More Inky Fingers

Evening Everyone
Boy how quickly does a day off go by.
No petrol queues to deal with today just lots of inky fingers and brayering.

This is another of the cards that I made for today's class highlighting brayering 'The Barbara Way'.

Once again I have used Adirondack dye based inks and a lovely Stampendous stamp as the main focus on the card.
I mask around the stamped image and then brayered ink across it before spritzing it with water.
This time I laid a piece of kitchen paper over it which lifted off some of the ink to leave this lovely speckled effect.

The background to the main card has been created using the resist technique which we will be focusing on in the next class. What you might call a sneak peek lol.
I was pleased to see that everyone else got just as messy as me.
I have decided that it is cleaning the brayer that makes you so messy not using it. Now I know why I don't do cleaning:)
Don't forget to watch Barbara on the box tomorrow.
I bet she doesn't get as messy as we did. More practise needed me thinks.
Hugs Kimx

Inspired by Barbara

Evening Everyone.
Well it has been another truly chaotic day at work with people panic buying fuel.
I seem to have spent the whole 8 hour shift rooted to the same spot at the till dealing with a never ending stream of people buying fuel.
Shame I don't get a sales bonus, it would certainly buy a heap of stamps after the last couple of days lol.
The twins and I went on the train after school this afternoon to do some shopping. I love how excited they are with something that seems so ordinary to a 'grownup'

As I mentioned yesterday I have been trying my hand at some 'Barbara inspired brayering' to share with the ladies in class tomorrow, even if the stamps are actually from Stampendous.
I definitely need a lot more practise, not least in how to retain clean hands and unsmudged images.
I went to work this morning with rather blue hands after my efforts from yesterday evening.

I think I also need to re watch a couple of her programs to remind myself of what ink to use for the stamped images.
I am so used to heat embossing everything that I was getting myself in quite a mess with my black ink, as can be seen in the top left hand corner of the main image.
Talking of Barbara, don't forget that the new term of 'In the Classroom' starts tomorrow morning.
Create and Craft sky channel 671 at 11am - 1pm.
Also she will be back on Sunday at 9am - 11am.
I have managed to get another couple of cards to the nearly finished stage so I think I will save them for another post tomorrow.
I'm off to set my Sky box before I go to bed.
Night night.
hugs Kimx

Brayering at Davina's

Evening Everyone,
It has been absolutely manic at work today with everyone panic buying fuel.
We finally ran out just before I left for the day so the afternoon crew will have a much quieter time than we did, until the new delivery arrives that is and then it will all start again I expect.
I did manage without a nap today so I have been playing with my brayer in preparation for class on Saturday at Davina's.
The ladies have requested Brayering, so I have been trying some 'Barbara inspired pieces'.
The card tonight is one that I made a while ago.
It's a little previous for Fathers Day I know but it was the only ready made card showing some brayering that I could find in my box when I needed something to leave last time to advertise the coming class.

I have used a multicoloured dye based ink pad, probably a Big and Juicy if memory serves me, and glossy card stock.

The border around the edge of the white card has been created using low tack masking tape and the greeting is a Peel-off.
I think the Lighthouse is by Inkadinkadoo but I will have to find it before I can be certain.
Off to bed now, night, night.
Hugs Kimx

Jenny on the Box

Evening All
Just as I suspected, I have lost a whole afternoon of crafting due to the need for a granny nap when I got home from work!!
It doesn't take long to get behind does it. I really will have to get back into the groove tomorrow or it will be back to square one.
One thing I didn't manage to get done were any cards for tomorrows TV programmes featuring Jenny from Hobby Art, so in true Blue Peter fashion, here is one I prepared earlier lol.

 Jenny will be on Create and Craft sky channel 671 tomorrow morning at 8am and then again in the afternoon at 2pm, that is providing they don't change the schedule at the last minute as they are known to do.

These cards were both made for a previous programme, but I never got the chance to share them with you.
They were made using the Butterfly Kisses Roses clear stamp set.
The only trouble with have a nap in the afternoon is that you are never quite tired enough in the evening to get to bed on time, so I really will have to stay awake tomorrow, any suggestions?
Hugs Kimx

More Word Shadows

Evening Everyone
Well that's it, my holiday is now officially over and I'm back to reality with a 5am alarm call tomorrow.
Still it was nice while it lasted.
It has been another lovely day here, more like summer than spring. Lets hope that this isn't it for the year.
Isn't it funny how you always seem so much more inclined to get things done when the weather is nice.
Not that I am anywhere near doing any spring cleaning, that's going one step too far, but at least I have nearly managed to finish making a card.
Once again it has been made at the request of my friend Lorraine.
She asked for a thank you card with lovely spring colours. I hope that she likes it.
I think that I had better let her at least see it before I share, so for now these are a couple of card that I made during my trip to Peterboro.

