loads of journalling. I didn't realise so many things made me grumpy though.....must be my age hahahaha!!!!! I have used a set of Derwent colouring pencils just for faces, which is a lovely set.

Thank you for looking today, take care, HUGS xx

MAY'S CALENDAR PAGES

2011-05-05T10:39:00.000-07:00

Hi...at last I have finished my May pages for ~Kate's 365 Challenge~...for some reason I got caught out this month, I blame the bank holidays we have had! :-D Here they are...

Just to show that I am keeping this up (even though it makes pretty boring reading really) here are Aprils completed pages..

There are lots of smiley faces there and you can see the 'wedding' hearts beginning to creep in as I get on with all that stationary hahaha! Course I do have to have my sofa days too! It was lovely that the month ended with a fantastic family picnic with 11 of us at a farm park :-D

Thank you for taking a look, HUGS xxx

Canvas with a banner!!!!!

2011-05-03T04:44:00.000-07:00

Hi peeps, I thought it was about time that I made something just for me and I have been wanting to make up an 8x8 canvas for my bedroom for a while now :-D I have used all sorts on this one too!

The background has been painted & sprayed then dabbed with inked up bubble wrap. I stamped onto some mulberry paper & tore it before I stuck it on. The lovely little banner & flower chippie is from ~TANDO CREATIVE~ while the large heart is from my stash. These have just been sprayed with mica mists! I found the beady earing in a charity shop. The purple lace was white but I sprayed it with mica mists which worked better than I thought & gives a gentle sheen. I added some accent beads, more lace & bits from my stash to complete the look.

Hope you like it and a BIG thank you for calling by, HUGS XXX

SCALLOPED BANNERS!

2011-04-28T03:13:00.000-07:00

Helloooo, I hope that you have all had a fabulous Easter time & enjoyed the sunshine (UK). Sorry that I have been a bit AWOL lately but I do promise that I will get round to see all your lovely blogging soon XXX. Meanwhile I have been having a lot of fun creating banners for my niece & nephews new bedrooms! I used the amazing single banner pieces from TANDO CREATIVE that come in a pack of 5. Each one comes in 2 pieces for decorating and they already have holes at the top for threading. Here is Millie's, who is 3 coming on 30 hehe...

I painted the scalloped piece & dabbed chalk ink along the scallops to define them. The upper piece was covered with paper and painted grungy letters added. Then a Prima flower popped on the bottom. I threaded the whole thing with ribbon. Although it doesn't show, its pretty glittery!!! Then I couldn't leave littleMax out could I? Here is his....

Not so much glitter this time and buttons instead of flowers hehe! Have to say that I do like the vibrant colours of this one! So there you have 2 different takes on the banner!

Thank you so much for popping by today and I promise that I will be doing more crafting soon!!! Take care everyone, HUGS XXX

Crafting again :-D

2011-04-16T05:36:00.000-07:00

Hellooooo, I have been playing with some Tando chippie :-D . These bookplates are really pretty and really versatile for all your projects! Here I have used one of the small bookplates that come in a pack of 4, 2 each of 2 styles. Don't be fooled into thinking that these are really small as they measure 7.5 cm each way, a really good size I think. Here I have used one on the top of a 9cm x 9cm wooden box...

I kept it simple by just embossing the bookplate with silver. I only did one coat as I quite liked the 'beaten' look it gave. The box has been sprayed with mica paints and then a thin coat of rock candy to give a little more texture & bring up the colours.

Looking at it now I can see that I should have gone round the edge of the word with ink but hey-ho, these things happen don't they? haha. Oh and, yes, something precious is going in there!!! Do go & take a look at all the fabulous chippie that ~TANDO CREATIVE~ make & then look down their ~suppliers list~ for where to get it!!!! Thank you for taking a look today and remember that there is something new posted most days so do come back

Mermaids with attitude!

2011-04-11T08:08:00.000-07:00

Hi there lovely blogging friends! Sorry that my posts are spreading out these days...there is so much wedding stuff to do , which is good but I do miss my other crafting! But to keep me sane-ish I am still taking my journal to the sofa in the evenings hahaha! I am very lucky to have got hold of the new Stampotique mermaids...can't pronounce their names, yet alone spell them hahaha! Looking at what some have done with them they look all airy & full of nicety but somehow mine look dark...or is it in my colouring & what I had in mind for my journalling???

Maybe painting them yellow/green didn't help hahahaha!!! I used newspaper strips coloured with wax crayone to represent the waves whilst the rock is layered newspaper painted up. The mermaids are coloured with Inktense. Apart from their tails they remind me of those ghoul type creatures at the end of Raiders of the Lost Ark....is that just me??? haha! Thank you for taking a look today. I promise that I am playing with chippie but I just can't show you today :( HUGS XXX

April's Calendar pages!

2011-04-01T04:15:00.000-07:00

Hellooo lovelies!!! Its 1st April already!!! Its April Fools Day here in the U.K....does that happen anywhere else or is it just us who have a loony day??? hahaha!!! Anyway I am being a good girl & filling in my pages this year :-D Here is April's all ready...

Yellow & purple seem to be all around us at this time of the year don't they? The combination is very Springlike. Now, I have a thing for chickens and could sit & watch them all day as they are soooo funny! So as its the Easter month they have been included. No Easter eggs as I don't buy them, I just don't like the commercial side of this season. Btw...the chickens came out of a kiddies colouring book hahaha! Always a good source for farm animals I reckon. Anyway...here are March's pages, all filled in...

