Kim x

What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday 139

2012-02-01T21:02:00.000Z

Evening Everyone,
Well I have officially impressed myself, I have managed to post every day during January. Not sure that I will be able to keep it up but I will certainly try.
Today though it is Wednesday so it is WOYWW, time to share what my desk looks like at the moment...........a mess. Well creative clutter actually to most except my family lol.

In the background are the leftover bits from a previous card, and in the foreground the start of a birthday card for one of the kids that my daughter looks after.
I really will have to get a shift on as it is his birthday on Friday but I have run out of steam tonight so it's a late dinner and then bedtime.
Thanks for stopping by.
Hugs Kimx

21 and Counting!

2012-01-31T22:10:00.000Z

Evening Everyone
Well I don't know how appropriate it will seem to be making Christmas cards in the beautiful Summer sunshine, but for the moment I'm going to make the most of being inspired by the bitterly cold weather and the Christmas blogs.

Both cards have been made using images from my Christmas bits box. In fact this one is so old I'm not even sure of the stamp company. I think it could be Stampendous, but I am perfectly prepared to be wrong.

The image has been stamped and embossed using cats eye pigment ink pads and crystal embossing powder, so it is very sparkly which doesn't show in the photograph.
I have gold embossed the green background card using a beautiful Christmas Swirl stamp by Inkadinkadoo.
The lace panel has been created from a DooHickey. I have added plenty of bling as I would like to enter it into the challenge over at 52(Christmas) Card Throwdown where they want to see Rhinestones.

The second card tonight uses a lovely Magenta stamp which I have stamped and embossed onto a piece of brayered background. I have punched the edge of the brayered panel using a Martha Stewart punch and then layered it onto silver card.

I added some spotty ribbon, a greeting and some punched poinsettias and leaves. Of course this image lends itself beautifully to more bling so I would like to enter it into the same challenge at 52(Christmas) Card Throwdown.

I think the black poinsettias give the card quite a dramatic look, and not what I would consider to be a typically traditional colour combo. so I would like to enter it in to the challenge at Christmas Cards All Year Round where they have been asking for Non Traditional Colours all this month.
I have decided to add a tally to my side bar so that I can see how well I am doing with my Christmas cards each month. So to start off the New Year I made 21 in January.
Thank You to all the Christmas challenge blogs that I have found, you have certainly kept me on track
Lets see how well I get on next month.
Thanks for stopping by and for all the lovely comments I have received. I will try and get round to everyone but at the moment I'm rather busy making more Christmas cards lol.
Hugs Kimx

Lovely Lilies

2012-01-30T22:06:00.000Z

Evening Everyone
Just a quick post tonight, before I fall asleep while I'm writing it lol. Why are Mondays always so difficult?

This is one of the cards that I made for Jenny from Hobby Art for her TV show that aired on Sunday.

I stamped and embossed the Lily stamp used distress inks to colour it, and added background paper and a Grand Nestie die.

I love that Anna and I have managed to extol the virtues of background stamps for long enough that we now have a set devoted exclusively to them.

I stamped and embossed the edges of the green card with one of the dottie ones. It just finishes everything off I think, don't you.
Off to bed now
Hugs Kimx

What's your favourite technique?

2012-01-29T17:50:00.000Z

Hi All
Have you had a good weekend. I hope you have had a chance to watch Jenny from Hobby Art on the box this afternoon.
If not don't forget she will be back at 7pm with more ideas and card samples.
This afternoon she spoke about the play date that we had a couple of weeks ago and the Faux Mother of Pearl technique that I taught them all.
I didn't come up with the idea, I found it over at Splitcoast Stampers, but at the moment it has to be one of my favourite techniques.
The background for the card I am sharing with you tonight was made using this technique, a step by step tutorial for which can be found HERE.

Once I had made the background, I stamped and embossed the images on to it before adding colour using Distress inks.

The panel has been mounted onto background paper and then ribbon and glossy accents have been added.

I am entering this into a couple of challenges

Christmas Cards All Year Round - Non Traditional Christmas Colours.

Weekly Christmas Card Challenges - Favourite Technique

I am finally getting down to the DT work, but I thought I would have a little bit of a break and do a bit of Blogging.

By the way Gill, I got an Honourable Mention over at 52(Christmas) Card Throwdown with this card that I showed you in class. But as they say, You have to be in it to Win it!!

Happy Crafting.

Hugs Kimx

A Wedding Couple

2012-01-28T23:56:00.001Z

Evening Everyone,
I hope that you have all had a lovely creative day.
I always feel inspired when I come home from a class. it must be all those wonderfully creative people in one room. There is always something to learn from someone, today it was all sorts of brilliant tips with Cuttlebug Embossing folders.
Don't ever think you know all there is to know about a product because someone can always come up with something else for you to learn.
Not that I am in anyway implying that I know everything anyway, far from it.

My planned evening of DT work last night didn't quite happen as I had planned since I found out that my daughter Jenni needed a card for a Wedding Reception that she and the family are attending tonight. She was going to have to go and look for one at the shops but that always seems so silly when I have all these lovely things that I can play with.

This is what I came up with using my favourite Lili of the Valley Wedding Couple, some coffee and some background papers. The heart makes use of a Cuttlebug folder and a heart shaped Nestie.

Of course there had to be some stitching and lace made using a Magnolia DooHickey. Always and Forever is from a Printworks clear stamp set, while On Your Wedding Day came with the Wedding Couple.

By the way these are a few of the cards that the ladies came up with on the class. It's amazing what you can achieve with a few bits of background papers and some embossing folders.
Hugs Kimx

More Imagination Decoupage

2012-01-27T23:00:00.000Z

Evening Everyone
I hope you managed to catch Imagination on QVC earlier this evening. Unfortunately my cards didn't get much of an airing so I thought that I would post a couple of them here quickly before I get to bed.

I think this one was given a very brief moment of air time. All the samples tonight have been made using the fantastic Crocus stamp set. This particular card also uses the Summer Blossom stencil and stencil paints.

I have used a combination of background papers to create this card which I would like to enter into the challenge over at Paper Sundaes where they are looking for Paper Piecing.

I have stamped one of the little background stamps over the stencilled flowers.

This second card makes use of bleach, dark card and dye based inks.

The handmade background paper is made using the Sylus tool and a Petal Point pigment ink pad.

This final card uses Inkidink inks, and embossing both heat and cuttlebugged. The swirly folder matched the stamps perfectly I thought.

Hope you like them.
Hugs Kimx

Christmas Flowers in Pink and Green

2012-01-27T16:25:00.000Z

Hi All

After my win last week over at 52CCT I decided that I had better give it another try this week. At the very least it has enabled me to get another couple of Christmas cards made.

They are looking for Christmas Flowers. and I have used an old one from Penny Black 3241K
Solitaire and a lovely Penny Black sentiment 3226F True Wish.
The main panel has been created using an assortment of Cats Eye pigment inks and clear embossing powder in a technique known as Embossed Resist.
This has been layered over panels of background papers from my stash, some of which have been stamped with the lovely Hero Arts F5042 Leaf Flourish.

I also made a second card with the same lovely Christmas flower but a different sentiment 3268L My Wish.
Again I have layered the panel over background papers from my stash and some ribbons.

I actually think that this stamp would work every bit as well for a birthday card, I don't know about you.
I am entering them into the challenges at

52(Christmas) Card Throwdown - Christmas Flowers
Christmas Cards All Year Round - Non Traditional Christmas Colours - Pink
Colour Create Challenge - Pink and Green
Weekly Christmas Card Challenges - Colouring (I coloured the solid stamp before stamping does that count?)

Better get on now, I have a Valentines card to finish for one of the boys at work so that it can be sent to Pakistan. A class at Davina's on Saturday afternoon. And then I have DT work to do for Barbara, so I see lots more playtime in my future, it's a hard life but someone's got to do it lol.
Oh and don't forget to tune in to QVC at 6pm tonight to watch Sue from Imagination and her wonderful Spring Decoupage stamps.
Happy Crafting
Hugs Kimx

Imagination on TV - 6pm on QVC

2012-01-26T22:30:00.001Z

Evening Everyone
I have been having way too much fun recently making samples using the stunning new collection of Spring Decoupage stamps sets from Imagination.
There are 6 stamps sets in total in this new collection and each one gives you brilliant value as it contains not only a large stamp but also several smaller stamps and sentiments which co-ordinate perfectly. I would be hard pressed to choose a favourite one from amongst them.

Tomorrow evening the lovely Sue from Imagination will be on QVC showcasing some of these stamps, amongst other things.

My card tonight uses the Butterfly set. I stamped and embossed the main image from the set onto some watercolour card and then added a wash of colour made from a mixture of Pearly Paint, Inkidinks and water.

This panel actually started off a completely different colour but I played around with it adding extra water and then removing colour with kitchen paper and dropping different colours in to the mix until I was happy with the results.
That is the beauty of watercolour card, it is very forgiving, allowing you to play and mix things up with out ruining the card, something normal card stock will not usually allow.

I added some extra colour to the leaves, and white Gelly Roll Glaze pen to the small daisies.
The background papers are from my stash, and I have stamped and embossed the small floral branch down the right hand side of the pink paper panel.
I also added a little Magi Glaze to the butterfly and flower centres.
All of the products are available from Imagination Crafts who offer a first class delivery service both UK and overseas.
Don't forget to catch them on the TV. Remember 6pm on QVC.
Hopefully you will get to see some of my samples, although I have noticed that the Presenters are not quite as laid back as they are on Create and Craft so you may just have to wait for me to post them all here over the next couple of weeks.
I am going to enter this card into a couple of challenges.

Charisma Cardz Challenges - Pretty in Pink
Crafts and Me - Pink and Sparkly Unfortunately the sparkle from the Pearly Paint doesn't show up well in the photos.
Flutterby Wednesday - Must use Embossing with Butterfly/ Fairy/ Angel

Off to bed now, or maybe there is just time to catch up with a couple of comments :)
hugs Kimx

Live well, Laugh often, Love much

2012-01-25T23:29:00.000Z

Well I managed to get it finished.

Those of you that stopped by earlier from WOYWW will know that just a little while ago this was a work very much in progress. Well now it is complete, including box :)
A friend asked me on Tuesday if I could make a card to congratulate his daughter on her Engagement. I hope that he feels that this will fit the bill.

I have used a lovely Lili of the Valley die cut some flowers and background papers all from my stash.

The leaves and swirls are Doohickeys that I bought from the fabulous Sir Stampalot. The Heart Border is from them as well.
The greeting is from a Printworks clear stamp set that I have had for a number of years.
I didn't have an Engagement stamp but I felt that this sentiment was just perfect.

I embossed the swirls with sticky embossing powder and then covered them with prisma glitter.
I am entering this in to several challenges

Papertake Weekly Challenge - Happy Highlights (Glitter on the swirls and glossy accents on the glasses)
Deep Ocean Challenge - Sparkling and or Glitter
Seems a Little Sketchy - I've used their Sketch
Allsorts Challenge - Needles and Pins (Beaded hat pin in the flowers)
Winter Wonderland - Easel Card

I will be delivering it tomorrow, so I had better get it in it's box now that the silicon is dry.
Look at the time! Nite nite.
hugs Kimx

Whats on Your Worktop Wednesday (WOYWW)

2012-01-25T19:21:00.000Z

Evening Everyone,

I decided I would share my Worktop with you since it is Wednesday, and I found the WOYWW site while I was doing my commenting for Crafty Cardmakers.

I really am not the tidiest of crafters as you can see from my desk this afternoon. I never quite know how a project is going to look when I first start, so I end up with a heap of papers, dies, flowers, inks..... you name it, and it is probably there somewhere.

Of course there has to be a cup of coffee there as anyone who knows me will tell you, I don't function without coffee lol.
I never seem to finish any of them though, and so far I haven't ended up with one all over my work, although that is now probably the kiss of death to that.

This is a sneak peek of the card that I have been working on today. I will try and get it finished so that I can share it later.

My coffee is cold now so I had better make another one :)

Happy Crafting.

hugs Kimx

More beads for Crafty Cardmakers

2012-01-24T23:04:00.000Z

Evening All,
We are asking you to use beads on your projects over at Crafty Cardmakers this time.
Having struggled to make my DT card I am now on a roll. It must be seeing all the wonderful projects that the rest of the team have made. Do check them all out, there are some fabulous creations.
I made this card using various items from my stash, including the leftover backing from a peel-off!!!!!

How sad am I you might say? Don't I have enough stamps that I could use? Well of course the answer to that is that I have hundreds but this seemed like one of those things that you just have to try.
I first saw it done somewhere years ago. In fact I remember showing the ladies on a peel-off class once that this was a good way of using up the left overs.
Once the peel-off has been removed rub permanent ink or metallic rub-ons over the backing sheet and the image pops through.

I have cut around the image and mounted it onto a tag made from Bazill card stock which has had some peel-off lines and metallic rub-on added to it.
Having punched a hole in the top of the tag I added some wire which had been threaded with beads. I twisted the wire around a knitting needle to help keep the beads in place.