I made these using the lovely new Hero Arts set AC005 Untitled Word Shadow that I played with during my stay. I added a small greeting over the top of it to show that it can be used for any occasion, not just the one indicated on the stamp.
The background papers were picked from the shop, as was the ribbon.
I have stamped and embossed the background paper using the Artemio Hedgerow Plants set.
The gold embossing is the new Frantage Aged Gold Embossing Enamel.

This second card uses the same elements without the Gold embossing or the lovely red background paper. I also added some small mosaic squares in the corners.

Look at the time, so much for an early night. That is the trouble with having time off it takes a couple of days to get the body clock back to normal. I will probably be in need of a granny nap tomorrow lol.

Night, night.

Hugs 

Kimx

Memories in a File Folder

Evening Everyone
Hasn't the weather been glorious today.
I confess that I have done no crafting since I got home from my holiday at SirStampalot.
I think I was probably on craft overload and so I have taken a couple of days to just chill and tidy things up a little bit. I always take a couple of extra days off after my visits to Janice and Andy.
I thoroughly enjoy myself, but it doesn't hit me till a couple of days later just how tired I am.
Since I have made nothing new I will share with you the Mini File Folder book that I made in my last class on Friday evening.
Boy that seems such a long time ago now lol.
In truth I actually made this one in the shop on Saturday before I got the train home. The original one that I showed the girls belongs to my Mum who keeps it in her handbag, so it was not an option to leave it behind :)

This is made with the second largest of the file folders on the sheet. They are available from Woodware and come in packs (9 sheets in a pack 99 folders in total in several different sizes)

You need 3 individual pieces to make each little book, so there is plenty of scope for making several gifts from the one packet.

I used a wonderful stamp set from Hobby Art to stamp and emboss onto the folders before sponging with Distress inks.

The poppies and leaves have also been coloured using the same ink pads. Just tap some of the ink onto a craft sheet and pick it up with a water brush.

It is very difficult to photograph, but I hope that you get the idea.
I added  stitched borders using a fine black pen, and spritz the finished pages with Glimmer Mist.
I have one last day of my holiday left tomorrow, so I hope that I will be able to get some crafting done before it is back to the grind.
I had better get an earlier night tomorrow as well.
hugs Kimx

Woodware Challenge - Pull Out the Punches

Morning Everyone
Today is my last post as Guest Designer for the Woodware Challenge, and I am very late with it.
I was travelling home from my holiday at SirStampalot and didn't get home until gone 11pm.
I know I should have scheduled it but in truth I began to feel a bit like a nodding dog writing it and I'm not sure that it was legible so I felt it best to wait until this morning so please forgive me.
This week they are asking you to 'Pull Out the Punches'.

Because I have not been at home I was restricted to using punches that I could find in the classroom at SirStampalot, so it was circles all the way.
Not a problem as they are definitely my favourite.
Whilst I may have been restricted in what punches I used the same cannot be said for my potential choice of stamps, because there had to be one of those on the card somewhere lol.
The shop is a veritable treasure trove of all things crafty, and they do a mean on line service as well, so I had plenty of opportunity to check out some of the lovely new stamps available from Woodware.
The one I have chosen is called FRS212 Alphabet Background and I knew straight away what I wanted to do with it.

I stamped and embossed the image once onto white card stock and then again onto Magenta paper MEMOR-222 Autumn Leaves and the reverse side of MEMOR-194 Delicate Stripes.
Then I set to work and punched out circles from the coloured background paper and layered them onto the white image.
It takes a little bit of time, and thought so that the pieces overlap nicely, but it is worth the effort.

The birthday greeting has been taken from another clear set FRCL198 Sail Away.
The finished panel has been layered onto bazill card stock and I also added a strip of the same colour card that I punched using the Crafty Edger border Star Party.
I tapped all round the edges of the card with a black cat's eye pigment ink pad so that the punching stood out from the main card.

The flowers were made from the left over pieces of stamped background paper.
Once again I used the circle punches to give me two sizes of circles. These have been put together into stacks, 1 or 2 small over 1 or 2 medium.
Secure them in the centre with a brad and then spritz with water and screw up.
The water helps to break up the card fibres and gives them a bit of a shabby chic look.
I didn't have any of the newsprint card candy so I made my own from another small piece of the background stamped onto white card.
If there are flowers then there need to be leaves, so I added some Ash Branch punched from the Delicate Stripe paper.
I hope that you feel inspired to join us over at the Woodware challenge.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as Guest Designer, and you never know maybe they might ask me back.
Have a great day.
Happy Crafting, and thanks for stopping by.
hugs Kimx

Home from the Holiday

Evening All
I can't believe that I am sitting writing this post from my bedroom at home. Where have the last 10 days gone!!