March has really been a month of change in my family. My daughter found herself a far better job where she is happy and of course my sister and her little family moved close by, which I love!!! There has been lots of furniture hunting and packing of boxes & a fair few sofa days involved too. My Mum has spent most of the month in quarantine after thyroid treatment & was in a bad mood for most of it!!! Oh & I fitted in a birthday :-D So its all been busy busy busy.....phew....looking forward to a quieter month now!!!

If you would like to see other calendar pages for the 365 JOURNAL then pop over to ~The Kathryn Wheel~ and see what Kate & the others have done! Thank you for taking a look today, HUGS XXX

Nearly there!!!!!

2011-03-21T05:57:00.000-07:00

Hello, it seems ages since I posted! Been spending a fair amount of time with my sister, lending a hand with her packing, sorting and being a shoulder for her over the break up with her ex. But we are in the home straight now as she moves this friday. Its been very hard for her, especially as Millie (3) & Max (5months) have picked up on the stresses involved, not helped by their Dad who is being an idiot!!! :( Anyway, I have made her a New Home card and wanted it to be one that Millie could relate to & hopefully see it as a positive move.

I had such a lot of girly fun with this one haha! The castle is every little girls dream isn't it? This one is by PaperArtsy & the van is by Google haha! The circles are watercolour crayons, had fun with those too! I enjoyed this so much that I made a journal page to match...

Its titled 'Coming to the Hill' because we live right on the edge of the moors, whereas she is moving from the coast. We have always joked about the drop in temperature etc hahaha! I shall be journalling in the bottom half after the move.

Thank you for taking a looksee today, hopefully things will return to normal soon :-D, HUGS XXX

A bit of Journalling!

2011-03-10T03:29:00.000-08:00

Hellooo! Not a lot of crafting here recently & when I do find time I just procrastinate hahaha As my sister is moving nearby I have been busy with helping her but I have managed to get in a bit of journalling to help me wind down. I have taken pics before I have journalled, hope you don't mind? Thought you might like a peek anyway ...the very talented Kate from ~The Katheryn Wheel~ inspired this one...

I am a bit of a worry-wort at times & at the moment am getting faffy about my Sisters move as she has asked me to sort out some furniture for her...she basically has none!!!

Yes...I am a bit of a home bird!!!! Although I do love to get out & about its nice to return to my comfy sofa hahaha

I do have some crafting on my to-do list so hopefully I will be back soon. Now where is that furniture list???? HUGS XXX

Singing in the Rain!!!!

2011-03-05T02:19:00.000-08:00

Hellooo from a very sunny Cornwall today :-D Spring is certainly here today, the daffodils are out or nearly over & there are gorgeous primroses in the hedges. Its lovely when everything wakes up at this time of the year isn't it?

Today I am showing you a journal page which I have done following ~Milliandes Art Prompts~ . The prompt was Singing In The Rain...the film with Gene Kelly and of course that fabulous sequence of him dancing in the rain...LOVE THAT!!!! Milliande provided downloads as well as the link for the dance, which was great to see again :-D

I am one of those daft people that loves jumping in puddles or going for a walk in the drizzle hahahaha!!!

Thank you so much for taking a look today, have a fabby weekend won't you, HUGS xxx

Just for Fun 4 - Angel Wings

2011-03-02T03:15:00.000-08:00

Helloooo....just scraping in with this one!!!! Over at ~JUST FOR FUN~ they are still playing with wings and this week it all about Angel Wings. Feeling like doing some drawing, I decided to do a Journal Page for this one.

The Angel has been coloured in with Coloursoft pencils and then cut out & stuck on a background of paint & Dylusion mica sprays.

There is a new theme for the challenges tomorrow so do pop over for a look! Thank you so much for taking a look today, HUGS XXX

365 calendar - MARCH pages

2011-03-01T02:40:00.000-08:00

Hello! I can't believe that its the beginning of March...who stole February then??? There are lots of fresh starts to record next month for my family and a couple of trips away hopefully! Anyways...here are my March pages for the fabulous ~Kate Crane's 365 CALENDAR CHALLENGE~....

I know that the stamping isn't perfect along the bottom but I think it adds to it hahaha!!! The background has been painted & sprayed madly and did get pretty soggy....so pleased that it all dried flat agin though :-D Here are my filled in February pages all filled in...

A fairly busy-with-family-stuff month for me but I did manage a few sofa days! I shall certainly miss my massages on a monday but I am very pleased that I found my sister a new home :-D

Till next time...take care everyone, HUGS XXX

Flowerhead Flourish canvas!

2011-02-25T03:41:00.000-08:00

Hi there folks :-) Today I am bringing you a little 4x4inch canvas. I have decorated it with some ~flower head flourishes~ from ~TANDO~. Its probably me but I just saw the pretty pattern/shape of these not the flower but I still like them :-D

The chipboard has been coloured using Mica Mists. It took a few coats of the wet stuff...its such good quality chippie thank goodness!!! It was nice to get the bobbles & beads out again...its been a while hasn't it? Do pop over to Tando to see what they make & then to ~HERE~ to download the stockists list!
Thank you so much for coming by, take care & lots of HUGS XXX

Just For Fun - wk 3

2011-02-18T08:27:00.000-08:00

Hi there! I needed to make a birthday card for my sister & she loves butterflies so I combined that with this weeks ~JUST FOR FUN~ challenge, which is all about insects!!!! I didn't really feel like getting lots of papers & embelishments out so I have stamped this massive 14cm x 14cm butterfly from Elusive Images straight onto the card.

I coloured in with Inktense watercolour pencils, adding a bit of glitter here & there. I couldn't cope with the white space so I used some very watered down acrylic paint and just 'blobbed' it on hahaha Then I went round the edges of the butterfly with my trusty white Posca pen!

