The Stamp Man Challenge - Create An Ornament

It started all with a small red tin... immidiately when I saw it I thought about making it into an ornament. Well having an idea and actually doing it are two different things.

Anyway I made holes in the tin, one on the top and 3 on the bottom so that I could add some beads and hang the tin. I have been collecting beads and charms for a while... usually recycling old necklaces that I found in a charity shop. These red beads are such a find.

I found a suitable image on the web (from The Graphics Fairy) and cut it with the Spellbinders large circle die. I used the same dies to cut out a piece of double sided tape from an A4 sheet. I stuck this piece on the front of the lid of the tin and added glitter flakes. I glued trim on the edge of the tin after I added the bead charms I created. I finished it of with a red ribbon and a small clasp (don't know how it's called ~smile~).

Materials I used are;

• Tin round clear top 6cm - red
• Woodware Double Sided A4 Sheets
• Spellbinders Nestabilities - Circles Large
• Stampendous Frantage - Shaved Ice
• Metal clasp
• Vintage seam binding - Nu Rust
• Trim - creme
• Bead findings - eye pins and spacer beads
• Recycled - beads

You can find the materials at The Stamp Man

Ink on the carpet!

We all use the sprays for our projects... glimmer mist, shimmer mist, perfect pearls and the Lindy's mists and sprays as they add such a nice shine to our projects. It is my personal experience that most spray bottles will become clogged up after using it a couple of times. How annoying is that when you are in the middle of a creative outburst! Just recently I used some shimmer mist and ended up with stains on my carpet eventhough I was aiming for my paper in a box, it's a miracle it did not end up in my face.

But help is at hand.. when I started using the Lindys Stamp Gang products I was pleasently surprised how well the spray bottle works... over and over again... without having to run to the tap to unclogg the spray top. There are not many places in the UK where you can find a good collection of Lindys products, in fact I have only found one (The Stamp Man).

Looking for bargains to top up my collection I found a great collection of Starburst Stains for a bargain price on Ebay and in case you wonder what you can do with them I found a great post with tutorial from Vixykins how to use the Starburst Stains... go and have a peek!

The Stamp Man Challenge - Tim Tag Techniques

This challenge is hosted by the talented Brenda and she has chosen "Tim Tag Techniques".  The technique I love is from the 12 tags of Christmas 2008 using the acrylic paint dabbers and clear embossing.

I used 2 stamps from the Christmas 1 sheet of Aspects Of Design - the backgroud and the Spruce. I stamped them with clear embossing ink on background that I covered with black acrylic paint. Once dry I added another layer of acrylic paint, this time in a contrasting colour - Juniper. Before the paint is dry you wipe part of it of using a baby wipe,  it reveals the areas you embossed.

Well the rest was embellishing with die cuts, bling and so on. The reindeer I covered with Cosmic Shimmer Utee in Lapis black and the word Joy with Lindys Moonglow in Terra Cotta Plum (My Favourite!). The word joy is from the movers and shapers die 'Joy', I cut each letter out of the circle. To finish it I added some Diamond Distress stickles. I glued the entire tag on a piece of black cardstock and added some seambinding, a charm and swivel clasp.

Materials I used are;

• Aspects Of Design - Christmas I (Spruce and Background)
• Black kraft card
• Inkessentials Manilla Tags #8
• Ranger Adirondack Acrylic Paint Dabber - Black and Juniper
• Tim Holtz Alterations Bigz Die - Tattered Pinecone (657492)
• Tim Holtz Alterations Bigz Die - Reindeer Flight (656923)
• Tim Holtz Alterations Movers & Shapers- Joy (656935)
• Tim Holtz Idea-ology - Swivel Clasps
• Ranger Distress Stickles - Diamond
• Lindys Stamp Gang Moonglow Embossing Powder - Terra Cotta Plum
• Stampendous Clear Embossing Powder
• Cosmic Shimmer Ultra Thick Embossing Crystals - Lapis Black
• Vintage seam binding - Nu Rust
• Snowflake charm
• Bling
• Metal mini bell

You can find the materials at The Stamp Man

Birthday gift for a friend

Finally, my parcel arrived and my dear friend Christine recieved her birtday gifts and I can share my pictures.

First I made her a card... of course it had to be about Peacocks because that's what she loves! I found a great image on the web to use for the card, played with it in my design program, added a feather and voila!

I made her a folder / book and she can use it to store her work. I used Prima Moulin Rouge paper and made a background paper on my computer for the inside. Man did I make mistakes making this, it was a real eye-opener.

I had so much fun creating this, using for the first time sticky back canvas - which is perfect for binding. I sprayed the canvas with Adirondack Color Wash (Lettice) and stencilled a pattern with the Crafters Workshop Mini Brocade using my favourite colour lumiere paint - Halo Blue Gold. I finished it using a matching trim to cover the edge of the canvas. Christine can decorate the outside herself.