 I was a very busy girl while I was away, but I did manage to make a couple of Christmas cards in between cups of tea and waitress service lol.

These are another couple to add to my tally for this month.
Better go, I've suddenly realised that I promised to text my daughter and Janice and Andy to let them know I am home.
I'll be back later with my last post as Guest Designer for the Woodware challenge.
What will it be this time?
See you later
hugs Kimx

A Christmas Animal

Afternoon All
We have had another nice day here in Peterboro, not that I have seen the outside world for the past few days. Not that I am complaining either, I am having far too much fun playing. This truly is my kind of holiday, non stop crafting, how much better than that can it get lol.
I have even managed to fit in making a couple of Christmas cards to enter into the challenge over at 52(Christmas) Card Throwdown where they have been asking for cards featuring Christmas Animals.

I didn’t have my bits box with me so I have actually had to stamp something out!!
I had a rummage through the Training room here at SirStampalot and came across this lovely old Penny Black 3539F Snow Hut.
I have coloured him in using my distress inks and after cutting him out I added some white liquid applique and glitter.

The circular starry background was also in the drawer and is by Hero Arts (sorry no code) I have stamped and embossed it using one of the new Frantage Embossing Enamel powders Aged Aqua.
The background paper is by KaiserCraft and I have stamped some Tilda Snowflakes around the edge using Stormy Sky distress inks.

I also made one using the Frantage Aged Gold Embossing Enamel.
I added a bit of bling, a hand stitched border and a tiny Woodware Greeting.
I would also like to enter it into the challenge at ABC Christmas challenges where F is for Furry or Feathered friends. Do you think prickles will count?
Better get back to play, the clock is ticking on my playtime, I will be back to reality in a very short while.
I have a class here in a couple of hours so I had better get organised before they start to arrive.
Hugs
Kimx

A Bingo Card Challenge at The Stampman

Morning All
Today sees the start of a new challenge over at The Stampman.
The challenge is hosted by Lisa who has created a Bingo card.
Pick a line in any direction and make a card using those chosen items.

I went with Green, Circles and Ribbon.
I seem to be going through a very circular phase at the moment so this wasn’t a hard choice for me.

The four circular images are from a new Hero Arts stamp set AC005 Untitled Word Shadow.

I have inked them up using versacolor cubes Sage, Olive and Green Tea.
I love these shadow stamps, I am always drawn to them in any new catalogue.

The dark green background paper has been made using Peeled Paint and Pine Needles distress ink pads and then I have stamped over the top using my favourite Artemio Hedgerow Plants 10001147, although it does fade rather a lot once the ink is dry.

The background card is Coredinations Asparagus, and once again I have used the Hedgerow flowers to stamp onto the square white card.
Some stitching, ribbon from my stash and a few more circles with some faux card candy made from scraps of the coredinations paper.
I also added some tiny crystals to the flower centres.
I hope that you like my effort and feel inspired to join us HERE.
Don't forget to check out what the rest of the team have come up with, we always love you stopping by.
That's quite enough on the laptop now, I need to play.
Have a great day, Happy Crafting.
hugs
Kimx

Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy Stationery Box

Evening Everyone,
I hope that you have all had a lovely day,
I can't quite believe that I am nearly at the end of my holiday here at SirStampalot.
As my Grandchildren would say 'only two more sleeps' and then I'm homeward bound. Boo Hoo.

Anyway apart from my Demo last Saturday this Stationery Box was one of the first classes that I did when I got here last week.
The idea is based around a lovely Stampin Up box that my friend Shaz gave me as a gift.

I have had to adapt the instructions to centimetres since that is what I craft in.
I also scaled it down slightly since the original also contained gift cards and envelopes.

I made two versions in the class so that I could leave one for Janice to have in the shop.

I have four that I have started at various times but have never quite completed, so I have been determined to finish one off totally before I go home. I finally succeeded tonight which is why it has taken me so long to post since the original class.

All of the cards have been made using pieces of the Lemon juice background technique that I have been showing people this week.

Janice and Andy have had a built in Demonstrator and Tea Lady this week, so I have ended up with several pieces which I have been able to turn into cards to fill my box.

I have been very mean and told Janice that she will have to make her own cards, that probably means that it will never get finished like the rest of mine, but you never know.