Thank you for looking today, have a lovely weekend whatever you are doing :-D HUGS XXX

The rest of Milliande's prompts - days 20 to 24

2011-02-16T04:19:00.000-08:00

Hello from a very wet Cornwall today! I am so pleased to say that I have finished all of Milliande's Art Journal January :-D You can see that I have started to attack magazines for lettering & am using a lot of colour now. So here are the rest of my pages...

Day 20 ...My Front Door. Well this isn't my front door but I have always wanted a barn door! Preferably attached to a cottage haha I used acrylics & wax for this one.

Day 21...Bluebells. I was going to go for snowdrops because they are easier to draw but then I thought that as this is supposed to be challenging I should attempt the bluebells & not be a chicken! I so feel that there should be something opposite them tho...that big gap is bothering me still!

Day 22...A day in my Life. I spent an age on this one. You can see that I made a feeble attempt to draw myself from my avatar pic above hahaha! I am thinking now that I need to get some 'face' colours!!! I used the lovely Derwent Coloursoft pencils for my picture...the rest is watered down acrylics. I threw rock salt at the wet acrylic and when it was nearly dry I used the heat gun. Makes a lovely nobbly effect beacause some of the salt melts!!!

Day 23...My Favourite Poem. this speaks for itself really hahaha! Wax crayons for this one.

Day 24...Circles. I nearly went blind drawing all the little circles hahahaha! I used Inktense pencils for this one.

So there you are...all done!!!! I have certainly learnt a lot from doing this. So if you fancy a go (the prompts are up permenantly) go for it! Don't be scared...remember that if you don't like a page you can just bin it & start again! Thank you for looking today my lovelies, HUGS XXX

ONE FOR ME!

2011-02-14T02:42:00.000-08:00

Helloooo! When I was sent this lovely multi-frame by the brilliant Di from ~TANDO~ I was going to use it for baby photographs. But after seeing the other very gorgeous examples made up by the DT on the blog ~here~, I felt I needed to think again! So I made it a hanging frame and all the embellies are relevant to my life...

The base has been coloured with watersoluble wax crayons...I do like the texture & shabby look it gives! Now I am sure that you all want to know what the 'bits' mean hahaha so here goes...

Flower....I love to have fresh flowers in my home, preferably pinks
shell....until recently I always lived near the sea & would love to again, just love the sound of it
key...I feel very lucky that we own our own home & have no mortgage
celtic button...am very proud to be a Cornish Celt
cameo...my Mum has a beautiful real cameo brooch made of coral...so this one is for her
chippie...well...I just love Tando chippie
fabric brad...chosen for the pattern - I adore ethnic fabrics, esp Indian with its fabulous colours
heart bead...this was given to me by my lovely pal TraceyR & reminds me of the lovely crafting friends I have made
fish charm...because I am a pisces through & through
elephant - not just because I love elephants but I have a huge respect for all animals
beads...I love beads but am so useless at making jewelery hahaha

So there you have it...a bit more about me!!! Thank you for taking a looksee on this Valentines Day, HUGS XXX

Just for Fun - week 2

2011-02-10T08:02:00.000-08:00

Hi, do you ever have one of those days when you sit down to craft something & then end up doing something completely different???? I was supposed to be making wedding invitation samples for my daughter but got distracted hahahaha! Here is week 2 of ~JUST FOR FUN!~. Still with the wing theme..this time with clocks. Sorry about the photo quality :( I wanted to blog it & its 4pm here & getting dark...

The wings are Maya Rd again and the clock & birdy bits are by PaperArtsy. All coloured with copics. The quote is from the fabulous & very useful ~QUOTE GARDEN~. Thank you for calling by, HUGS XXX

p.s. just popped back to change the pic...much better now haha

Just for fun week 1 !!!

2011-02-07T07:48:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! Its the beginning of a new week and the beginning of a new challenge blog ~JUST FOR FUN~. Now I need to get back into more of this type of crafting instead of just the journalling I am doing haha! So I thought I would give this a go. There is a monthly theme, slightly different each week. This month the theme is wings and for this week we are asked to think about hearts as well. Here is mine...

I used a heart chippie from my stash and used glossy accents with alcohol inks dropped on - I love this as its so easy to do!!! The wings are from a Maya Road stamp. I will probably hang this from a drawer knob or door handle hahaha

Do pop over to take a look at this challenge! Thank you for taking the time to look my lovelies, HUGS XXX

Milliande's days 15 to 19

2011-02-05T03:28:00.000-08:00

I am determined to finish these now :) ~MILLIANDE'S~ prompts stopped at 24 so I am nearly there aren't I? Even though the 'zebra' prompts are finished she still added more iyswim. Its not too late to take part as the prompts are up permenantly and of course its all free! Here are some more pages for you...

Day 15 - all about women using a download provided.

Day 16 - use your favourite number! Well my lucky number is 7 but I decided (mainly because I was having a sofa day & couldn't be arsed to get the paints out haha) to have fun playing with number 8.

Day 17 - draw pears! I didn't have any fresh fruit, let alone pears which I loath!!! (we do drink a load of juice tho) so I just copied Milliandes with a view to learning! There are a lot of different mediums on this page.

Day 18 - words! There are different textures on this page, though they don't show up :-(

Day 19 - childhood icon - just had to be my beloved bear that I have loved since I was a baby! He was coloured with watersoluble wax crayons using gesso to blend!