I was worried because I did not like the result at all but Christine assured me that she loves it and that is the main thing :)

Materials I used are;

• Claudine Helmut - Sticky Back Canvas
• Prima - Moulin Rouge : Cabaret
• Adirondack Color Wash - Lettice
• Lumiere Paint - Halo Blue Gold
• Crafters Workshop - Mini Brocade (TCW195s)
• Trim
• Digital images
• Recycled - Cardstock, Chipboard

You can find some of the materials at The Stamp Man

The Stamp Man Challenge - Collage / Collage Background

Another challenge at The Stamp Man, collage / collage background, they do come round too quick for my liking... busy busy. This time Angela has picked the theme, calloage backgroud.

Now, thinking about the challenge I found a definition on wiki ...

1. A form of art in which various materials such as photographs and pieces of paper or fabric are arranged and stuck to a backing.
2. A composition made in this way.

I'm going with the second one - a more general description - and with some artistic licence I created my project for the challenge. It is a collage of... (or maybe more a stack of hi hi..) envelopes. I found this tutorial on a blog and it is called Secret Keepsake Box. Anyone who knows me is aware of my addiction for boxes and my reluctance to stick to rules :) I more or less collaged my stamps on top of each other... from light to dark.

I created a little book to go inside and I used the Japanese binding technique. For me it looks like a stack of love letters, you can place it anywhere in the house to keep your secrets safe.

Does it not make a perfect gift?

Why don't you play along with us at The Stamp Man
 it is so much fun and there is a £10 price to win!

Materials I used are;

• 10 envelopes
• 8" x 11" kraft card
• Penny Black A4 backing paper - Vintage writing
• Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pads - Vintage Photo & Walnut Stain
• Non-Sequitur Stamp Sheet - 43 Across The Miles
• Stampendous Clings Magical 2011 - CRS5020 Jumbo Cameo Frame
• Lindy's Stampgang Moonshadow Mist - Tawny Turquoise
• Organza Ribbon - green
• Heart charm
• Recycled - recycled Cardboard

You can find the materials at The Stamp Man

The Stamp Man Challenge - Night Time

Hard to believe that already two weeks have past and the second Stamp Man Challenge is here, this time the theme is Night Time. While I was listening to one of my Alan Parsons Project CD's -Tales Of Mystery And Imagination Edgar Allan Poe - I came with the idea for my project. One of the songs is about the poem 'The Raven'. My altered canvas was born.

I covered the canvas with paper and then cut out of the canvas a little rectancle that would fit a matchbox to create a niche for my bottle.  I attached the houses with 3d foam pads to give the scene a bit dimension. I wanted some blood drips on the canvas but I could not find anything to create it with. The best alternative was the Tim Holtz splatter stamp.

In (almost) every project I try to recycle / repurpose.. this time it's the matchbox and an old rusty key.

It's fun to do the challenges at The Stamp Man, why don't you come and join in!

Materials I used are;

• Black Canvas
• Penny Black A4 backing paper - Vintage writing
• Silver Card Stock
• Graphic 45 paper - Curtain Call Top Billing
• Tim Holtz Idea-ology - Corked Veils
• Tim Holtz Idea-ology - Hitch Fasteners
• Tim Holtz Alterations Movers & Shapers Die - Artful Dwellings
• Tim Holtz Alterations Bigz Die - Heart Wings
• Tim Holtz Alterations Movers & Shapers - Keyholes
• Tim Holtz Texture Fades Embossing Folder - Bingo & Patchwork Set
• Stampers Anonymous Tim Holtz - Spills & Splatters
• Lindy's Stampgang Moonglow Embossing Powder - Terra Cotta / Plum
• Themed Accents - Metal Frames
• Beaded Trims
• Recycled - Old Rusty Key, Matchbox

You can find the materials at The Stamp Man

Altered Dominoes

Every once in a while I do some 'Skype Crafting' with my friend Christine. She is in Canada and I am in the UK. We set a theme and play a couple of hours... sometimes interrupted by Skype disconnecting but most of the time we are just fine. It's a great way to meet up with international crafters ~smile~.

Anyway, a while ago we tried altering some dominoes... and here is what I did;

I used alcohol inks and tried some stamping on top, after I covered it with modpodge for protection. The stamping part was not very successful because I did not let it dry long enough. But this is just a start... I will try more. It was fun!

Just a quick note to let you know that The Stamp Man website

is open for business again. I've been helping Jill with the new website

and although we are still adding new products and pictures,

most of the new products are on!