Not any more adventurous than my previous card when it comes to the beads I'm afraid but I do like the effect.
I am entering this in to the challenge at Make My Monday - where they want to see Flowers and Leaves.
Better get to bed now. I have to admit I found myself doing a bit of a nodding dog impression this afternoon so I had really better try and get some sleep. Maybe I will have a granny nap tomorrow. Oh the joys of getting older lol.
hugs Kimx

Crafty Cardmakers Challenge 60 - Beads

2012-01-23T18:46:00.000Z

Afternoon Everyone,

Today sees the start of a new challenge over at Crafty Cardmakers.

This time it has been hosted By Jack.

For this challenge she would like to see beads used. You can make a project using just beads or use them as embellishments on something you make. The important thing is that beads are there for all to see.

We are kindly sponsored for this challenge by The Stampman (and Lady of course!) who are offering the winner a £10 voucher for their store, you can spend this on line, in the shop or if you're lucky enough to see them at a show! They have a ton of items in store, enough to tickle any crafty taste bud.
We also have a new sponsor who is offering a $10 Gift Voucher.

Di's Digi Downloads

$10 Gift Voucher

I'm not a great one for beads, although of course like most people I have loads of them, so this was a bit of a challenge for me. Then I remembered a card I once made for a magazine that had beads wrapped around a punched star and decided that I would make another card along the same lines.

I'm afraid that it is another Christmas card, but I'm on a bit of a roll at the moment so I hope that you will forgive me.
The main panel has been created by punching a large star from a piece of previously stamped and embossed card or paper.
Gold embossing on gold paper looks very classy I always think, and any Christmas background stamp will do.
Thread assorted beads onto some fine gold wire and twist it round a knitting needle or something similar. This will help to keep the beads in place once the wire has been attached to the card.

Wrap the beaded wire around the punched star and attach it to the finished card which has been made from various pieces of card matted and layered as illustrated.

The black card stock has been embossed using a cuttlebug folder.

I would like to enter this into a couple of challenges.

ABC Christmas Challenge - A for Anything Goes

Christmas Cards All Year Round - Non Traditional Christmas Colours

Truly Madly Crafty Challenges - Anything Goes

I hope that it helps to inspire you. Don't forget to stop in on the other DT members and see the stunning creations that they have come up with.

I had better go and iron my uniform now, it's back to reality tomorrow lol.

Have a good evening.

hugs

Kimx

A day for Celebrating with Hobby Art.

2012-01-22T22:07:00.000Z

Evening Everyone
Well yesterday really was a day for celebrating. As well as my friend Danny's 50th it was also the birthday of my sister Tracy (I will be nice and not let on which one lol) and Haider one of the guys that I work with at the BP garage.

This is the card I sent my sister. It was made using Floral Border and Floral Branch, both from Hobby Art.

I stamped and embossed the images onto blue card stock and then painted them with thin undiluted bleach. You might have to experiment with your card stock since not all will bleach out.

Once this has been done I then coloured the images with colouring pencils. Because you have bleached the card to start with the colour of the pencils shows up much better.

The card I gave Haider was also made using a Hobby Art stamp, Koi Carp Jewel.
I used the same bleaching technique only this time I painted the Koi with dye based ink.

Both cards have been mounted in a similar manner using a combination of torn card and woollen threads.
I have been working all weekend on some new Hobby Art samples for Jenny's next TV show.
She will be on Create and Craft channel 671 next Sunday (29th January) at 2pm and 7pm, unless they change the times on us.

I would like to enter these into the following challenges
Birthday Sundaes - Challenge 40 Birthday Wording on the Front.
Lets Ink it Up - Challenge 19 Anything Goes
ABC Challenges - H for Happy Birthday

Hope you have had a good weekend.
hugs Kimx

My lucky day.

2012-01-21T19:17:00.000Z

Today really is my lucky day, I found out that I have won 2 challenges!!!

The first one is the card that I entered into G is for Green over at ABC Challenges. I will let you know exactly what I have won when I get it sorted out.
I nearly missed this one as with all of the Internet problems I haven't been checking Feline Playful regularly. Thank Goodness they left me a message on my blog.

My second winning card is the 'Reindeer with a beauty spot' that I made for 52 (Christmas) Card Throwdown where I got the Top Honor .
Maybe I should go quickly and buy a lottery ticket, what do you think??
Hugs Kimx

A Special Birthday

2012-01-20T23:55:00.000Z

Yeahhhh the Internet is sorted at last!!!!!
I seem finally to have sorted the problems that I have been having with Blogger. Or at least my lovely friend Joe has.
I now have a choice of 3 Internet browsers, so at least one of them should be OK, or at least I hope so.

Joe works with my Sin-in-law Jason, and another of the guys there has a very special birthday tomorrow.
He has reached that exclusive club to which many of us have now become members lol.

This card was made for him using a Hero Arts bamboo stamp that I am very fond of.
It's great for masculine cards.
I have stamped it onto glossy card stock using versamark ink and then sponged blue dye based ink all over the image. This is called a resist technique, and gives a lovely ghosted image.
Heat set the image and wipe over it with an anti static cloth before stamping and embossing the bamboo again using black versafine ink and clear embossing powder..

The '50th' has been taken from the Woodware stamp set that I bought with my prize money for winning the December Woodware Challenge. Although it is actually a Wedding set it will be very useful for some of the milestone birthday.

The main greeting comes from Hobby Art. It is actually a larger background stamp that I have cut up, using only 3 lines from it on this occasion.

I have stamped the bamboo onto the main card using versamark ink and then added some matte brads, dotted ribbon and peel-off dots from my stash.

I had better try and catch up with some commenting now.

Marie, bless her, has been covering my numbers for me while I was having problems, but now that appears to be fixed I had better at least post a few comments don't you think!

Thank you so much Marie, and a very Happy Birthday Danny.

Welcome to the club xx.

hugs Kimx

Seeing Red with Clarity

2012-01-19T22:36:00.000Z

Evening Everyone,
What is it with a day off, you never seem to get anywhere near as much done as you had planned.
I seem to have spent most of today trying to get my computer sorted so that I can comment like all good DT members are supposed to !!!
I have ended up sending my computer home with my friend so that he can hopefully sort it out for me tonight, which means that I have had to borrow my daughters one so this will have to be quick.

This is a card that I made for the last Clarity show on Create and Craft. I saw it get to the top of the pile although it was never actually shown.
It has been made using Small Dippy Toe.
I stamped and embossed it repeatedly onto red card stock to form the background which was then mounted onto a square white card

The main panel has been stamped and embossed onto white card stock and then layered onto red and gold before it is added to the card over a piece of ribbon from my stash.

I would like to enter it in to the challenges at

Creative Card Crew - Seeing Red

The Stampman Challenge - Use Red

I'm pleased with how it turned out, shame it didn't get shown, still never mind there's always next time.

Lets hope that Joe has fixed my laptop so that I can get back to normal and maybe find time to get down to some crafting.

Nite nite

Kimx

It's Love in Craft Stamper

2012-01-18T23:53:00.000Z

Evening Everyone.
See, what did I tell you, find my thermals and the weather changes lol. Thermal undies, power surges and warmer weather are not a good combo as any lady of a certain age will tell you. I was in danger of stripping off at the tills on a couple of occasions - never a good idea at ANY age.
I don't know if you have got the latest copy of Craft Stamper, always worth a coffee and a sit down as I look through all the wonderful projects that people have created.

Well this month I am in it. Page 40 as part of the 'All you need is Love' gallery. There is also an advert for Sir Stampalot on page 19 that is all cards designed by Me.
In the past they put the instructions for the cards in the Gallery on to their web extra page on line, but I have been waiting for it to appear and it still hasn't so I thought that I would share the card here complete with instructions as written for the magazine. Not the usual sort of detail I go in for on the blog but as it was written already it makes sense to share.

Stamp Woodware FRN005 Geometric Heart onto an A5 piece of white card using versamark and white embossing powder.
Sponge Tumbled Glass and Broken China Distress inks over the entire panel. Paint the hearts with Broken China ink.

Cut out a large circle using a Grand Nestie Circle LF114 and add a hand stitched border to it with a fine black pen. Stamp and white emboss Art Impressions I3082 Love and sponge as before. Cut to size and matte and layer onto silver mirri card.

Create an easel card from a 14.5 x 14.5cm square white card and add square panel of Echo Park Capture the Flag paper and red card stock to the folded half of the card as illustrated.

Cut a rectangle from the left over stamped, embossed and sponged heart panel and mount it onto the red and blue card the same as the main panel. Add hand stitched borders as illustrated, and mount onto the base of the card.
Make flowers from Marianne Creatables LR0162 and LR0163 using the Bo Bunny's Pink Flourish paper and attach to the base of the card as illustrated. Add some Marianne Creatables LR0150 flourishes, punched leaves, small ready made flowers and chandeliers.
Add a little glitter glue to the large flowers, and four silver metallic dots to the corners of the main panel.

All the items I used are available from Sir Stampalot for whom I made the card.
You have to work so far in advance for magazines that sometimes it is hard to get in the right mood for Valentines when we haven't even finished the summer let alone Christmas lol.
I have got a couple of days off work now, but I can see that I will be spending most of it trying to catch up with my commenting on the Crafty Cardmakers challenge.
I didn't realise how far behind I had got with my commenting until I tried this evening. What is it with Blogger lately I don't seem to have been able to even view the cards on most of the numbers that I have been allocated, let alone leave a comment. It is so frustrating and such a waste of time.
So I apologise in advance to all the lovely people who have entered their cards in to our latest challenge, and boy there are certainly a lot of you, if I don't leave a message it is not for the want of trying!!
I think I will stop now and try again tomorrow before I end up throwing the lap top at the wall :)
Oh I nearly forgot to enter the card into the following challenges
Scrapbook Sisters - My Sweet Valentine
Penny Black and More at Allsorts - Love and Hearts
Nite nite.
hugs Kimx

A Christmas Flourish

2012-01-17T23:13:00.000Z

Evening,
It has been so cold at work today, seasonal weather I know, but we never seem ready for it what ever the weather is like!!
We didn't have any snow just a very heavy frost, and cold enough to make me think of Christmas more than Spring so it must be time to share another Christmas card with you.

This card has been made using another stamped image from my Christmas bits box. I think it is by Stampendous, but I'm sure that Dorothy will let me know if I am wrong :)
I have stamped and embossed it and then watercolored it using dye based inks.

I have layered the panel over Bazzill Dotted Swiss card stock that has first been stamped and embossed with a lovely swirl.
I think the watercolouring is cool enough to enter into the challenge over at Woodware where they are looking for Winter Wonderland, cool, cool colours, even if the purple does warm it up a little.

Of course the swirls just screamed out for a little bling.
I would also like to enter this into the challenge over at Weekly Christmas Card Challenges where they are looking for Flourishes, and Christmas Cards All Year Round where the challenge is Non Traditional Christmas colours with the added bonus of Embossing.
Better get some sleep now. Perhaps I ought to get my sexy thermal underwear out of storage ready for tomorrow first or will that mean that we have above average temperatures lol.
Nite nite.
hugs Kimx

With Love Mum xx

2012-01-16T21:14:00.000Z

Evening Everyone,
Well I don't think I will be going to Sandown after all!
I had to make a trip to the dentist today, just the usual check up and clean up with the hygienist (I do love that bit I have to say, even if she does always nag me a little).
All of that is expensive enough with out finding that the tooth I chipped before Christmas is going to need a crown!!!
I did joke about an instalment plan, which fortunately they agreed to. I knew there was a reason for sticking with one Dental Practise all your life!
As we drove home this morning I got my friend to make a little detour to the local Church to leave some flowers for my Dad, today being the Anniversary of his death. I can't believe how quickly the last 10 years seem to have gone by.

This is the card that I have sent my Mum for today.
The main image is another lovely Hobby Art stamp Floral Delight which I have stamped and embossed in black.

I have then stamped the Diamond Background over the top of the image using second generation dye based ink. This stamp is also by Hobby Art as is the Greeting.
I have decided to enter this into the challenge over at Die Cut Dreams where they are looking for Sympathy.
It has certainly been sent with love.
I really must try and do some commenting now, if Blogger will let me that is.
Nite Nite, and love to all, especially my Mum, Brother and Sisters.
I'm thinking of you.
hugs Kimx

A couple of Christmas challenges

2012-01-15T23:34:00.000Z

Evening Everyone,
I hope that you have all had a nice restful weekend.
I have been working on some samples for Imagination which I will be able to share with you soon.
I was a little bit naughty and digressed slightly by making a couple of cards for the challenge over at 52 (Christmas) Card Throwdown where Colour Challenge No 1 is Black and White with a Hint of Red.

I did use a lovely Imagination Decoupage stamp for one of them so it wasn't all bad lol. I adore this stamp, it was certainly one of my favourite Christmas stamps from last year.