There will only be one more post of these!!! I hear a collective sigh of relief hahahaha!!! Thank you so much for taking a look today, Have a great weekend! HUGS XXX

My January & February pages 2011

2011-02-01T03:26:00.000-08:00

Hellooo lovelies xxx I was so slack with these last year and after seeing so many gorgeous calendar pages I knew I must do one this year!!! If you want to know what I am on about take a look at Kates blog ~THE KATHRYN WHEEL~ and be inspired :-D !!!!!!

Here are my January pages...all filled in like a good girlie hahaha

Yes, I am lucky enough to be getting freebie massages every monday :-D ...and here are my pages for February...

Thank you so much for taking a looksee, HUGS XXX

Milliande's days 11 to 14

2011-01-29T05:34:00.000-08:00

Helloooo, here are more pages from ~Milliande's Art Journal January~ for you to see. I am still making myself do them in order even though its hard as I can see some exciting looking prompts furthar down the list haha

Day 11...all about lines still & this time we played with crosswords. This involved cutting out from a newspaper...so much fun... so much cutting & sticking haha. The journalling is written in number order this time & in the downloadable grid.

Day 12...is using leftovers from other pages! Not too sure where the lines came in so I added some anyway.

Day 13...walk the lines!!! how much fun was this???? First we were asked to randomly draw lines using ink in a waterbrush. Could I find a bottle of ink???noooooo so I tried some very diluted alcohol inks & it worked a treat!!!! Then the tricky part was trying to see forms in the shaps hahaha As you can see I did find some sort of goblin type face that Daniel Torrence would be proud of LMAO!!!! I used watersoluble wax crayons for colour.

Day 14...mirror mirror. I think that Milliande's lines muse is up but she is still adding interesting prompts. There are downloadable mirrors & words to play with for this one & I drew an eye as they really are mirrors to the soul. I actually like this page :D

Thank you so much for taking a look again...happy journalling!!! HUGS XXX

WALKING WITH ELEPHANTS

2011-01-26T03:58:00.000-08:00

Hellooooo, I put away my art journal for a while & had a play with some ~TANDO~ chippy! Now I am going to be very self indulgent now but I am excited :-D but I am so thrilled with the way these elephants turned out and its so exciting to be working on something that I designed...whooo!!!! When I drew them I worked it so that the trunks & tails would come together so they looked like they do in real life. Not that these look anything but real hahahaha

I gesso'd them before sticking the beads on, using my favourite method of threading the beads before dropping them into the glue. Then I simply smothered them with glossy accents & dropped alcohol inks into it! Easy peasy...bright elephants hahaha! I kept the canvas simple with just a little paint, stamping & co-ordinating chippie from my stash. The elephant actually comes as part of a set including a cute hippo & a cheeky lion...

... and in 2 sizes. Great for a kiddies room! If you fancy these little fellas or any of Tando's brilliant chipboard then take a look ~HERE~ fro stockists. Thank you so much for taking a look today, take care HUGS XXX

and more stripes - days 8,9 & 10

2011-01-22T03:16:00.000-08:00

I am learning sooo much from Milliandes challenges!!! Am only up to 13 & there are at least 22 now...thank goodness they will always be posted! hahaha Here you are...

Day 8 - has to be the messiest I have done! I guess I like a bit more order & more colours! Its very touchy-feely though. I used acrylics & mica spray. The orange blobs are supposed to be paint blown around with a straw but it was too think so I just splatted it haha

Day 9...layered lines...just about every medium I had was used to build up these stripes! So its quite lumpy!!!!

Day 10 ...Dragonfly...there was a template to download for this. Milliande drew around hers but I decided to doodle all over it & stick it in! I used watered down acrylics for the colours.

Have a brilliant weekend my lovelies! HUGS XXX

Playing with chippie!

2011-01-20T03:52:00.000-08:00

Hello lovely blogging buddies! I put aside my stripey muse for a while to play with some lovely chipboard from ~TANDO CREATIVE~. If you like the chippie I have used why not pop over to Tando where you can find a list of the suppliers of this wonderful stuff? I really need to make some more cards for my box....getting a bit low. Anyway the 1st card was for my Mums 75th birthday, in the colours she loves...

I coloured tha gorgeous gate with purple Brilliance. The stamps are from Elusive Images. The next card is to pop into my box for when I need it...

This large leaf was sprayed with a selection of mica paints. The tree stamps are on a very handy cube by Judikins. I love this quote by Minnie Aumonier & have used it before. It goes...

" There is always music in the trees in the garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it "

Thank you for popping by today. Please leave a comment to let me know you have been, I love to read them! HUGS XXX

MORE STRIPEY STUFF - days 5,6 & 7

2011-01-14T05:15:00.000-08:00

Hi and I hope you are not getting too bored seeing stripes! I am really enjoying this free course :D Milliande's videos are just brilliant to watch and I have really learnt a lot about using different mediums...not so scary now hahaha !!!

Day 5 was to draw around our hand to make a zebra! I worked in acrylic for this one.

Day 6 was to draw a millipede but mine is more like a caterpillar!!! I used Stampotique legs for this instead of the download & worked in waterproof wax crayons. I got fed up with trying to paint facial features so ended up getting a pen out hahaha!!!

Day 7 was all about stripes you see in windows. Again I used acrylic paint. I also substituted the dowload for a zebra!

If you fancy taking a look at this course just follow the link on my sidebar, Take care & have fun whatever you are doing! HUGS XXX

Paint a Zebra Lady - day 4

2011-01-11T04:40:00.000-08:00

Hello and here is day 4 of ~MILLIANDS JOURNAL JANUARY~...to draw a zebra lady! Well I did the hair and was about to give her some make-up a la Adam Ant when hubby leapt across & grabbed my journal saying I was not to do it!!!!!!!!! He just doesn't 'get' this journalling lark, but he does like to have a look at the finished pages so to please him I left off her zebra face for now...