Circles

This is my first entry as a design team member for The Stamp Man Fortnightly challenges. I can't believe I said yes, me being so busy with work besides finding it so hard to create with a set theme. Mmmm... we will see... in any case it's probably the only way for me to make time to play ~smile~

Anyway, the challenge this time is circles. Well, no need to say that being a Mandala lover I am adoring this shape! I just HAD to chose something to alter from my stash.... a little round papier mache box that was crying out to be transformed.

I used my favourite technique - crumbled tissue paper (black) - to cover the box and used modpodge to seal it. On top I rubbed some gold Rub n Buff to accent the wrinkles created by the tissue paper.

The lid is decorated with a gorgeous Celtic Mandala stamp from The stamp Man , 78C - Shrines and Icons. I used some plain card stock and sprayed it with Cosmic Shimmer Ancient Copper and stamped the Mandala image on top using black embossing powder. I ten cut it out with my Nestability large circle. To finish it of I added some golden bling to the edge.

Could not leave the inside empty and added a little ' book thingy' (can't find a better word for it). I cut a pile of circles with my Nestability circles, some with chipboard and some with black paper. I used the black paintdabber to cover the edges.

The circles are attached together with a black ribbon. Every black circle is embossed with a Tim Holtz embossing folder.. and glued on the chipboard circles front and back (on top of the ribbon). To accentuate the embossing I again used gold Rub n Buff. In my bling box I found an old broken ear ring with Celtic Knots on it.. perfect to add to the little book.

It was fun! Why don't you come over and play with us!

Materials I used are
Black card stock
The Stampman - 78C Shrines and Icons
Ranger Tim Holtz Paint dabber - Black

Tim Holtz Sizzix Texture Fades

Heat It Up Embossing Powder - Black

Black ribbon

Golden Bling

Recycled - Ear ring

 You can find the materials at The Stampman

Smash Book Swap with Terri

Dirty Kissing Technique

My initial plan was to use the Tim Holtz 'Reflections' stamps with the solid pear stamp from Aspects Of Design and stamp with the 'Kissing Technique'. But after some test stamping I decided against it, the text did not show enough and I think I might need some other pigment ink. I will try it again :)

Anyway I found in my stash a great background stamp from Hero Arts - Raindrop Background (S5101) that worked fine for what I was trying to achieve. I inked the pear stamp with Versa Color Bamboo (69) and the Raindrop Background with Brilliance Dew Drop Coffee Bean (BD-54). Then I 'kissed' the pear stamp on the Raindrop stamp and then immidiately stamped the pear on a piece of card stock. I then used clear embossing powder to enhance the colours.

There are all sorts of kissing techniques ~smile~ here is a great video tutorial from the Stamp Goddess.

The Stampman Challenge A Perfect Pear

Materials I used are
Papermania blank card and envelope 5" x 7" Kraft
Aspects Of Design (The Stampman) - Pears
Ranger Tim Holtz Distress inks - Vintage Photo

VersaColor Pigment Ink - Bamboo (VS-69)

Brilliance Dew Drop - Coffee Bean (BD-54)

Card Stock

Textured paper - deep red (no idea where I got this from )

Ranger Clear Embossing Powder

Graphics Fairy Digital Images - Letter

Recycled - Charm, Chain

 You can find most of the materials here:
- Digital Images from Graphics Fairy

- DewDrops, VersaColor, Ranger, Tim Holtz, Aspects Of Design  from The Stampman

Altered little book

It was so much fun to create this little book and so easy to work with. The best feature about it is that the binding is not permanent and can be opened easily by pulling it... meaning you can work on the pages separately, taking them in and out as needed. There are blank plain and pocket pages. The paper can be worked on with any sort of ink and paint. For most pages I used the Distress stains... and I'm loving them.

You can also watch a video slideshow of this book on youtube thestampmantv channel on youtube.
Don't forget there is a big paper and scrapbook show in Harrogate this weekend. Lots of new things available!


Materials I used are
Blank mini journal to alter from The Stamp Man
Aspects Of Design Stamps
Sizzix Tim Holtz Alterations Movers & Shapers Dies

Sizzix Tim Holtz Texture Fades embossing Folders

Tim Holz Idea-ology

Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Stains, iks and colour wash

Stampers Anonymous Tim Holtz  stamps

Bazzill Card Stock - Kraft

Lindys Stamp Gang Two Toned Embossing Powder

Lindys Stamp Gang Moonshadow mist

Vintage Seam Binding - Nu Rust

 You can find some of the materials here:

- Lindys Stamp Gang, Tim Holtz, aspect Of Designs from The Stampman

What do I do with vellum?