I have stamped and embossed onto both black and white card stock and mounted the focal panel onto a piece of Red. I used Weathered Wood and Black Soot distress inks to add a little colour to the edges, and a few tiny beads in the centre of the flower.

This card was made with an image that I have had in my box for quite some time.
We had him at the NEC some years ago when I was demoing for Janice and Andy and we sold him by the dozen.

This poor mite appears to have a little bit of a beauty spot on the side of his face which is why I ended up with him. I have given him a nice red nose and added a couple of swirly clips before mounting him on to some black paper. I think the greeting is by Hero Arts.

I made this card for the Sketch challenge last week but never quite managed to get the post done so I thought that I would add it here anyway.

More use of left overs, this time a Magenta image watercoloured with Fruitcake Kaleidacolor ink.
As these cards are all non traditional in colour I would like to enter them into the challenge over at Christmas Cards All Year Round where this month they are looking for Non Traditional Colours with a bonus challenge of some kind of Embossing, (dry, heat etc).
I have a nice short week at work this week since I have taken a couple of days holiday.
I am hoping to pop along to the show at Sandown on Thursday or Friday.
I haven't been to a show as a paying customer in years since I am usually demoing, but I need a few supplies and a catch up with a few friends who will be there.
Perhaps I will see you there, who knows.
Better get to bed now or I won't make it to the end of the week.
My cold has meant that I have had a very husky voice for the last few days. It sounds worse than it is but does make it a little difficult on the tills for 8 hours.
Oh well people will just have to lip read.
Bye for now.
Hugs Kimx

Handbags at Dawn at Woodware

2012-01-14T23:27:00.000Z

Evening Everyone.
The week just wouldn't be the same if I didn't enter something in to the challenge over at Woodware.
The challenge this week as been 'Handbags at Dawn', and given that it will probably be nearly dawn by the time you read this it seems quite appropriate.

Given the lateness of the hour and the fact that the challenge has nearly ended I decided to look through my rather large stash of cards that I have already completed to see if there was anything that I would be able to use.

The only piece of art work that I could find that had used a stamp sold by Woodware was actually a gift tag that I made some years ago as part of an article for either Cardmaking and Papercraft or Quick Cards Made Easy. As you know I don't really do tags so that is why it has never been sent.
I am pretty sure that the Hat, bag and shoe stamp is by Stampendous, but I am sure that someone will tell me if I have got it wrong lol.
I have remounted the coloured image and vellum background onto a piece of paper from the GCD paper pack Planes and Trains. The little retro flowers that have been added are peel-offs.
I had a lovely class today at Davina's. It was very full which was wonderful. In fact we actually had a couple of people that we weren't expecting. We managed to fit them in but we must remember to get people to confirm their booking in advance or we might have to have standing room only, not easy when you are crafting you will agree.

I was a very good girl and finished this card off this evening after I had put all my workshop equipment away. What a creep I can hear you all shouting. I just wanted to use up all the bits, and I do so love this stamp.

By the way I thought that you might like to see what I bought with my prize money for winning the December Sketch challenge.

I have had my eye on this stamp set for a while now. In fact I could have done with it last week when I had a 40th birthday card to make for a friend. I know it was designed for Wedding Anniversaries but it will work every bit as well for certain birthdays. Actually I have a 50th Birthday card to make next week so I can see it will get used straight away.
Thank You Woodware.
Hugs Kimx

Purple Poppies and Diamonds

2012-01-13T21:50:00.000Z

Evening everyone,
I'm still not feeling great so am just going to share another of the cards that I am taking to class tomorrow at Davina's.

Once again it used the fabulous Framed Poppies, only this time I have cut it out using a Nestie.

Who says that you have to use the entire image. I think you will agree it looks every bit as good this way.

I used stamps from the Autumn Scene it clear set, also by Hobby Art, to decorate the purple background card.
Off to bed now. I need my beauty sleep :)
Nite, nite.
Hugs Kimx

Woodware challenge but without the stamps!!!!

2012-01-12T22:01:00.001Z

OK you know how things can disappear in to the black hole that is your craft table (well if it's anything like mine that is). You've used a stamp, a clear one no less, and then when the card is finished you can't find the stamp anywhere.
Well that is exactly what happened to me when I made my card for the last Woodware challenge. The lovely little mouse from my set disappeared into thin air. I checked everything, even the bins bit by bit yuk.
I had resigned myself to never being able to use the little mouse again sob sob.
Then I went to prep for my class on Saturday at Davina's (Stampcraft in Purley) and there sitting on the top of an ink pad was a little mouse yeahhhhh.

We are using this lovely Poppy stamp from Hobby Art on Saturday, but I have made the card using the Woodware Challenge sketch in the hopes that they will be inspired to make something similar but using a Woodware stamp. I will have some of those with me as well :)

The red strip of paper has been made using the Stylus tool which is something that I will be teaching them on Saturday. I love it for making background papers.
I coloured the image with dye based inks on watercolour card.
I also added some metallic swirls and a punched border.
I have been trying to leave comments tonight but am having no luck at all. I don't know what is going on with blogger. I do wish they would stop playing around with it. What is it they say - If it ain't broke don't fix it lol.
Sorry guys I will try again tomorrow, but this is just to let you all know that I really do appreciate you taking the time to leave me messages.
I must get an early night. My lovely daughter seems to have passed me her cold and I am starting to feel all bunged up. Lemsip and bed me thinks.
Have to be well for Saturday it looks like we have a full house which is brilliant.
Hugs Kimx

Christmas Cards All Year Round

2012-01-11T23:04:00.000Z

I don't seem to have managed very much on the craft front over the last couple of days. Still I suppose that makes up for all the activity on the crafty front over the weekend.
I spent yesterday catching up with some blog posts, e-mails and commenting on the new challenge at Crafty Cardmakers, it's amazing how quickly people have entered. I've just checked and I'm way behind again!!
I still have a couple of posts to do if I stand any chance of keeping you all up to date with the things that I've made and also entering the challenges that I have found, and made cards for before they close.

I told you I was determined to keep on top of all my Christmas cards, well over at Christmas Cards All Year Round, the challenge this month is 'Non Traditional Colours' with a bonus challenge of some embossing if possible. Not a problem, well the embossing at least lol.
In fact even the colour choice wasn't hard to follow. I have never been a strict follower of Traditional Christmas colours. Because I like to make my own backgrounds and love playing with inks I always seem to end up with masses of bits, especially after a demo or class. Not always your traditional Christmas colours but what the heck. What it's all about is fun, and who said Christmas has to be red and green anyway.

Being on my using up leftovers kick I made this card out of my Christmas Bits Box. It's amazing what you find. The only trouble is when you come to post sometimes you can't for the life of you remember how you made the particular background bit that you have used, or what Company the stamp comes from. Never mind you get the idea, and you can always adapt it to fit with what you have in your bits box lol.

On this particular occasion I do know that the tree stamp is by Magenta Sketch Christmas Tree and the greeting is from a Hobby Art clear stamp set Christmas Sentiments.
The paper that the Christmas tree has been stamped and embossed on to is made from Adirondack Colorwash inks and I remember using some bleach on it which is what caused the image to go yellow in places.
I added some Card Candy and swirls. The brown card is from my stash, and the black card from my Christmas bits box.
Definitely not traditional colours but I really like it. Why not have a go yourself.
Nite nite
Kimx

How Embarrassing

2012-01-10T21:08:00.000Z

Evening Everyone,
What's that they say about the lottery, 'You've got to be in it to win it!' Well apparently the same goes for challenges cause I have just won the Woodware Challenge again!!!
Now come on people this is getting embarrassing, it's about time that someone else won, but if you don't enter..............
My prize is some money to spend in the Craft shop of your choice.
With all of the wonderful things that Woodware sell the hard part will be deciding what to buy. What a hardship lol :)
I'm not sure which card won as I entered twice, so it could be
this one made with an Artemio clear stamp set. Or this one
made with a lovely Woodware clear stamp set. Either way I feel very honoured.
Now don't forget that you have till the end of January to enter the latest sketch challenge HERE. Why not stop by and have a look.
Come on give me a run for my money, I've only entered once so far he he:)
Off to bed now to dream of Crafty things.
Nite nite
Hugs Kimx

The Stampman 3rd Annual Awards

2012-01-09T21:30:00.000Z

Hi
Over at THE STAMPMAN they have been asking you to look back over the last year and enter what you consider to be your best, or favourite piece of work into their 3rd Annual Awards.
There is a random prize draw for the top prize of £30 of Stamp Man vouchers and 4 runners up.
Now I have found this to be a real toughy.
I went back over all of my posts for last year and found it very difficult to narrow down the list. It's amazing how many favourites you have, and projects that you had completely forgotten about. I discovered that I have had quite a few things that I really liked. How to narrow it down?
My favourites have included the following.....
13.7.11 - A Wedding in Pakistan, So cute and I loved this colour combo.
27.5.11 - High Flight by John Gillespie Magee. I was so pleased with how this one turned out, and it was on the telly lol.
14.8.11 - Mini File Folder Just because I made it for my Mum :)
31.10.11 - Brown Pink and Cream. This was probably one of my favourite Christmas cards. Love this stamp.
5.11.11 - Here's what I did with my Winnings. What can I say, I won this stamp in a challenge and then this card which I made with it won another one!!
28.11.11 - Heat Embossing. Loved this challenge over at Crafty Cardmakers. I do so love embossing it's definately my favourite thing.
11.12.11 - Ethnic Santa.
This was made for a lady at work. She was so thrilled to be able to have a 'Black Santa' card for her Mum and Dad.

But I think my over all favourite, but not by much, is probably
29.01.11 - Back in the Magazines. This was a card that I made for Craft Stamper.
It's been a long time since I had something published, it's a wonderful feeling.
What do you think about my list?
Let me know, it will be interesting to see if anyone else agrees or if I have left something out.
Hugs Kimx

New challenge at Crafty Cardmakers - No Floral Embellishments

2012-01-09T18:11:00.000Z

Afternoon Everyone,
Today sees the start of a brand new challenge over at Crafty Cardmakers.
Our host for this Challenge is Fiona who has asked for 'No Floral Embellishments'
You can use flower Backing Paper, flowers in your image or even a flower as an image, but NO floral embellishments, so no flowers, flower shaped buttons, or anything else resembling a flower that you have added to the finished card
Our Sponsors this time are One Stop Card Craftswho are offering a £10 voucher for their store and Digi Doodle Shop who are offering a $10 gift certificate for their store.

For my card I have used an old leaf stamp by Hero Arts. I stamped and embossed the image randomly onto a piece of white copy paper using versamark and white embossing powder.

Then I painted the paper with Starburst Stains available form The Stampman. While the paper is still very wet screw it up, and then gently open it back out again. Don't panic it is very therapeutic.
Vixykins has a tutorial on how to make backgrounds using the Scrunch Technique over on her blog. The only difference would be to stamp and emboss the paper before following her instructions.

Once the paper is dry,(you can heat set it if you are really impatient or even put it in the oven like Vix :), or maybe make a whole pile of papers one evening and then leave them to dry over night) trim a panel slightly smaller than the card that you are wanting it to fit.
I then tore the panel in half and 'stitched' it back together using metallic thread.
I actually found it easier to fix the panels onto the card with DSST and then stitch.

I added a layered panel with a stamped and embossed greeting which I'm afraid was from my stash so I can't remember who it is made by.
Not a flower in sight!!
I hope you have fun playing, that's what our challenge is all about.
Bye for now, Happy Crafting.
hugs
Kimx

A day of Inspiration and Creativity

2012-01-08T22:20:00.000Z

Evening Everyone,
Well yesterdays 'Creatathon' at Hobby Art has certainly got me in creative mood.

I have finished off the couple of pieces that I made when I was showing the girls how to create the Faux Mother of Pearl background.

Red poppies, how very traditional! They just screamed out for gingham background paper don't you think?

I confess that this colour combo was pinched from Jane, Scattered Straw and Evergreen Bough distress inks. You see we all learnt something from one another, even if it was just new colour combos :)

Far less traditional colours for poppies, but it works just as well I think. I coloured over my poppies with Promarkers for added depth of colour. The cardstock that I used was not very good for water colouring.

Artwork by Jane Gill

I even managed to get Jane's lovely pieces of artwork mounted up for her, as per her suggestions.

Artwork by Jane Gill

On this card she added a handwritten greeting. Now you can see why she designs stamp sets lol.

I have also managed to finish off 16 Christmas cards. Only 2 are from scratch, the rest were just the boring bits - envelopes and inserts, but that is the bit that takes the time.

I am so determined that I will keep on top of Christmas this year. That's why I have been keeping my eye on several of the Christmas all Year Round challenges that have appeared in my blog list.

Have to get my post sorted out for the new Challenge over at Crafty Cardmakers that goes live tomorrow, so I had better sign off now.

Hope you have had a great weekend, and hopefully a creative one, I certainly have.

Hugs Kimx

Oh What a Lovely Day!!