But I will probably add it later when he is out hahahahaha!!!!! The whole page has been coloured with watersoluble wax crayons this time. Thank you for taking a look today. HUGS XXX

ZENDOODLE A ZEBRA? - Day 2!

2011-01-08T03:34:00.000-08:00

I have never done a mandala before so this was a first for me. I printed off Milliande's template for this and spent a lovely evening doodling my heart out :D But the sad part is that you then have to cut it up...noooooo!!!! That was the hardest part so I took a copy first! hahaha

Now this is where I have to say to get your sunglasses on :D I was in a little world all of my own when I painted this & got a bit carried away with the yellow :D Anyhow...this is what it all looks like now...

All fun to do!!!! For more info on the free copurse see the previous post.

Thank you for taking a look, have a great weekend! HUGS XXX

ART JOURNAL JANUARY - day 1

2011-01-06T06:44:00.000-08:00

Hi folks! I saw this and really fancied a go......its a set of prompts by the very talented Milliande. At the moment she is using Zebra's for inspiration and is seeing how many ideas she can come up with! The 1st was see where the stripes would lead us...she even provides video and a free download for those that don't want to tackle the drawing part :D I did, however draw my own zebra....even though he has wonky legs I am pretty chuffed with him haha

It looks like Milliande is setting a prompt every day so I shall just dip in & out as the mood takes me :D. For more info please pop over here!!!
Thank you so much for popping by and please leave a comment...I really appreciate them, HUGS xxx

KICKING OFF WITH A NEW CHALLENGE!

2011-01-02T05:32:00.000-08:00

Hi there....look away now if you have had enough of making Christmas cards hahahaha!!! BUT....this is for next Christmas!!! Now I hear a collective GROAN and yes, I know I am bonkers but its never too early to start is it?

There is a new challenge on the block HERE started by the lovely CRAFTYHAZELNUT! Now I am not promising that I will take part everytime but I fancied playing with my stamps after days of journaling! The theme is 'anything goes as long as its a Christmas card' so here you are...

I have kept it very simple and used my favourite Christmas stamp by Stampotique. A bit of paint , glitter & background stamping and it was done!

Do join in with Hales challenges this year if you get the chance...she will be having prizes now & again, like she has this week!

Take care my lovelies, HUGS XXX

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

2010-12-31T03:44:00.000-08:00

Hellooooo lovely bloggers! Have you all had a fabulous Christmas? I have taken some time out from bloghopping since Christmas Day and am now looking forward to sitting with a mug of hot chocolate or even a sherry (or two) & having a lovely catch up hahaha!!! I haven't done much crafting either & I am thinking that I may have wrapped up my mojo in a parcel & sent it to someone .....so if you find it can you smack its bum & send it home???

I did make another banner before Christmas to go in baby Faiths new bedroom though, so I will show you that today.

If you are out celebrating tonight have a fantastic time won't you! Jeremy & I tend to snuggle up on the sofa these days with a good film & a glass of something tasty hahaha! Anyways...

HAPPY NEW YEAR

I really hope that 2011 brings you all joy in everything that you do! HUGS XXX

RATTLING THOSE NEEDLES!

2010-12-22T07:15:00.000-08:00

Hellooooo lovely Christmasy friends! Its really hard to know what to give a baby for its first Christmas. I am only an Aunty and I know that the new Grandparents will probably go overboard & buy posh stuff with '1st Christmas' on....which is good but left me thinking. Little babies have no clue its Christmas except that they like looking at the sparkly lights & baubles. So I got out my knitting needles, which took some finding I can tell you...so at least these babies will be snuggly buggly warm eh hehe

These 1st two are for Max, my nephew, who will be 6weeks...so these are 16" chests...awe...

These are for Faith who will be 8wks and is my step-grandaughter...so these are 18" chest.....awe again haha...

I have really enjoyed getting the old needles out again but I only go up to a 3yr old...gets toooo big after that haha!!!

and finally...

A big thank you to all of you who have followed & commented on my blog this year, I treasure each & everyone of you x!!!

HAVE A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS & MAY 2011 BE FULL OF ALL THE THINGS YOU WISH FOR AND MORE XXXXXXXX

BABIES EVERYWHERE!!!

2010-12-18T02:43:00.000-08:00

Hello from a snow covered Cornwall :D Like all of you I have been so busy with Christmas preparations that I haven't done much crafting but I have saved this for you! The last few months have been very baby-fied and if I am honest it made me feel pretty broody.....thought I was past all that hahahaha!!!! But I love babies and really wanted more than one but it was not to be after I miscarried :( Anyhooooo.....you except these things in the end don't you & just get on with life. But then come 3 little ones ( only 2 are family) in a space of 2 weeks & those old feelings start to rear! So I attacked my journal & made a double page. Here it is...

I did this page about a month ago and am happy to report that I am now very happy to hand them back when they squeal hahaha!

Thank you for taking the time to have a look today, I know how busy you all are, HUGS XXX

WELCOME SIGN

2010-12-14T03:57:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! Today I have something totally UNchristmasy for you to look at :D I was sent some very pretty little 3D houses by Di over at Tando Creative to play with. I have used it inside this little box frame...

The whole thing is very cheerful and for a sweet couple who have a love of colour!

ooops!!!! I did forget to take another pic after I had added the doorknob :) Never mind eh!

Thank you for taking a looksee today, HUGS XXX

SANTA IS COMING!