I did have to buy one extra sheet of background paper so that they all had the same base, but all of the other pieces of card are left over from making the box.

 I even used up all the little strips of card and did some paper weaving, how sad am I !!

All of the items that I have used are available from the shop, so why not check out their WEBSITE.
I'm afraid that I haven't listed everything as I should have done but I would like to get some sleep and this post is starting to feel a bit like War and Peace lol.
So you will have to grab yourself a coffee and have a browse on-line, or better still pop into the shop.

 I even stamped on to the envelopes to make sure that they co-ordinated.

The ladies in the class on Sunday made some fabulous creations and everyone was different which was so nice to see.
In fact Cheryl who made the purple and green box has already bought a second one in to the shop to show me that she has made since finishing the class.
Now that really is when you know that all of your hard work preparing a class has been worth it.

I have my last evening class tomorrow making the Mini File Folder that I entered into a Woodware Challenge a while ago, so I had better get off to bed.
Night night
Hugs Kimx

Lemon Ferns

Evening Everyone,
I'm still here at SirStampalot on my crafty retreat.
This is one of the cards that I made with the ladies in my class yesterday evening.

I was sharing the 'Lemon Juice Background' technique, and also stamping with distress ink pads.
I think this Penny Black fern stamp 40-111 Breezy works beautifully, and makes a great 'Man's card'.

The main panel has been made using lemon juice and sponged distress ink, and has then been cut out using a nestie. I have then stamped the fern repeatedly on to the main card using the same colours of inks.
The greeting is from Hobby Art.
So much for an early night tonight, I can't believe that it is gone 10pm already. I really must get to bed as we have a very early start tomorrow.
At least we haven't had to set up for the NEC so that is a bonus. It is so much more fun here in the shop than being at the show. I would say that is is cheaper too but I'm not sure that my groaning shopping basket would support that statement lol.
Night night.
Hugs Kimx

More Colours of Spring

Evening Everyone,
I hope that you have had a lovely day, I can't believe that I am already half way through my holiday here at SirStampalot.
I have had another lovely class this evening where we played with the 'Lemon Juice Background Tecnique' that I found in Craft Stamper, and lots of new stamps.
I'm afraid that I was side tracked after class, and so I forgot to take pictures, so for now here is another card that I made for the Woodware Challenge.

I just love this stamp, FRS216 Field of Tulips which I have once again watercoloured using dye based inks.

I have added some dots using a white Gelly Roll Glaze pen. I also coloured the clouds with it.

The greeting is another Woodware clear stamp FRS112 Double Thanks. I have given it my 'padded treatment' and added it to my card, which has made using some of the wonderful background papers that Janice and Andy have in the shop.
That really is the most wonderful thing about making a card in the middle of the shop, being able to match your papers exactly without spending hours looking through your stash.
The trouble is I will need another 12x12 box to put them all in, and we might be eating beans on toast for weeks, but hey, I'm on holiday lol.
I had better get to bed now, before I fall asleep while I am writing this.
Why not hop on over to Woodware and check out some of the lovely new stamps that they have, available from most good Craft shops.
Thanks for stopping by.
hugs Kimx

Crafty Cardmakers Challenge 64 - Time

Evening Everyone
Today we saw the start of a new challenge over at Crafty Cardmakers. 
Our host this time is Jackie. 
She asks that your card should reflect in some way the concept of Time - time passing, time spent, time waiting . . . You can use stamps, digi images, photographs, shop bought embellishments, embossing folders, background images, your own drawings or anything else you can think of.
We are sponsored this time by The Stamp Man who are offering the winner a £10 voucher for their store.
We are also sponsored by Di's Digi Downloads.

When I saw Jackie's challenge I immediately thought of this Mother to be Tilda .
Any Mum will tell you how slowly time seems to pass when you are awaiting the arrival of your new little bundle of Joy.

I have coloured Tilda with my distress inks and mounted her over some DooHickey tags and a Tim Holtz Weathered Clock die.

I have stamped some clocks in the background and on the tags using the Hero Arts Watch Gears and Vintage Sepia Versafine ink.

The background papers are from My Mind's Eye, Stella Rose and KaiserCraft Prairie Lane collections.

The paper behind the large die cut clock has been embossed using Tim Holtz Pocket Watches and Steampunk embossing folder. I applied some Walnut Stain distress ink to this to help highlight  the clock faces in the background.

The greeting is part of a Penny Black set 40-112 WOW.

I added some faux card candy and some more of the smaller watch gears cut out with circular punches.

Don't forget to check out the challenge HERE and stop in on some of the other Design Team members to see what they have created, I know that they would appreciate it.

Happy Crafting

Hugs Kimx