2012-01-07T22:21:00.000Z

Evening Everyone,
I have had such a lovely day at our Creatathon.
Jenny at Hobby Art organised a day where several lovely crafty ladies could get together and swap ideas.
I was lucky enough to be amongst the invited gathering which included Jane Gill, Charry Wijers, Alexandra Kamann and Anna Flanders. Unfortunately Paula Pascual was ill and Helen Meighan had a last minute family crisis.
I don't know about a stamp and slim club, this was definitely a stamp and get fat get together.

The table positively growned at lunch time, and we had already had danish pastries with morning coffee. Charry had brought sweeties, Alex a poppy seed cake and Jenny's daughter had made us each a cup cake to bring home.
I made the coffee, I know my place lol.

Made by Charry and Alex.

It wasn't all eating I promise. I showed them all how to create the lovely Faux Mother of Pearl background in the morning and Alex gave us lots of tips and techniques with Copics in the afternoon. Still not my thing but I loved watching what everyone else did.

Made by Alex.

We didn't finish any cards, in fact I have brought Jane's pieces home to finish off for her.
She has been making cards for England, or at least the new Woodware catalogue, just lately and so I offered to mount her pieces of art work to give her a break.

Made by Jenny

Obviously we used Hobby Art stamps, and this one has to be one of my favourites at the moment.

Made by Alex

We have decided that we will try and get together on a regular basis hopefully every couple of months. So next time it will be someone Else's turn to share. I will try and finish off my sample pieces tomorrow if I get the chance.
I think first I had better find a few minutes to hop on the exercise bike and work off some of this food :)
Happy Crafting Everyone.
hugs
Kimx

Off to play at Hobby Art

2012-01-06T22:46:00.000Z

Evening Everyone
Hope you have all had a good day, I can't believe that it is the weekend again already.
I am so looking forward to tomorrow as I am off to play with several lovely crafty ladies over at Hobby Art.

Jenny has organised a get together and 'teachathon'. Several of us are getting together and as well as catching up we have also agreed that we will each 'teach' the others something.
The idea is not to make finished cards but rather showcase a technique, so I decided that I would teach them how to create the fabulous Faux Mother of Pearl background.

I have used the technique here on this card that I made for Jenny's last TV show.
I found the technique over at Splitcoast Stampers, and have fallen in love with it. It makes the most stunning backgrounds suitable for any sort of stamped images.
Not sure who else will be there tomorrow, apart from Jenny and Anna (the designer of several Hobby Art stamp sets) but I am sure that we will all have a brilliant time.
Hugs for now
Kimx

Barbara is back at the weekend

2012-01-05T21:49:00.000Z

Evening Everyone
I hope that you have all had a lovely relaxing few days at home. Did you think of me having to work? I doubt it, still finally back to reality now all the local schools have gone back.

I have been on a little bit of a road trip today delivering samples to Barbara for her next TV show on Sunday. (Create and Craft Sky 671 10am - 12pm and again at 2pm - 3pm.)

I have been asked not to share any samples with you before the show goes on the air, so instead this is one that I made for one of the classroom shows last year.
Don't forget to tune in on Sunday for your monthly fix of crafty ideas from a lovely lady. I certainly will.
An early night tonight me thinks.
Nite nite
Kimx

January Sketch Challenge over at Woodware

2012-01-04T22:52:00.000Z

Evening Everyone,
Tonight I am sharing the card that I have made using the sketch over at the Woodware challenge.

It has actually been made for my good friend Anna who lost her Mum just after Christmas.
The black and white panel has been stamped and embossed using the large flower head from the Stampendous clear set SSC1111 Agapanthus Thank You, black versafine ink and clear embossing powder.
I distressed the edges using weathered wood distress ink and some Metallic rub-ons from Kit no 3.

The central black panel has been stamped and embossed using the fine line flower head and then the images have been painted using thin bleach.
I also added a greeting to both panels from Woodware clear set JGCL508 Jane's Script.
The card candy has been punched from some of the left over pieces and attached using silicon.

The main image has been created using another Stampendous stamp Agapanthus Cluster and decorators chalks. It was cut out using a nestie and layered over more of the purple card stock.
Why not have a go at making a card following this sketch. You have the entire month of January to come up with something, and you never know you might win a prize.
Add your creation using the link at the bottom of the Mondays Post, and don't forget you can still enter even if you don't have a blog, by e-mailing a picture of your card to Dorothy at dorothy@woodware.co.uk.
Good Luck, and most of all have fun.
hugs Kimx

Just because I wanted to..

2012-01-03T23:55:00.000Z

Hi All
Just a quick post tonight before I get to bed.

This card was made just because I wanted to, not for any one in particular.

Once again I have been trying to use bits up so this has been made out of bits left over from a card that I made for one of the challenges over at Woodware.

The floral stamps are by Artemio and the greeting is from Hobby Art.
A Creole Spice Kaleidacolour ink pad has been used for the main panel and the main card has been stamped with bleach.
I would like to enter it in to the challenge over at Cupcake Craftroom - Anything Goes
Off to bed now
Kimx

Anything Goes at 52 (Christmas) card Throwdown,

2012-01-02T23:07:00.000Z

Evening Everyone
I know, I know, I can hear you all scream but Christmas is over.
Well I am so determined that I will stay on top of my Christmas card making this year that I have decided to follow a couple of challenges devoted to Christmas all year round.
52(Christmas) card Throwdown is actually a new blog and their first challenge is Anything Goes. Nice and easy to start you off :)

I made this card with my Grandchildren in mind, but who knows who I will send it to by the time December comes around again lol.
I have been very good when making it and have used up some bits and pieces that I had in my Christmas drawer. Sorry guys it has escalated from a box!!

The little girl is Winter Tilda coloured with distress inks, and I even found a robin that I made using shrink plastic.
The background was a piece that I made during a class on Faux Mother of Pearl with some of the lovely Stampendous embossing powder used on the pine branches.

The flowers and Mistletoe are cut using various dies and I added some ready made flowers and stamen from my stash.
I think it has turned out quite well considering it has been made out of left overs.
Oh well 1 down only another 124 to go if this year is anything to go by. I think I had better use up a few more of those left over bits.
So why don't you head on over 52 (Christmas) Card Throwdown and enter a card.
Come on I'm sure you must have some bits and pieces that you could manage to turn in to your first Christmas card of 2012.
I'll try and post again tomorrow - not Christmas I promise.
hugs Kimx

G is for Green at the ABC challenge

2012-01-01T23:14:00.000Z

Evening Everyone,
Hope that you have had a good day.
I have been a very busy bunny, DT work, ironing and a marathon catch up session on the current series of Merlin that we had recorded on the Sky box. I think the grown ups were probably more engrossed than the kids but that just goes to show that we are all big kids at heart lol.

This is another of the numerous 'Thinking of You' cards that I have had to make just lately, and it fits perfectly into the ABC Challenge where G is for Green.
The little boy fishing is by Clarity as are the leaves that have been white embossed in one of the background papers. The leaves have also been stamped on the main card with versamark.

The other papers are from my stash and have been run through the cuttlebug using a couple of different embossing folders. The greeting is from Woodware.
I have used distress inks to add colour, some glimmer mist, stitching with a fine black pen and some card candy.
Off to bed now, all this activity has made me tired and I have to go to work tomorrow. And I have just noticed how late it is!
Love and hugs
Kimx

Seems a Little Sketchy - Thinking of You

2012-01-01T11:21:00.000Z

Hello Everyone, Happy New Year.
Did you see the firework display in London on the TV last night it was absolutely fantastic?
Well I made it through another New Years Eve. It has never been my favourite time of the year, made even worse 10 years ago by the death of my son Adam.
I lit a candle and took flowers. In fact the Grandchildren all came with me which was nice. Saskia wanted to know when he was going to pop up, which took a little explaining that he wouldn't, but at least it made me smile lol.

I have several friends who also find this time of year hard so there have been quite a few Thinking of You cards to be sent. This one is on its way to Spain.
The main image is by Clarity Asian Bamboo, and has been stamped onto a piece of handmade background paper from my stash.

I cut the image out using a nestie and mounted it over background papers layered to fit the sketch over at Seems a Little Sketchy.
The ribbon is from Woodware.
The greeting has also been cut out using a nestie, which has been left in place while distress ink is sponged over the image. This is what creates the thin white line around the edge once the nestie has been removed.

I added some swirls to the background panels using my favourite Magnolia Swirl Flourish. I also added some stitching using a fine black pen.
Everyone has had a nice lazy morning, so the chaos and noise hasn't kicked in yet, it's only a matter of time, I can hear footsteps on the stairs.
Have a great day, and once again I hope that you all have a very Happy New Year.
Happy Crafting.
Kimx

A Thank You and a very Happy New Year

2011-12-31T22:42:00.000Z

The challenge over at Woodware this last week has been to make Thank You cards.
I actually got mine made at the beginning of the week for once, but sadly never got around to posting it.

It seems to me though that it is a very appropriate way to end the year, and to say thank you to all of the lovely people that have visited me during it.
My Thank You to you all has been made using one of the background papers from the GCD paper pack Rocket Red Glare.
I have punched the panel down the right hand side with my Crafty Edger punch and mounted it onto a square white card. Of course I had to add a few tiny pearls.

The greeting is taken from the clear stamp set FRCL200 All Occasions Bloom and has been stamped and embossed onto a piece of Dotted Swiss Bazzil card stock.

The floral panel has been stamped and embossed onto a piece of handmade background paper from my stash and the flowers were coloured with Promarkers.
See Anna I am embracing the new lol.
I added a few extra dots with a white gelly roll glaze pen, and some stitched borders with a fine black pen.
Once again I would like to say a huge thank you to you all for visiting, and for all the lovely comments that you have left. They really are very much appreciated.
Only just over an hour to go, so I will leave you with a wish for a very Healthy and Happy New Year to you all.
I hope that 2012 is a wonderful year for everyone.
Happy Crafting and hugs
Kimx

Wishing you Brighter days at Sunday Sketch and Stamp

2011-12-31T16:24:00.000Z

Afternoon All
I hope that you are all having a good day. I have been having a bit of a tidy up as well as making a card for a friends Mum who is in hospital.

I made this card for him to give her using the lovely sketch over at Sunday Sketch and Stamp.

The floral stamp is one of my favourite Stampendous images Agapanthus Cluster which I have coloured using several different blue pigment inks, before stamping it out and embossing with clear powder. I have then restamped the image several times without adding any more ink which gives this slightly faded effect.
The technique is known as Embossed Resist and works particularly well with floral images.
The greeting is from Hobby Art Sentiments clear set.

The background papers are from my stash, and I added some card candy and a stitched border to the floral panel.

That's enough computer for now, back to crafting.

Have a good day.

Hugs Kimx

Sketch Saturday and a new baby girl

2011-12-30T21:57:00.000Z

Evening everyone,
In amongst all of the Christmas cards that I have made just lately there was also a card for a new baby girl.

I made it using the sketch over at Sketch Saturday, and then I didn't get it posted in time, or so I thought.
In fact there was a bit of a mix up on the blog, I think we are all entitled to a blond moment now and then, and the challenge has run for another week so I will get to enter it after all even if it is by the skin of my teeth lol.

I have used another of the lovely Lili of the Valley pre-coloured images mounted over background papers from my stash. The greeting is also from Lili of the Valley.
I added some stitched lines, ribbon, peel-off lines and faux card candy made from some of the background paper.
The image itself has been mounted over a panel cut using a Marianne Creatable Designer Doily.
I have more cards to share tomorrow, and more cards to make for Barbara's next TV show so I had better get back to work.
Have a good evening.
Kimx

A Special Birthday Boy and another awesome cake

2011-12-29T18:45:00.000Z

Evening Everyone
In all the hive of activity involved in the preparations for Christmas and the New Year a very special young man's birthday always seems to get missed out of my blog posts.
On the 16th December my Grandson Reece was 9.

The card I made for him used another of my favourite Lily of the Valley die cuts. They really are so useful when time is of the essence :)
I cut him out and mounted him over some background papers from my stash.

The clock has been cut using the Tim Holtz die that I bought when I was at Sir Stampalot in November. I can see that it will get plenty of use in the future.
I ran the blue background paper through the cuttlebug using an embosssing folder.
The greeting is from a clear stamp set, sorry can't remember which one, and the brads are from my stash.

Reece's Dad certainly didn't allow his birthday to go by unnoticed. Jason worked really hard to create another of his fabulous cakes, this time in the shape of the Millennium Falcon from Star Wars complete with flashing lights and sound effects.

It was very hard to get any decent pictures of it, so these really don't do it justice, but I will get shot if I don't share it with you all.

It even sat on a pedestal which sparkled with edible glitter.

And he cut the base board to fit exactly.

A couple of Lego figures where borrowed to sit on the top.
Reece was thrilled to bits with it as you can well imagine.
Father Christmas brought Jason the food mixer that he asked for so he is already planning his next creation. So much for the diet lol.
Happy Crafting
Kimx

Thinking of You at Sunday Sketch and Stamp

2011-12-26T22:33:00.000Z

Evening Everyone,
I hope that you have all had a wonderful day and haven't eaten too much. I wish that I could say that I hadn't but I can see some serious diet and exercise in my future lol.