2010-12-09T05:19:00.000-08:00

Hi my lovelies! ooooo......you lot getting excited yet then????? Its nearly here isn't it? Christmas I mean hahaha! Today I am showing you some bunting that I made for the December VANILLA SUGAR BLOG. I already have one from last year using the word 'christmas' so I thought I would make a shorter one using the word 'santa'.

Lots of bling involved here & traditional colours too!

All children love a little trip to see Santa before the big day and here is a pic of my 3yr old niece with him!!! She looks so delighted that I just had to show you all! This kind man had even grown his own beard!!!

Thank you for taking the time to look today...I know you are all busy peeps! HUGS XXX

DECEMBERS DRESS!

2010-12-05T05:46:00.000-08:00

Awe...its so sad that this is the last dress :( I have so enjoyed doing these! Thank you so much Margaret for inspiring us all to do this, its been a really fun & different challenge for 2010.

I was going to show you all the dresses mounted onto a canvas wasn't I? Well.....they are sitting on a canvas next to my keyboard & I am just not happy! They look all wrong, even though I have changed the colour of the canvas a few times hahaha. So I have decided to make bunting instead and I PROMISE I will show you when its done. It will look great along the wall of my craft room. Now I am waffling.....here is my last dress....boooo hoooo

I have used Christmasy paper and the holly is all stamped, coloured & cut out. I love this little stamp by Papermania...its come in really useful! Please pop over to Margarets Blog to see more fabulous designs.

Thank you for taking a look today my lovelies, HUGS XXX

MY WILLOWING ANGEL

2010-12-02T04:51:00.000-08:00

At last she is finished!!!! I drew her as soon as the prompt arrived from Willowing but was so scared to colour her in. Very silly I know as I could always have started again couldn't I? I did use the waxy watercolour crayons on her but my bravery didn't extend to the depth of colour...sorry about that! There is so much I don't like about her on a crafting level but she works for me...now that makes no sense does it hahaha!

I was pretty pleased with her hands though until a certain black cat leapt onto my desk & nudged me while I was highlighting the edges :D Oh and why is it that when you write carefully you mis-spell the most important word?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

Thank you for taking a look today. I hope that you are all snug & warm, HUGS XXX

MUSIC IN THE TREES

2010-11-30T03:22:00.000-08:00

Gosh!!! Its nearly December isn't it??? How are you all getting on with your preparations? I have my cards done & am now onto last minute pressies :D

Today I have a 5x7 canvas to show you. I love this swirly little tree and when I found the quote on The Quote Garden I wanted to put them together! Do you hear music in the trees???

The background music paper has been gesso'd, stamped & distressed to jazz it up a bit. The gorgeous Tree is from TANDO CREATIVE, as is the journalling block! All the inks are Adirondack inkpads.

Thank you for taking a look today. Lots of HUGS for you & the trees! Oh & yes, I am a tree hugger :D xxx

SAME BUT DIFFERENT!

2010-11-26T04:53:00.000-08:00

Hi there...a while back I made 2 cards but using the same stamp & layout. A bit lazy really but I don't seem to be in the mood for card making these days at all.....I blame my journal book hahaha!!!

I used a stamp which has the whole alphabet on it and highlighted the appropriate letter for the recipient. The 1st one was for my lovely friend Tracey, whose fave colour is orange. The background is distress inks (the flower stamp was a freebie in CS).

This one has a paper background from Prima. Both have ye olde doilies & ribbons to finish. Seeemples hahaha

Thank you for taking a peep today! HUGS XXX

ATC - men!!!!!!

2010-11-23T09:52:00.000-08:00

Hi lovely bloggers, I hope that you are keeping warm wherever you are. If you are in the US I hope you all have a lovely Thanksgiving!

I have made an ATC for a swap...the subject was men!!! After being tempted to do something a bit rude I remembered that I had one stamp with a man/men on it! It looks like they are members of one of those exclusive mens clubs (no, not the funny handshake type :D). Anyhooooo, I thought it would be fun to tart them up a bit....so they are in mufty hahaha! For those that don't know...a mufty day is when you dress in your casual clothes for school/work.

Thank you for taking a looksee today, stay warm with some HUGS xxx

TWINCHIES!

2010-11-20T03:46:00.000-08:00

Hi to my lovely blogging friends! I have been making twinchies for a swap again. I like twinchies, they are a good size to work with I think. The theme was black & white. I wanted to use some stamping so had a rummage & found a lovely stamp of some Fresian cows by Hobby Art! I just adore cows!!! When I was little & lonely the big fresian cows in the field were my friends & I knew each one by name. You hear horrific tales about people being trampled but they never hurt me & would nuzzle me instead. Oh yes....I was always sticky down the front hahahahaha!!! There was a rhyme that was told to me at that time ( it took me ages to work it out)so I have included that on the twinchies! Couldn't resist pink udders hahaha!

I have also been trying to make one extra so that I can make up a card so build up my supplies! I guess this would be good for anyone who likes the countryside...

For this diddy card I added utee to the twinchie & stamped the background using a PaperArtsy stamp.

Thank you for taking the time to come and look, stay warm & HUGS for you too xxx

PLAYING IN INDIA!

2010-11-17T09:50:00.000-08:00

Well...not really, though I would love a trip to India for the markets :D Oh and a good curry would go down well hahahaha! I have a lovely set of India inspired stamps by Lost Coast and I fancied a play with them. I know, its another journalling page....hope thats ok with you?

The background was a large mask using acrylics but it didn't go too well but with a bit of doodling & some stamping it looks better. All the stamped images (I love those hands!) have been watercoloured & had rock candy over them. Not sure if the pic shows it up but there is a good use of gold pen on there too!