As wonderful as this time of year is, it is unfortunately especially hard for some when they loose a loved one.
My next door neighbour lost her Mum the week before Christmas and so I made this to let her know that we are thinking of her and her family.

I have stamped and embossed Stampendous Wildflower Sprigs onto a piece of background card coloured with Alcohol inks and then cut out several assorted circles using a Nestie.
The circles have then been layered onto a panel cut with another nestie and coloured with distress ink while the nestie is still in place.

The background papers are from my stash and the card has been put together using the lovely sketch over at Sunday Sketch and Stamp.
I have added stitched borders with a fine black pen and some small white dots to the finished card.
Of course my favourite Swirl Flourish from Magnolia has managed to find its way onto the background papers.
Off to bed now, I'm sure that we will be just as busy at work tomorrow as we were today, I can't believe how much shopping people can do. You would think that shops were never going to open again :)
Hugs Kimx

Another little Thankyou

2011-12-25T18:22:00.000Z

Happy Christmas Everyone
We have managed to peel our way through the mountain of vegetables. There can't possible be any more sprouts left in England, they are all in my kitchen lol.
The turkey is still cooking, but I'm not sure the kids will have any room with all the sweets and other assorted goodies that they have been munching on despite the grown ups protests.
We all sound like my Grandma used to 'You won't have enough room for your dinner if you eat that!!' How some things never change he he.

This card was made to say thank you to Jenny and Chris at Hobby Art for my lovely Christmas gift.
Once again I used the lovely sketch over at Seems a Little Sketchy.
They are a very new challenge but I can see that I will be heading there again when I need a new sketch to work with.

The main image is a lovely Hobby Art stamp Dandelion Vase that I have had for quite a while.
I have stamped and embossed it and then added colour using a watercolour technique that I am quite partial to.

The background papers are from my stash and this time I used the lovely DooHickey Christmas Poinsettia.

The ribbon is from Woodware as is the Card Candy. I added some glossy accents to the vase, and a little glitter glue to the flowers.

Oh, looks like dinner is ready now and then we have presents to open. At some point I have to find room to put the ironing board up as I need my uniform for work tomorrow. I shall be thinking of all you lucky people having a lie in when I am at work at 6am tomorrow.

I hope that you have all had a lovely day, and have not over indulged too much.

I hope that you enjoy the rest of the Christmas break.

Happy Christmas

hugs

Kimx

A Thankyou to Clarity

2011-12-25T12:01:00.001Z

Happy Christmas Everyone
I hope that you are all having a wonderful day.
We have been following Santa's progress on line, how very 21st century. I'm not sure who has had most fun watching him as he travels round the world, me or the Grandchildren lol.

I have had some wonderful Christmas gifts and this is a card that I made for Barbara and All at Clarity just to say thanks for one of them.
I have made it using the sketch over at Seems a Little Sketchy.

The main image has been stamped and embossed on to a piece of handmade background paper from my stash using a Clarity stamp that I have owned for years, Asian Bamboo.

The other papers are also from my stash, I am determined to make a dent in them from now on, and the flower and swirls have been cut using the wonderful Vintage Daisies and Heart Swirl Branch DooHickeys.

Better get back to the kitchen, I can see a mountain of vegetables that need peeling to go with what looks like a small ostrich that is already in the oven.

Have a great day.

Hugs

Kimx

A Very Merry Christmas to One and All

2011-12-24T23:53:00.000Z

Good Evening Everyone

Just one final Christmas card to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and healthy and Happy New Year.

Thank you for dropping by and leaving all your lovely comments.
I hope that you all have a wonderful day tomorrow in the company of all your family and friends.
With love and hugs to all
Kimx

A Christmas card and the Woodware Challenge - Richness of Red

2011-12-24T16:02:00.000Z

Afternoon All

This week the challenge over at Woodware has been Richness of Red, and of course I had to enter it even if it has meant making one last Christmas card.
Still now at least I can say I have started my cards for next year. Eat your heart out Mrs Till lol.

I have used a Woodware Single Festive Background JGS260, which I have stamped using a Crimson Red versafine inkpad and embossed with clear embossing powder. Some of the greetings have been painted using a red Sakura Stardust pen, a technique that I have picked up from Francoise

I then stamped and embossed the image onto red card stock using black versafine and painted Peace with thin bleach. The oval has been punched using a giant Woodware punch. I then tapped the red inkpad around the edge of the oval and embossed it with clear powder to make it stand out.
Placing the oval directly over the same image is a technique called 'Spotlighting' and is a great way of covering up a mistake or a bit of bad stamping. That actually wasn't the problem here, honest :)
I have added a fine stitched border to the main panel, a few gems, and a little Ruby red metallic rub-on to the edges.

The border has been created using the Woodware Antique Floral Crafty Edger. I added some of the Ruby Red metallic rub-on to this to make it stand out from the main card.
The house is very empty at the moment as the family are all out for the evening so I am going to make the most of the peace and quiet and craft with the TV turned up very loud.
Have a wonderful day.
With love and hugs
Kimx

Christmas cards ALL DONE !!!!!!!!

2011-12-19T21:17:00.000Z

Evening Everyone,
Well I have finally finished all of my Christmas cards, and they are in the post!
That is some sort of miracle, even my friend at work remarked that it was early for me.
Cheeky, but how right she is :)

All I can say is Thank God for Lili of the Valley pre-coloured images when you suddenly find that you need another 10 cards lol.
I made all of these using a combination of images cut out using my nesties,

some background papers from my stash,

a bit of card candy,

some wonderful Stampendous Shabby White Embossing Enamel,

a cuttlebug Christmas embossing folder, stamped swirls,

and some crystals and pearls.

I thought you might like to see them, unless you are completely fed up with Christmas cards that is.

Off to bed now, I need to lie down after all this activity.

Nite, nite.

Hugs

Kimx

Woodware Challenge week 29 - Look what I did with my tin.......

2011-12-18T17:03:00.000Z

Afternoon Everyone.
I have been trying all week to get my entry made for this challenge over at Woodware, but work and Christmas cards seem to have got in the way. But here we are at last, I hope that you feel it was worth the wait lol.

I have used the Heart shaped Tin which of course immediately made me feel that it should be full of little pictures of the Grandchildren. To be honest this has been one of the major hold ups with getting this made, finding pictures that I could put on each page.
I printed them all out with a sepia tone and then reduced them on the photocopier so they are not perhaps as good as they should be.

The Scrapbook pages that come inside the tin have been covered in Distress inks Stormy Sky and Chipped Sapphire using a blending tool.

I then sprayed them with glimmer mist and dried them using a heat tool. You can always make your own Mica spray by adding a little Pearlex powder to a spray bottle with some water in it. A couple of drops of re-inker can be added too if you like.

I love this photo of the family with my Mum.
I will have to change it before I give this tin away however as it has been made for Jason's Mum for Christmas. Unfortunately I didn't have a suitable picture of his Mum to hand and as everyone is out in London at the Natural History Museum I didn't have time to wait. She will never know once I have made the switch :) Sorry Ma will have to get another tin for you xx

Once the pages have been covered in ink and glimmer mist I have stamped them all using the lovely floral images from Stampendous SSC072 Wildflower Sprigs.

They have been stamped using the same distress inks Stormy Sky and Chipped Sapphire. I have also added a couple of greetings and some butterflies. These are also on the stamp set.

Each of the sepia images have been edged using a Pinecone Versa Color cube and clear embossing powder. The ovals have been cut out using a nestie.

The outside of the tin has been coloured using Alcohol inks and then an oval stamped panel has been added to the lid.
Better get back to the craft table. I may have finished my Christmas cards but there are still birthdays, a couple of anniversaries and a new baby.................the list seems to go on for ever and that's just for December.
Happy Crafting.
Hugs
Kimx

Crafty Cardmakers Challenge 58 - Use it three times

2011-12-15T19:35:00.000Z

Evening Everyone
This week we have another challenge over at Crafty Cardmakers, the last one this year, where Tracy challenges us to use the same stamp/image three different ways.
It could be the background, main image and a tag to match for example. (ie Christmas Wrapping Paper, Greeting Card and Gift Tag) Using different colourways is another way, the same image three times, or even, as a couple of us have done, three different cards.
We are sponsored for the last time by the lovely Joanna Sheen who is offering a £10 voucher for her online shop which is crammed full of goodies with new stock arriving all the time! Thanks for everything Joanna!

I'm sorry it has taken me so long to post my cards but writing Christmas cards seems to have got in the way of everything. I'm still not sure that I have actually made enough yet.
It has also been a bit like writing War and Peace, so perhaps you should get yourself a coffee before you read any further.
I must admit that I hate to make the same card twice, so I loved working on this challenge.
Of course I didn't think about having to write the instructions to each card when I made them, I was having way too much fun.
Message to self, think first before making card lol.

I have used a lovely Woodware clear set All Occasions Bloom FRCL200 to create 3 different cards.
Of course if I had been thinking I would have used the same layout for each card like Melly or Lin, but I didn't so here goes with a little bit of explanation.

This first card has used a piece of background paper made using distress inks. I have tapped a couple of colours on to a craft sheet, then spritzed with Glimmer Mist. The next step is to take a piece of watercolour card also spritzed with Glimmer mist to make it wet and smoosh. Each piece will be different.
This is also a great way of using up ink that is left on your craft sheet when you have been using dye based inks and a blending tool.

When the background paper is dry, stamp and emboss the floral panel onto it using black versafine and clear embossing powder. Cut around the image and paint the flowers with thin undiluted bleach.

The floral panel is layered over a piece of white card that has been run through the cuttlebug inside an embossing folder. I added a little co-ordinating ink with a blending tool or a piece of cut and dry foam.

The white strip has been punched with a Martha Stewart punch, and it has then been layered over some background paper from my stash. Add a few pearls and some glossy accents to the flower centres.

I stamped and embossed a couple of extra flowers and coloured them with Promarkers and also a little bleach. These are added to the card along with some punched leaves.

The background for this second card has been made in the same manner as the first, with dye based inks, glimmer mist and a smoosh.

Once again I have stamped and embossed the main image using black versafine and clear embossing powder. I have then painted the flowers with thin undiluted bleach.
Having cut around the image I added some stitching with a fine black pen.

This time I cut the the pale blue embossed panel in half diagonally and layered it over some purple card from my stash.
I added some swirls down the right hand side of the card using a lovely Artemio clear stamp set Delicate Flourishes. I stamped them using a Versamark inkpad and then dusted Pearlex powder over the image using a dry paint brush.
You need a tiny amount of Pearlex to cover the image and then any excess powder is removed with the same dry brush. You can be really quite heavy handed when removing the excess and the image will remain unsmudged.

The ribbon across the middle has been spritzed with water and then scrunched to add a little texture to it.
The padded circles have been made using some of the leftover bits of background and a small circular punch.

The background for the final card has been made in the same manner as the other two.
I'm afraid that all of the pieces came from my bits box so I can't be more specific about the colours that I used.

Having stamped and embossed the image using versafine and clear embossing powder I placed the trimmed panel into an embossing folder so that only one half of the panel is embossed.

I added a little extra ink using a blending tool and then mounted the panel onto black glossy card stock and trimmed to leave a narrow border.
Once again I painted the flowers with thin undiluted bleach.
If you don't like making your own backgrounds you could just as easily use shop bought background papers, the only problem with this is that you cant use bleach to remove the colour from the flowers.

I added a few dots around the stamped image using an Inkssentials opaque white pen, and then added glossy accents to the flower centres.
The background paper on the main card is from my stash. I have added a stitched border to this using a fine black pen.

I have decided to enter these into the following challenges.
Delightful Challenges - Anything Goes
Creative Craft Challenges - Faux or Real stitching
Make it Monday - Always Anything Goes
The Corrosive Challenge - Anything Except Christmas

Well, I hope that I haven't sent you to sleep with my epic post, and that you will feel suitable inspired to enter our challenge over at Crafty Cardmakers.
Better get back to the Christmas cards. I did manage to get another bag full in the post this morning, but I still haven't finished yet.
Happy Crafting and have a good evening.
Hugs
Kimx

Ethnic Santa

2011-12-11T12:07:00.000Z

Morning Everyone

Hope you are having a good weekend and that it is not too cold where you are.
We are really getting into the Christmas spirit here, the light are up on the outside of the house and the tree is in the first stages of being dressed. You can't move for wrapping paper and prezzies, I'm beginning to know how Santa must feel :)
The card I am sharing today was made at the request of a friend at work. She wanted a card for her parents with a Black Santa on it, not something that you can easily find in the shops. It also had to be big with plenty of bling since her Mum is nearly blind and would therefore need to 'feel' it.

She didn't mind whether the card was comical or traditional just so long as it was large so this wonderful Molly Blooms stamp Boxing Day Santa immediately sprang to mind. I have coloured him using Distress inks and then cut him out with a circular Grand Nestie.

The wood grain background is a piece of card stock which has been stamped and gold embossed down one side using X9449G Christmas Text Background and then cut out using another of my Grand Nesties.
The main panel of background paper is Magnolia paper Blue Christmas Holly with a fine handstitched border drawn onto it.

The flowers are a combination of ready made and die cuts with the lovely Heart Swirl Branch Doohickey and Marianne Creatable Pine Tree Branch. The pine branches have been glittered by embossing them with sticky embossing powder and then pouring fine glitter over them.
A Time to Share is from a Woodware clear stamp set FRCL105 Traditional Christmas Greetings and 25th December is from Lili of the Valley.
The whole thing was assembled using an 8 inch square card which I picked up in Peterboro when I was up there last month. I knew they would come in handy especially as they come complete with envelopes. I did suggest to my friend that she might need to post it in a padded envelope just to be on the safe side.
I am waiting to hear what her parents thought of it but she was absolutely thrilled. She has already given me details of the birthday card that she wants for her Dad in February.
I am entering the card into the following challenges
Crazy 4 Challenges - Its Santa
So Artful - Tis the Season picture inspiration
Creative Craft Challenges - Stitching Faux or real
Sassy Cheryls Challenge - Santa
It's no good I must get on with writing my Christmas cards now, I can't put it off any longer.
It really is the bit I hate doing, maybe I should get a stamp made up with all of our names on it to cut down on the hand cramps lol.

Happy Crafting
Hugs
Kimx

A couple of Cuties - Part 2

2011-12-10T23:07:00.000Z

Evening Everyone.

Here I am, back as promised, with another cute card.
It was made for Jason's niece on the birth of her second son a few weeks ago.
I have used a Tilda stamp Alvin Sitting which is definitely a favourite of mine when it comes to a new baby card for a little boy.

Once again I have used the 'Outside the Box with a Nestie' technique (see previous post for a link) and coloured him with distress inks.

The word background is from a clear stamp set (I think it is by Hero Arts) that I have stamped twice onto some background paper from my stash.

I have added a punched strip, some gingham ribbon, a few gems and 3 tiny buttons. I also spritzed the card with Glimmer Mist although it is hard to see in the picture.

The main background panel is also cut from background paper using one of my grand nesties and I have added some stitching with a fine black pen. The embellishments in the corners are actually buttons. I cut away the backs and attached them using silicon.

We had a lovely class at Davina's where the ladies made some beautiful Easel cards.

We have decided that at least for the winter both classes each month will move to Saturday. It will be so nice not to have to go out on a Wednesday evening. As much as I enjoy teaching it is no fun going out at night when you have to scrap the ice off the car.

Off to bed now, it will be non stop card writing tomorrow.

Nite, nite

Hugs Kimx

A couple of Cuties.....part 1

2011-12-10T10:54:00.000Z

Morning Everyone,
I can't believe it's Saturday morning again, who stole another week from me :)

I still have all my cards to write. I really must get on with that this evening or else all my hard work to get things done early will go to waste.
I will be teaching at Davina's this afternoon, everything is packed up and ready to go, so it seems the ideal time to do a little blogging while I wait for my lift.
This is a card that I made for a lady at work, she wanted a pretty card for a 21st birthday. I think it fits the bill quite nicely.

The young lady is Princess Tilda X9666K and I bought her at Sir Stampalot some time ago. She is brilliant for any pretty, girly cards. She has been coloured using Distress inks.
I have cut her out using the 'Outside the box with a Nestie' technique that I found on Youtube and then sponged a little distress ink around the edge while the die was still in place.

The background papers are from my stash which does not seem to be getting any smaller, lol. I have added hand stitched borders with a fine black pen, and layered some of the panels over white card that has been punched using a Martha Stewart punch. The 21st is a peel off.

Of course it had to be an easel card :)
I added some ribbon. pearls, flowers, punched leaves and die cut DooHickey swirls.
I'm told that the recipient loved it, I certainly enjoyed making it.
Will post another cute card later, when I get back from class.
I had better go now or I won't get anything done today.
Happy Crafting.
Hugs Kimx

Cupcake challenge 171 - DIY

2011-12-07T23:10:00.000Z

Evening Everyone
The challenge this week over at Cupcake Craft is DIY, create your own backing papers.

This card is actually one that I made while I was staying at Sir Stampalot at the beginning of November. It is also an example of the background technique that I shared with Louise when she expressed concern over what she could do for her DT card as part of the challenge.
We all have our comfort zones when it comes to cardmaking, and mine is definitely playing around with backgrounds. I think Louise's would probably be colouring in with her copics she is just brilliant with them. Do check out her blog for some fantastic samples, I often head there for inspiration.

Back to my card.
The background is made using the wonderful Faux Mother of Pearl technique that I found over at Splitcoast Stampers.

I created the panel using Pearl acrylic paint and cling film, and then sponged distress ink over the top.
Once it is completely dry I stamped and embossed the greeting and holly sprig onto the panel. It is from a clear stamp set that I was playing with when I was at Sir Stampalot, but I'm afraid I can't remember who it is made by, sorry.

I coloured the holly and berries with distress ink from the limited edition Christmas set, and then added some tiny drops of glossy accents to the berries.
I did use a piece of ready made background paper as well, I hope that is OK :)
A Martha Stewart border, ribbon and pearls give the finishing touches.
Off to bed now it's got so late again.
Hugs Kimx

A Special Card........

2011-12-06T23:07:00.000Z

Evening Everyone

I've been trying to get this card on the blog for days, but I have so many things to share at the moment that it seems to have got pushed further and further down the pile.
This is actually the card that we will be making in class on Saturday, 'A special card for a special Someone.'

I have made this card using Christmassy colours and poinsettias, but I felt that it could just as easily be made as a Birthday or Anniversary card just by changing the colours and the dye cut flowers. So it will be down to the ladies to choose. That will probably be the bit that takes the longest lol.

The greetings are both from clear sets made by Hobby Art, and have been given my trademark padded touch using silicon.

Nothing says special like an Easel card, in my opinion.

The background papers are from my stash, and I have cut the flowers and borders using a combination of punches and dies.
You will be pleased to know that it might need a padded envelope, but I think we can get away without making a box :)
I'm looking forward to class already, perhaps you will join me.
Hugs
Kimx

Woodware USA Challenge - A sketch for December

2011-12-06T15:47:00.001Z

Afternoon everyone
My card today has been made to enter into the sketch challenge over at Woodware USA.
Don't forget that this sketch is also being used in the UK over at Woodware UK so you can play along there as well.

It has been made with a lovely clear stamps set called Groovy Cats FRCL124.
I have stamped and embossed the cat onto watercolour card and coloured it using dye based inks. It has been cut out using an oval nestie and a technique called 'Out of the Box with Nestabilities' which I found on Youtube. This allows you to leave part of the image outside of the nestie.

The blue background has been made using several of the smaller images from the set.
I stamped and embossed in versamark and clear embossing powder and then painted with thin undiluted bleach.
I added a white dot to the fish eyes with a Gelly roll glaze pen.
The strip of brown card has also been stamped and embossed with versamark and clear embossing powder.

I have added glossy accents to the fish bowl and collar tag.

The wool across the card is from my stash, as is the small frog charm.
I couldn't find a fish, but then given that our cat has a tendency to bring us presents of slow worms and newts it probably won't be long before she adds frogs to her repertoire. It therefore did seem kind of fitting lol.
I hope that this will inspire you to enter the challenge HERE.
I must write some Christmas cards now otherwise all my efforts to get them finished on time will go to waste.
Have a lovely evening.
Hugs
Kimx

Woodware week 28 challenge - A sketch for December

2011-12-05T22:10:00.000Z

Evening Everyone
The card I am sharing with you tonight has been made to enter into the challenge over at Woodware.

I have used a couple of my favourite Artemio stamp sets Hedgerow Plants and Floral Collage.

The main image has been stamped and embossed using my trusty Creole Spice Kaleidacolour ink pad. I then coloured the image using ink from the same ink pad.

Since dye based ink dries very quickly some of the image has not taken the embossing powder and so when a very wet paint brush is dragged across the entire image some of the colour will bleed giving a lovely soft background. I did this first and then coloured in more specific areas of the image.

The blue card in the background has been stamped first with bleach and then a Pearlescent Sky Blue Brilliance ink pad, and finally versamark ink.
This has then been mounted onto a green card with a hand drawn stitched border added top and bottom.
A narrow strip of purple card has been added to the card before the embossed panel is attached.
Finally I added a strip of vellum attached with brads and a greeting from another Woodware clear set All through the Year FRCL171.
I hope that you will enter the challenge HERE and that you will also check out the DT samples that are posted every day.
Off to bed now. My couple of days holiday are now at an end, it's back to the real world tomorrow and a 6am start!!
Hugs
Kimx

And more Poppies

2011-12-03T22:40:00.000Z

Evening All
I hope you are having a good weekend.
I've had a break from my Christmas cards today, I think I might have made enough, at least I hope so.

This is another of the cards that I made for Jenny from Hobby Art that didn't make it on to the TV.
I stamped the beautiful Poppies on to a piece of hand made background paper and coloured them with distress inks.

The image was cut out using a nestie and mounted over some gingham card and white paper which has been punched using a Martha Stewart punch. I finished things off with a hand stitched border and some tiny brads.
The red panel on the card has been stamped and embossed in black and then painted with thin household bleach. The images used are from another beautiful Hobby Art set featuring poppies the Autumn Scene-it.
Off to bed now.
Nite, nite
Kimx

Hobby Art Poppies

2011-12-02T22:47:00.000Z

Evening Everyone
Today saw Hobby Art on the TV, and this time the program description didn't change so my sky box actually recorded it lol.
I'm so glad as I am still waiting for a reply to one of my ranting e-mail to Create and Craft last time Jenny was on the box!

I had a wonderful time playing with the new stamps, but I ran out of time to get them finished for the TV so this is one that I made that you won't have seen on the box.

I stamped and embossed the Bordered Poppies onto a piece of watercolour card and then painted the image with distress inks.

The background to the card is from my bits box and was made using dye based inks and a Stylus tool.
I think I deserve a break from Christmas cards tomorrow, I have finished off 54 inserts and envelopes today and so I think I might have just about enough cards made for this year.
I do still have a couple of special cards to make for other people so I'm not completely finished, and of course they still have to be written yet. You never know I may get them done on time this year, miracles do happen sometimes :)
Have a good weekend, and don't forget to watch Barbara on the box tomorrow and Sunday. (See side bar for details)
Hugs Kimx

Woodware Challenge - Week 27 Tags for Gifts

2011-12-02T14:15:00.000Z

Afternoon,
As you know I always like to enter the challenge over at Woodware where this week it is Tags for Gifts.
The problem that I have is that I don't do gift tags.
It always seems such a lot of work to end up straight in the bin, so I cheated a little and made a card with a tag on it, I hope that it will be acceptable lol.

Once again I went to my bits box where I found the main image Peace Window ZH179. It has been stamped onto a piece of handmade background paper. I painted the dove with bleach and then added glossy accents.

The tag itself has been cut from a piece of glossy card stock that has been coloured with dye based inks. The images on this have been stamped first with versamark before the ink is sponged over them, this is called the resist technique. I then stamped a greeting over the top in brown. The bottom of the tag has a piece of vellum added to it and a stitched border.

The blue background paper is also from my bits box. I don't think I could finish up all these bits if I lived to be 106, but a girl can dream I guess :)
I added some more stitching to all of the panels, and some holly from Holly Swirls FRCL174.
I also added some gems, ribbon, a tiny peel-off greeting and some card candy.
Better get back to my Christmas cards.
I have a couple of days off and am hoping to get all of my Christmas cards finished, but its the boring bits - inserts and envelopes, so I may be easily led into making another card instead.
Happy Crafting.
Hugs
Kimx

Crafty Cardmakers challenge 57 - Heat Embossing

2011-11-28T17:20:00.000Z

Hello everyone, welcome to another challenge over at Crafty Cardmakers where Josephine has asked you to use 'Any technique using heat embossing - stamping or ultra-thick embossing powder or something else I haven't thought of!'
We are kindly sponsored for this challenge by The Stampman (and Lady of course!) who are offering the winner the lovely Starburst Stains Brush on The Fun Holly Wreath set (pictured above on the right hand side) deep, rich, vibrant colours with a two-toned shimmer!
These are all dye based products, which gives them their vibrancy, and they can be used on any porous surface, (paper, wood, fabric, balsa, chipboard, etc).
Instructions on how to use: Add hot water, (filtered preferably, especially with the stains), let sit at least 10 minutes. Shake or stir before each use. They really are stunning to use.
Now for my card for the challenge.
This was an easy challenge for me as embossing has to be my all time favourite thing to do :)

I have used a lovely Artemio clear stamp set 10001411 Floral Collage.
The background panel has been created using an Embossed resist technique.
First I stamped and embossed the flowers from the set, as illustrated, onto a piece of white card stock using versamark ink and white embossing powder.