Thank you for looking...will get back to my other crafting when my mojo comes back from its holidays! HUGS XXX

"WHY DIDN'T THEY TELL ME?" - Art Journal page

2010-11-13T03:08:00.000-08:00

Helloooooo!!!! I haven't been very crafty this week as I have a new nephew to fuss & cuddle :D But I have been doing some more journalling lately! I wasn't going to show this page as its all about 'that time of life' and one of the things you are never told about the menopause hahaha. But I liked how it turned out so here it is.....

The background is Distress Inks and the stampings & borders etc have all been coloured with Inktence watercolour pencils.

As for those pesky Night Dreads.....if you are 'that' certain age or even pass that you will know what I mean. If you are a young chicken then don't worry about them....they are not serious but annoying hahahaha

Thanks for taking a looksee today, HUGS XXX

CHRISTMAS BUNTING SWAP

2010-11-10T08:25:00.000-08:00

Hi my lovelies x First I must apologise for this very bad photograph !!!!! Over on the BubblyFunk Forum we are doing a Christmas Bunting Swap. Each of the ones participating are to make a certain number of pennants the same. They will all be collated and then we will each have the required letters to make up the word 'Christmas'. Isn't that a brilliant idea??? There are 2 colour themes going on....gold/red/green and blue/white/silver and I had to do the letter 'A'. Size? 4inch across & 5inch down.

This picture really is awful, sorry! Either the gold shone too much or the silver...this is the best of a bad lot :( They really are bright & sparkly irl though.

Thank you for looking today HUGS XXX

ADVENT CALENDAR

2010-11-04T06:28:00.000-07:00

Hi there my lovely blogging friends! Today I am showing you an Advent Calendar that I decorated for the monthly challenge over at VANILLA SUGAR.....sweetly handmade! This blog was started way back in January with a view to giving us all ideas for gifts! Do pop over for a look at the lovely work that the Design Team have done this year!

I bought this as a blank in the January sales...I do like to think ahead hahahaha!!!!!

These aren't drawers as I first thought but boxes....you can cram more in those haha! I have covered all the fronts using a mix of papers from the Basic Grey Jovial Collection. The 'knobs' are just office paper fasteners & I have put felt circles underneath. The numbers come in a pack especially for Advent calendars & are from TANDO CREATIVE, you can find stockists ~HERE~. The surround has been painted using a red matchpot form a DIY store!!!

The largest drawer has a pointsetta from my stash & a lovely brad from K&Co. Oh & I just had to add a bit of glittery stickles....it is for Christmas after all!!!

If you happen to be up around Lingfield in Surrey on Saturday, Di from Tando will be demonstrating her fab chippie all day!!! I will be popping in so maybe I will see you there!!!

Thank you for popping by....HUGS XXX

DRESS IT UP - November

2010-11-01T08:19:00.000-07:00

November already??? Goodness me!!!!! Here is my dress...

Now during the November of my childhood we all wore really warm jumpers & big coats because it was cold & wet. But looking out of my window today I see t-shirts!!!!! But I have gone for the warm snuggly approach and made a little suede jacket to go on top of my dress this month. The snippet of really soft leather was snaffled from a cousin who is an upholsterer...its surprising what you find on the floor at these places hahahaha! The pretty paper is by Prima.

Some of you are showing your wardrobes today...not me as I am puting all mine onto a canvas for my sewing room. Will show you that the next time...I promise :-D Its never too late to join in this fun. Do pop over to MARGARET'S to see what its all about!!! Hugs XXXXX

SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT - yellow & green

2010-10-27T09:45:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!!!! I have had the dreaded flu and have really not felt like doing much crafting but I did get messy for this weeks SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT's challenge this week. It is to use yellow & green....not a favourite combo of mine but I like a challenge hahaha!!! I have made an ATC...

I had been using some Tando chippie numbers on an Advent Calendar ( you can see that later :D x) and saved the waste to use as a stencil....so that the background! The image is one of Sir Tims and of course the quote comes from 'The Prisoner'...just love that one!!!

Thank you for popping over today my lovelies!!! HUGS XXX

TRIPTIC ATC'S

2010-10-25T04:01:00.000-07:00

Hi there! Thank you for all your lovely comments on my previous post...they are all encouraging so am feeling that maybe I should draw more :D

Here are some, well one as they were all the same, pics of an Atc that I have made for THE ARTISTS TRADING CARD CLUB which is up & running again! We were asked to make Tryptic atc's and some gorgeous templates were provided. We were also given free rein on our subject.

I used plain cream card which was spritzed to death, nearly, with various mica sprays. I stamped & embossed the insides before adding a bit more colour. The images have been coloured with Inktense watercolours before cutting out & sticking on.

Oh & lots of edges were 'lifted' with a gold pen! Thank you for taking a look today my lovelies, HUGS XXX

ART, HEART & HEALING part 1

2010-10-22T08:09:00.000-07:00

Hi, I am taking part in the Art, Heart & Healing Course run by the lovely Tam. Our 1st week consisted of a healing excercise making up a journal page. Part of that was to do a self-portrait on one side. I used to love sketching at school but that was a little while ago (well...ok....a long time ago haha). Tam suggested using acrylics & watercolour crayons to colour the face but as I didn't have the crayons I just used watercolour but am pretty pleased with the result. Though...

...its interesting that it didn't occur to me to add the lines & wrinkles or the chins hahaha!!! Perhaps this is the inner me after all!!!! Thank you for taking a look at this...its not too late to join in and its free! HEALING HUGS XXX

BIRTHDAY PARTY CARD

2010-10-21T02:48:00.000-07:00

Hi my lovelies! Sometimes we all feel inspired to make a really involved card, one that takes forever but is made with love all the way? Well, this is one such and the special friend it was for is the fabulous KAZ , who is always there for me and makes me laugh till my sides hurt!!!!! She isn't able to have a real party to celebrate her birthday but why not have her favourite stamps have a party on her shelf???