Next I sponged Distress inks Iced Spruce, Weathered Wood and a little Black Soot over the entire thing. Then I stamped some of the flowers again but this time using the Weathered Wood ink pad.

Once you have finished stamping, wipe over the whole thing with a piece of kitchen paper to remove any excess ink. If you forget to do this bit you will wonder why you are getting in such a mess!!!. This is because the embossing acts as a resist (as its name suggests) and the ink won't dry on it.

The main panel has been stamped and embossed in black versafine ink and clear embossing powder on to a piece of white card stock. Then I have coloured it using Barn Door and Festive Berries distress inks which I have sponged over the image.
I have painted the leaves with Evergreen Bough distress ink. The entire panel has then been coated in clear embossing powder which when heated gives a slightly pitted and shiny finish.
It is amazing how long the ink stays wet on the card because it has been sponged on.
If however you find that your panel has dried too quickly and the embossing powder doesn't stick then gently tap a CLEAN versamark ink pad over the entire thing, and then coat with embossing powder.
This will give a much smoother finish, I personally prefer the more pitted effect that you get when not all of the image takes the powder.
I have trimmed the background panel to fit onto a large red card and used the small strip that I cut from it across the centre.
Mount the main image over black glossy card stock and add it to the card.

The final embellishments are a fine hand drawn border, some card candy and of course a little bling on the flower centres. Oh I forgot I painted them with bleach before I added the embossing powder, sorry lol.
I hope that you will all be inspired to enter the challenge, and don't forget to check out what the other girls have done. Also how about joining the Design Team.
Happy Crafting.
Hugs
Kimx

Using up the left overs!!

2011-11-26T22:48:00.000Z

Evening All
Hope you are having a good weekend, I can't believe that we are half way through it already.

As promised I remembered to take pictures of the card that I made from the left overs of yesterdays card for the Woodware challenge Pick a Colour and go with it.

I have used the holly from the Woodware clear set FRCL174 to stamp and emboss the dark blue and pale blue card stock. I have then painted the images with thin undiluted bleach.

The flowers have been cut from card using Marianne Creatable Serrated Poinsettia and the leaves are made with a Martha Stewart punch.

I used the semi circular section left over from yesterdays card and then added some Woodware dotted ribbon and glossy accents to the stamped dots. Pearls at the centre of the flowers and some stitching finish things off nicely.
I am also entering this into Drunken Stampers challenge 79 Monochromatic
The Secret Crafter challenge 162 Borders and Flowers.
Sweet Stampin challenge Punched and Dies
Hope you like it.
Hugs
Kimx

Woodware challenge week 26 - Pick a Colour

2011-11-25T23:08:00.000Z

Evening Everyone,
Sorry I've been missing for a few days but it has been one of those weeks, again!!

I have been trying all week to get this posted, but I keep forgetting to take pictures, and it gets dark so early now. This week over on the Woodware Blog the challenge is to 'Pick a colour and go with it.'
Like Pam the Pampered Stamper, I have chosen to go with blue.
The main stamped image is by Magenta 40.194M Christmas Stockings. I stamped and embossed it and then sponged it with inks from the Blue Breeze Kaleidacolor ink pad.

I painted parts of the stocking with bleach, before pouring crystal embossing powder over the entire thing.
The background to the card is made from a piece card from a GCD paper pack Rockets Red Glare which has been stamped using the holly from FRCL174 Holly Swirls, a clear stamp set, using a versamark ink pad and clear embossing powder. The holly leaves and dots have then been painted with bleach. I cut the circular panel using a Grand Nestie and added part of it to the right hand side of a square card.

The greeting is also from the same clear stamp set. Being a clear stamp I was able to bend it on the block so that it matched the curve of the circle.
Another shape cut with a nestie, some Woodware ribbon, pearls and faux stitching and you have another Christmas card to add to my pile.
I even used the left over bits to make another card, but I will have to share that with you tomorrow, cause it got to dark to take pictures lol.
I would also like to enter this into the Bloggers Challenge where you are asked to use your favourite colours.
Must get some sleep now.
Have a good weekend.
Hugs
Kimx

A Gem of a Challenge 34 - a sketch

2011-11-20T22:46:00.000Z

Evening Everyone
Just a quick post tonight to share another of the cards that I made using the new Hobby Art Poppy Scene it set.
For this card I have used the lovely sketch over at A Gem of a Challenge where they also want to see 'Stitching real or faux and a sentiment of your choice.'
I have used one of the smaller stamps in the set to create the piece of background paper which has been stamped and embossed with white powder and then sponged with distress ink. This technique is known as Embossed Resist.
This piece of background has been used to form the strip across the card as well as the panel to the left of the main image.

The main image has been stamped and embossed onto a piece of handmade background paper and painted with distress inks.
The main panel has been cut out using a circular nestie, and faux stitching added with a fine black pen.

The border punch is Martha Stewart and the greeting is also from another Hobby Art clear stamp set.
I've added a few black peel-off dots and a little glossy accents.
Oh boy the end of another weekend they seem to be flying by just lately.
Hope you have had a good one anyway.
Hugs to All
Kimx

More Traditional Christmas for the Woodware challenge

2011-11-19T22:41:00.000Z

M0447 Christmas Botanical Tile
As I told you yesterday I got a little carried away when I started making a card to enter into this weeks Woodware Challenge.

I just love this Magenta stamp, it so obviously lends itself to colouring in and so here I stamped and embossed the image onto green card stock and then painted it with thin undiluted bleach.

Once the bleach is dry (you can give it a blast of heat from a heat gun if necessary), paint the image with distress inks. The bleach will have taken the colour out of the card and allow the inks to retain their true colours. Remember not all card stock will bleach so you need to experiment a little.

The panel on this second card has been created in exactly the same way but I only painted the holly leaves.

The berries have had glossy accents added to them as well as some small pearls on the border strip which has been created with a Martha Stewart punch.

This third card has been created using the same bleaching technique only this time I have not added any further colour.

I added a little gold ink around the edge of the panel before mounting it onto black glossy card stock.

For this final card I have only used part of the stamp as the main focus. Once again I have decoupaged this using scraps of red and green card.

The background for the card has been created by stamping the image several times onto glossy card stock using a versamark ink pad, and then sponging dye based ink over it. This is called a Resist technique, and here I have then cover the entire panel in clear embossing powder to give it an embossed, shiny finish.

Today saw my first Saturday class at Davina's, it seemed so strange to have to shut out the sunshine when it is normally dark when I teach there lol.
Everyone enjoyed themselves I think, and were truly amazed at just how much stock can be kept in a kitchen. Davina runs the shop from her house and obviously has a very understanding husband.
We have decided that as of next month we will be running a monthly challenge using the Woodware sketch. The ladies will have two chances of winning since we will send pictures of their cards to Dorothy so that they can be entered in to the on line challenge and then Davina and I will choose a winner from their cards at the end of the month.
It will be nice not to be the only one entering the challenge for a change lol.
Oh dear look at the time, better get to bed.
Nite nite
Hugs
Kimx

Sketch Saturday with Poppies

2011-11-18T22:53:00.000Z

Evening everyone

Just one last quick post before I head off to bed.
This is another of the cards that I made for Jenny's TV show on Tuesday, and is based on the lovely sketch over at Sketch Saturday.

The poppy has been stamped and embossed onto a piece of handmade background paper and then painted with distress inks. It has then been cut out using an oval nestie.

The main body of the card has been created from various scraps of background paper from my stash.
The four small circles have been made from left over pieces of the main panel which have been stamped with smaller images and then punched with a small circle punch.
I added a border with a fine black pen and a few well placed black pearls.
Hope you like it.
Nite nite
Kimx

Woodware Challenge - Traditional Christmas

2011-11-18T16:59:00.000Z

Afternoon All
This week the challenge over at Woodware is Traditional Christmas. Now for me, like Dorothy at Woodware, Traditional Christmas just has to be Red and Green, and of course there is nothing more traditionally Christmassy than a nice red Poinsettia.

The one I have used here is a stamp by Magenta Christmas Botanical Tile M0447, and is a real favourite of mine. In fact this has taken me a week to post as I got a bit carried away and ended up making 7 cards !!!!!
I think that I will split them over a couple of posts so you don't get too bored.
This first card sees the image stamped and embossed on to a couple of pieces of background paper from my stash. I have then decoupaged the Poinsettia and leaves and painted the side panel with distress inks and gelly roll glaze pens.

The resulting panel has been added to a card that I have stamped and embossed with versamark and clear embossing powder. I have then painted the images with bleach, which in this case has turned the card a lovely bluey colour.

This second card has been created in a similar manner, but this time the main panel has been attached to a folded red card that has first been sprayed with Gold Spray Webbing. The gold border has been created with a strip of Woodware red Ultra High Bond Tape and some foil.

The panel in this card has been mounted on to a green card that has first been embellished with some left over bits of background paper.

The final card today finds the main panel mounted onto some green Bazzil dotted Swiss card. I have added some stitching around the edge with a fine black pen.
I think that is enough for one post, I will try and share the rest tomorrow.
Have a good evening.
Hugs
Kimx

Allsorts Challenge 129 - Black and White plus One

2011-11-17T22:07:00.000Z

Evening All
People are always asking me where the ideas for my cards come from. Well I have always found the challenges so very useful when I am trying to work to a deadline for DT work and now that Louise has shown me the Feline Playful blog it is so much easier.
They post a daily list which includes the challenges for that particular day and also a separate list of the winners from the previous weeks challenges.
This is where I found out that I had won the Sunday Sketch and Stamp challenge.
So when I was given a new set of stamps to play with by Hobby Art I had a quick scroll down the challenges for a touch of inspiration.
I didn't have to look far. The challenge this week over at Allsorts is Black and White plus One.

Black and White has always been a particular favourite of mine, so very elegant, and the addition of a little red, well need I say more.
The background panel has been created by stamping the poppy onto glossy card stock using a Versamark ink pad and then sponging over the top with distress inks (weathered wood and black soot)

I have stamped and embossed the poppy onto watercolour card and coloured it using the same distress inks. I then cut it out using an oval nestie and gave it my trademark padded look.

I have mounted it over a slightly larger red oval and added it to the card along with a piece of ribbon, a poppy and some punched leaves.

The card has been finished with some stitching and black gems.

I get the impression that I was not the only one to have missed Jenny's show on Create and Craft this Tuesday so I hope that this sample helps. It really is a lovely stamp set. I thoroughly enjoyed playing with it.

Off to bed now, I hadn't realized how late it had got.

Nite nite.

Hugs

Kimx

Cute Card Thursday - Reds for Rememberance

2011-11-16T15:30:00.000Z

Hi All, hope you are having a good day.

The challenge over at Cute Card Thursday is Reds for Remembrance, so this card seemed eminently suitable.
I made it using a couple of stamps from the lovely new Hobby Art clear set CS044D Poppy Scene-it.
Jenny was using it on the TV yesterday. Well at least I think she did, but since C and C changed the title of the show after I had gone to work yesterday my sky box didn't tape it aaarrrgggggg.
I was in full ranting mode when I found out and sent them an e-mail. I await their reply with interest but am not holding my breathe.
The set is so new in fact, that it hasn't even made it's way on to the Hobby Art Website so I will have to take a picture of it and add it later.

I have stamped and embossed the poppies using versafine and clear embossing powder onto a piece of handmade background paper. I have then coloured them using Distress inks.

The panel has been cut out using a nestie and faux stitching has been added with a fine black pen.
Some matte and layering and a little more stitching and voi la.
Better post this now or I will have missed the challenge completely.
Hugs
Kimx

Challenge 56 Recycled at Crafty Cardmakers

2011-11-14T15:36:00.000Z

Hi All
Welcome to the new challenge over at Crafty Cardmakers.
My family consider me to be somewhat of a hoarder (I take after my Mum lol ) so I'm sure that they will be thrilled to see that I actually made use of some of the so called 'rubbish'.

The challenge this fortnight is Recycled.
Use something that is recycled, for example a pringles container into a pen pot, the inside of a parcel tape roll to make a jewellery box. Alternatively just something on the project that is recycled, ie corrugated cardboard for background, bits of sweet box ribbon, shiny foil etc.
We're sponsored again by the lovely Joanna Sheen who is offering a £10 voucher for her online shop which is crammed full of goodies with new stock arriving all the time!
I'm not much of a one for pen pots or the like, so I decided to stick with card making and recycle the inside of a roll of DSST to make a shaker card.

I get through so many rolls of tape it's untrue, it really is my favourite medium to stick things down with, so this seemed the ideal way to make use of the leftovers instead of shoving them in the bin, even if the kids object :)

I have used the lovely new Christmas stamp set from Hobby Art called Santa's Reindeer.
The fir branches have been embossed with one of the new Stampendous Fran tage Aged Silver embossing powder.

The Robin and Reindeer have been painted with coffee and the new Limited Edition Distress inks Winter.

I have used circular nesties and some white flower soft and glitter for the snow inside the shaker.

I thought that we might make a variation of this on the first Saturday class at Davina's on Saturday 19th. Of course if the ladies bring the inside of a reel of tape with them they can copy it exactly.
Perhaps they can view that as their homework - use up a reel of tape before then.
I'm sure I will be able to lol.
I am loaning this card to Jenny for her TV show tomorrow.
You can see it on Create and Craft sky channel 671 at 3pm tomorrow the 15th November.
I'm in need of a little Granny nap now. I had to start work at 5am this morning, and I think I must have woken every hour, on the hour, so I am shattered.
Have a good evening
Hugs
Kimx

Featured in this months Craft Stamper

2011-11-11T21:19:00.000Z

Evening Everyone

I've been trying to get this posted for about a week now, but something has always got in the way.
So tonight is the night.
This is the card that features on page 41 of the December Craft Stamper in the 'Oh Christmas Tree' gallery.
The instructions for creating the card can be found on line on the Web Extra page.
I made the card on behalf of Sir Stampalot, from whom you can purchase all the products used.

As I said the instructions are available on the web Extra page but I will repeat them here just in case.

Stamp and emboss Hero Arts Winter Scene onto white card stock using Versamark ink and gold embossing powder.

Cut out using Nestabilities Labels 17.

Before removing the image from the Nestabilities die add a small circle punched from a Post-it Note and sponge the entire thing with Antique Linen Distress Ink holding the Nestie in place while you sponge the ink. Remove the punched circle and Nestie and add a stitched border with a Sakura Micron pen.

Stamp and emboss Season's Greetings from Woodware All Through the Year. Cut out using a circular Nestie and apply ink as for the main image.

Emboss a piece of green Echo Park background paper using Cuttlebug Folder Holly Ribbon, cut to size and gently apply gold Encore ink using your finger tip.

Cut a piece of red Echo Park background paper to fit a 14.5cm square white card. Before attaching to the white card, stamp and emboss the trees from the Winter Scene along the bottom edge of the red card using Versamark and clear embossing powder, and then stamp Magnolia Swirl Flourish down the left hand side of the red card using gold encore ink.

Assemble the pieces as illustrated and embellish with pearls.

That's all from me tonight. I have new Hobby art stamps to play with tomorrow, and Barbara to watch on the box In the Classroom lesson 4 (Create and Craft Sky channel 671 at 11am - 1pm).
It's a hard life, but someone has to do it :)
Nite, nite
Hugs
Kimx

First Saturday class at Davina's on the 19th

2011-11-11T16:17:00.000Z

Afternoon Everyone

I thought that you might like a sneek peek of one of the cards that we will be making at Davina's (Stampcraft in Purley) on 19th November.
We have moved one of my Wednesday evening classes to a Saturday afternoon to accomodate some of the lovely ladies from Lavender Lane. The class will run from 1.30pm till 4pm and I hope that we will all have a great deal of fun making cards using the lovely new stamp set from Hobby Art Santa's Reindeer.

I got the idea for this card from the lovely Chris when I was in Peterboro last week. Thank you Chris xx

Happy Crafting.

Hugs

Kimx

Fetch a Sketch challenge 10

2011-11-10T19:50:00.000Z

Well I've made it through the first couple of days back at work, although I seem to have come down with a stinking cold.
At least it waited till I was back at home to strike so that it didn't spoil my holiday.
I managed to get a couple of things finished before I started to feel rotten, one of them being this card which I am entering into the challenge over at Fetch a Sketch.

I have rotated the sketch, but I think you can still recognise it.
The main panel is created using a Kaleidacolour ink pad Creole Spice, one of my favourites, and the lovely Artemio clear stamp set Hedgerow Plants 10001147.
I have cut the panel out using an oval Grand Nestie and stamped a greeting onto it from Hobby Art Sentiments clear set.

The greeting actually didn't stand out very well so I restamped and embossed it onto vellum and layered it over the original image so that no one would be any the wiser.

The die cut flower and leaves are Magnolia DooHickeys.

The background card is Bazzil Dotted Swiss from Sir Stampalot.

That's about as much as I can managed tonight, I hate it when you can't breathe with a cold and find yourself constantly sniffing, I'm always telling the kids off for it lol.

Off to bed now, I have work again tomorrow.

Nite nite

Hugs, but no kisses, I wouldn't want you to catch my cold :)

Kimx

Woodware USA challenge

2011-11-08T18:42:00.000Z

.
Evening everyone.
I can't believe that I am back to work tomorrow.
I have spent the last couple of days trying to get ahead on a little DT and class work before I get back to the grind.
This week the Woodware USA challenge has restarted with a sketch that has been used on their sister blog Woodware UK.

I decided that I would make a separate card for this challenge using a lovely clear set Winding Paths.

I stamped and embossed the image and cut it out with a Nestie and then coloured it using a Kaleidacolour ink pad called Creole Spice. The little tree and greeting are also from the set.
I have used background papers from my stash to create the torn background.
Of course there had to be a bit of stitching added with a fine black pen.
Better get my uniform ironed ready for work tomorrow.
Have a great evening.
Hugs Kimx

I'm on a roll........maybe I should buy a lottery ticket

2011-11-07T23:21:00.000Z

Evening Everyone
I seem to be having a really good week at the moment, I have just won over at Sunday Sketch and Stamp.
I used the stamp that I won for my entry to the Woodware October Sketch challenge so it would seem appropriate that my entry tonight uses the new Woodware Sketch for November.
My entry has been made using a wonderful clear stamp set by Artemio called Hedgerow Plants 10001147 available from any Woodware stockist. I bought mine from Davina in Purley.

I have stamped and embossed my images onto white card stock and then cut it out using an oval Grand Nestie. While the die is still in place I have sponged ink from a Kaleidacolor Creole Spice inkpad having first added a circular mask. Once you have finished sponging remove the mask and add a little colour without reinking the sponge just to soften the image.

The background to the sketch has been created with three different pieces of paper from my stash.
I have torn these to recreate the sketch and then added the resulting panel to a large 8x8 square card which I bought on my holiday at SirStampalot.
I did add a few extra stamped images using a versamark ink pad at the bottom of the panel before I attached it to the main card.
There is also a little bling with a few well placed gems.
Now lets see about that lottery ticket lol.
Hugs
Kimx

Here's what I did with my winnings.

2011-11-05T22:34:00.002Z

Evening Everyone
I can't believe how quickly my weeks holiday has flown by, I am waiting for my lovely daughter to pick me up as I write this post. Tomorrow I will be at home enjoying a little bit of a lie in.
So this is just a very quick post to share with you a card that I made using the beautiful dragonfly stamp that I chose as part of my prize for winning the Woodware Sketch Challenge.

I have used a lovely sketch that I found over at Sunday Sketch and Stamp, so this is a very quick post as I have to link my entry in the next few minutes or I will miss it.

I used some lovely background papers and ribbon from Sir Stampalot and the image itself has been stamped onto paper coloured with coffee.
Sorry about the Martha Stewart punch Dorothy but we had sold out of the Crafty edger so I still don't own one lol.

Also added a little bit of bling which shows up a bit better in this photo.
Hope you like it
Hugs
Kimx

3rd or was it 4th Ultimate Stamping Demo day!!!!!

2011-11-04T11:03:00.000Z

Morning All
Another early post before I go back to playing. Well it was early when I started it lol.
As you know I am currently on holiday playing at Sir Stampalot. My holiday actually started last Saturday with the 3rd Ultimate Stamping Demo day.

Well actually it was the 4th one. I missed last years since I was snowed in down in Surrey, so perhaps I can be forgiven for getting confused as technically it is only my 3rd one :)
As you can see someone else got a little confused on the day. Well we had gone to bed at 2.30am that morning and then got up again at 6am so she was a little bit tired bless her.

I spent the day playing with this beautiful Penny Black stamp Snowscape 4203K and the Faux Mother of Pearl technique. There is a tutorial on it HERE.
The greeting on this card comes from a Stampendous clear set Christmas Wishes SSC1068. Background paper is a Magnolia Mini paper Blue Foliage.

Same stamp and background technique. Background paper is Magnolia Snowy Wood. Greeting is part of a stamp from a Hero Arts clear set Very Merry Christmas.

Same stamped panel using a combination of blue distress inks Stormy Sky, Broken China, Chipped Sapphire and a little Weathered Wood. Greeting as before, some Bazzil card, lace and a Martha Stewart Punch.

Much the same as before only a little bling on the punched border. Punch is Cherish a Martha Stewart Punch Around the Page.

Background paper is another Magnolia Mini Turquoise Plaid, and the snowflake has been stamped onto it.

Same main image only this time I used the Limited Edition Distress ink set Fall. The embossing folder is from a Tim Holtz double pack Pocket Watches and Steampunk and the snow flakes are the left overs when using a Martha Stewart Punch Around the Page Aspen Snowflake.

Background paper is Crate Paper Pink Plum collection Cranberry, spritzed with glimmer mist.

I have made a conscious effort to actually make finished cards with the bits from the demo instead of adding them to the ever expanding 'To be finished box'.

I shall leave some of them for Janice for the shop but I have added quite a few more finished Christmas cards to my stash. Just need to make the envelopes and inserts. Eat your heart out Mrs Till !

I think that's quite enough on the computer now. I am getting withdrawal symptoms and I have a class tonight so I will have to stop for that. I can't believe that I only have one more day of my holiday left after today, how quickly time flies when you are having fun.

Have a good day.

Love and hugs

Kimx

Yummy new colours.

2011-11-03T17:48:00.001Z

Hi All
Looks like my posts are like buses, none for ages and then two come together :)
As I told you earlier I am sitting playing at Sirstampalot
Well look what came across my play table this afternoon, this yummy new Limited Edition Distress Ink Pad stack. (WINTER Seasonal Distress inkpad set)
It is absolutely stunning and very Christmassy.
I got straight down to making a sample for the shop which I will share with you now.
Unfortunately it was dark by the time I got the card finished so the pictures are not the best in the world, but I think you can see what lovely colours they are none the less.

I created the background panel by adding some pearl acrylic paint to white card stock using a screwed up piece of cling film. I have then stamped and embossed the branch and baubles from Hero Arts Magic of Christmas set across the card as illustrated.

Next sponge Iced Spruce ink over the panel as illustrated.

This technique is called Faux Mother of Pearl and there is a brilliant tutorial over at Splitcoast Stampers.

The branch and baubles have all been coloured using Evergreen Bough and Festive Berries ink which I have tapped onto my craft sheet and picked up with a waterbrush.
The finished panel has had a stitched border added with a fine black pen and then it has been mounted onto a piece of background paper Stella Rose Hattie Buddies Herringbone.
That of course is one of the other main advantages of sitting in the shop I can match papers perfectly. Not sure my bank balance can cope but I'll worry about that on Saturday lol.

I thought that you might like to see the ink colours.

Well I'm off to play some more. I have to make some more samples for my class on Friday evening as we keep selling out of the stamps that I was going to use. Oh dear what a hardship, more stamps to play with :)

Have a great evening, I'm not sure I will be back again tonight but you never know, remember those buses!

Hugs

Kimx

Woodware Challenge Week 23 - Just One Layer

2011-11-03T09:36:00.000Z

Morning Everyone,
I decided that I had better get this post done early before I get stuck in to another day of play.
I am currently on holiday in Peterboro staying with the lovely Janice and Andy from SirStampalot.
I am spending my week sitting in the shop playing, how cool is that. I couldn't ask for a better holiday. Of course it does mean that I may need a bank loan to pay for all of the wonderful goodies that keep finding their way into my basket, but just think what a real holiday would cost me, and with this one I come home home with toys lol.
I haven't been completely slacking whilst I have been away as I have already demoed on Saturday, have two classes to teach and I am making samples for the shop.
And of course I have made my entry for the latest challenge over at the Woodware blog.

This week you are asked to use Just One Layer. I have to admit that this was very difficult for me as I rarely stamp directly on to my card, I usually matte and layer with other card stock or background papers.
I didn't let the challenge beat me though, and this is what I came up with.
I have used a new stamp set that I bought at Davina's before I came away. It is called Proud Peacock FRCL205. Isn't it beautiful.

I have stamped and embossed the image direct on to a watercolour card and then spritzed it with a solution of coffee that I put into a mini mister bottle. The peacock has been coloured using Distress ink colours Broken China, Faded Jeans and Dusty Concord. I painted around the peacock within the frame with neat bleach to remove some of the coffee.

Of course I added a little bit of bling with a couple of tiny gems. A stitched border, greeting and stamped swirls in the corners completes things.
I have to say that I am really pleased with the end result, I may have to make a few more like this.
Why don't you have a go at one layer and enter the challenge. If you don't have a blog you can still enter HERE or by sending Dorothy an e-mail at dorothy@woodware.co.uk .
My craft table is calling I have been away from play for far too long posting this :)
Have a great day.
Happy Crafting
Kimx