All the stamps are from Stampotique of course (except the balloon) as they are her favourites! All have been watercoloured then glammed up with glitter & GA.
Thank you for taking a look today, take care always, HUGS XXX

CHRISTMAS TREE BOOK

2010-10-19T03:35:00.000-07:00

Hellooo my lovely blogging friends! Have you all started your Christmas crafting yet? Or are you busy with Halloween??? This week I have been playing with a lovely ~Tando Creative~ chippie book in the shape of a Christmas Tree!

I decided not to use it for photographs but to make a sort of free-standing decoration, using Christmasy quotes for inspiration. The book is just over 24cm high & really sturdy to work with....it will take all sorts of stuff thrown at it - even your tea probably hehe! Here it is nekkid hehe...

For the backgrounds of all the sides I used the new Basic Grey Jovial range of papers & then lightly covered them with gesso to tone it down a bit. The edge of each branch was then painted with white Eco paint & glitter added. After that it was a case of a good rummage in my Christmas box....nearly fell in too hehe! The reindeer in the top pic is another Tando goodie - isn't he cute? The holly & robins are coloured in stamped images and the trees are from my stash - seem to have had a pile of these for years!

For this sideI wanted a 'busy' tree, just like the one my daughter does (everything goes on it!) I have layered up the tree to give it some fullness & added some stamped & coloured images, stickles & buttons. Oh & I tracked down some of those pretty little lights too!

For this one I actually made some miniature stockings from scrap Christmas fabric. They were fiddly but worth it! The Santa is a stamped images as is the holly.

The snowman on this side is a die-cut I found & coloured then added a felt hat & fabric scarf. The teensy snowflakes have been painted & glittered....I love this paper :D
If you would like to get this book to play with take a look ~here~ for the stockists. Thank you for taking a look today my lovelies, HUGS XXX

SCD - orange & black

2010-10-16T05:35:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone xxx

As you can see I have been playing with my template! Just have to make a new banner so I hope you don't mind looking at the old, too small one for now :D

I have been making some twinchies for a swap and when I saw that SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT's theme this week was Orange & Black I thought I would enter. Been ages since I have entered...sorry my lovelies :(

The background is one that I made up using Dyalusions spray & a Tim Holtz stamp. The scary cat is by Stampotique. The black frame is up on foam pades to give some dimension. The theme this week was set by my the lovely DAWN, do pop over to her blog, she has some lovely stuff there!

Thank you for taking a looksee today, have a super duper weekend , HUGS XXX

MASTERBOARD & STUFF!

2010-10-14T04:01:00.000-07:00

Hello my lovelies!!! I would like to welcome some newbies to my followers list - thank you so so much for liking my blog XXXX

I have been getting all icky & mucky with paints and created a masterboard after seeing a few in Craft Stamper! (I think thats what they are called haha)

close up

This A4 piece started life as a piece of plain white card. I added Eco paints, gesso, some stamping & embossing, then probably some more gesso & glitter, in fact I threw lots of wet stuff at it till I was happy with the result. Then it sat on the side for ages as I wasn't too sure I wanted to cut it up :D Anyway I have now & these are what I have made with it...2 cards...

...2 ATC's...

...and a scrapling...

You should have a go at this...its great fun!!!! Thank you so much for popping by today, HUGS XXX

DRESS IT UP - OCTOBER

2010-10-07T08:39:00.000-07:00

Hellooooo!!! Its so hard to believe that there are only 2 more of these to make to finish the set!!!!! I have had so much pleasure making these dresses. If you fancy a go its never too late....pop over ~here~ to meet the lovely Margaret & take a look at more dresses!!!

Most people seem to have gone for an Autumn theme this month but as I did that last month I have gone for something Gothic...as in Halloween!!

click to enlarge

Once again I have used my lovely blogging friend GINI's download design. You should pop over to see her as she does some amazing stuff & has a wit to have you rolling on the floor hahaha!

The paper I used is BG Eerie. I dabbed black ink on the lace before I gathered & glued it. I then pinked the edges roughly to make it look tatty! The bits I cut off were used for the straps & round the middle.I have actually embossed a spider onto the bodice but it doesn't show up too well :( never mind!

Quite a few seem to be showing their wardrobes this month but as I am mounting mine onto a large canvas I don't have one .....er that made sense in my head rofl!

Thanks for taking a look today, don't forget to pop over to Margarets to see more lovely October dresses, Hugs FOR NOW XXX

WELCOME BIRD

2010-10-06T07:02:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! Before I go on I thought that I would point this out to you all, if you already know about it just ignore my 1st paragraph! With the new Blogger photo upload we are now automatically given a Picasa album. Did you know that the albums defaults are enabling anyone to copy your pictures? What is more annoying is that if you delete your Picasa albums the photographs disapear from your blog too!!!!! Take a look ~here~ for more about it and to find out how you can ensure your privacy. Have to say that I am not too worried about my crafting pics but the more personal, family photographs are a different matter!

Right, now thats done, here is a bird hanging that I have been working on lately. Its one of TANDO CREATIVE'S lovely pieces!..

and it started life like this...

So many ways that you could decorate this but I chose to use Adirondack inks with some BG Lyme Rickey papers.

Lots of embossing on the bird and touches of glossy accents! This one was a lot of fun!

Thank you all for taking a look today. Please leave a comment if you have the time as I love to read them, HUGS XXX