Without a clue I was when I received a pack of coloured vellum. I never worked with that type of paper and had to think hard what to do with it. I love making little envelopes and pockets - so useful for any type of projects... well the idea was there. Pockets for cards I make... so that when people receive the card they can already see what's on it without taking it out of the envelope/pocket... at least that was my way of thinking :)

Anyway here is the result. The embossing worked well... at least with most embossing folders, some of the Tim Holtz folders make a deep impression and go right through the paper. You need to play around a bit :) I also made some flowers.. especially the Tim Holtz rosette flower works perfect!!

There is a slideshow of this on youtube

Gorgious Kit!

Don't you just love the colours and the butterflies... in case you have not seen it yet hop over here

or watch this video

Birthday Card

Finally, I finished another project. My friends son is going to be 17 and she asked me to make a card for him. I do find it difficult to make a card for a boy... but this is what I came up with.

For obvious reasons I could not show the photographs I used. You can see on the inside left and right that I used tags, you only see the back of them, on the front I used pictures of him as a young child and one of how he looks now. The tags in the middle have space for her to write a message.

I used my favourite Tim Holtz die - Vintage Cabinet Card - to cut the front and back using my recycled card from my daily coffee. Then I used the bazzill kraft card to create the inside and decorated it with the Lost and Found papers. I embossed the heart and metal numbers with the Moonglow embossing powder... I love the deep red of this colour. I created pockets and used some stamps from Tim holtz to add some extra interest. I recently bought these stamps and I'm loving them!! I finished the card using some seam binding for closure.

I found this idea for the card on youtube, a tutorial from SplitCoastStampers. She used the Pink Paislee papers and a spellbinders die.

Before I end this post I want to thank everyone who has left comments... I so much appreciate it!

Wishing you a happy Bank Holiday... hopefully with some sunshine if we're lucky :)

Materials I used are

Sizzix Tim Holtz Alterations Movers & Shapers Die  - Vintage Cabinet Card (657217)

Sizzix Tim Holtz Texture Fades embossing Folder - Bingo & Patchwork

Tim Holz Idea-ology Paper - Lost and Found

Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Stains - Vintage Photo

Stampers Anonymous Tim Holtz collection - Purely Random (CMS088)

Stampers Anonymous Tim Holtz collection - Mini Ornate (CMS064)

Tim Holtz visual Artistry cling stamps - Curious Possibility & The Journey

Bazzill Card Stock - Kraft

Lindys Stamp Gang Moonglow Two Toned Embossing Powder - Terra Cotta/Plum

Vintage Seam Binding - Nu Rust

Recycled

Currugated card from my daily cappuccino

 You can find some of the materials here:

- Seam binding from Wild Orchid Crafts

- Lindys Stamp Gang, Tim Holtz from The Stampman

Finished Mandala Gift

I had to abandon the idea of the super ordinate position of the ego...
I saw that everything, all paths I had been following, all steps I had taken, were leading back to a single point -- namely, to the mid-point.
It became increasingly plain to me that the Mandala is the centre.
It is the exponent of all paths. It is the path to the centre, to individuation...
I knew that in finding the Mandala as an expression of the self
I had attained what was for me the ultimate.

C. G. Jung. (Memories, Dreams, Reflections).

Thought I share the finished mandala with you that I painted for Christine.

I used for the first time Cosmic Shimmer Iridescent Watercolour Paints and I loved it. The frame is painted with Lumiere acrylic paint on top of a texture I created with texture paste. Most important of all she loved it :)

Altered CD

Wow, it's such a long time since I posted. What's happening here... well been busy with work... my brother came to visit... did not feel like crafting and blogging much... etc...etc...

I do have something to share. An altered CD I made for Christine. We did a sort of swap, actually, it was an extention of our first one ~smile~ because the Mandala I made for her was not finished when I sent her the (first) parcel. Anyway, we decided to make an altered cd for each other.

I enjoyed creating the CD... the circle is such a lovely shape to work with. Starting with tissue paper, crumbled and glued to the background with mod podge and coloured with Cosmic Shimmer Mist. I then fiddled around with my cropadile and some eyelets so that I could add some ribbon. My initial plan was to use beads but I did not like the result and removed them again.

I found some images on the www and collaged them onto a circle in my design program Coreldraw. I framed the circle with a scalloped circle I cut out with my nestability die using funky foam. A metal corner embellishment adds some interest :) I used some Graphic 45 colour core cardstock to add a circle on the back after I embossed it to add some texture to it. More images from the www and voila... the CD was finised.

Materials I used are

Cosmic Shimmer Mist - Lava Red

Core'dinations Graphic 45 - Core Impressions Timeless Collection

Craft Concepts Embossing Folder - Budding Vine

Ranger Adirondack Acrylic Paind Dabber - Gold

Craft Planet Funky Foam - Tan

Spellbinders Nestabilities Die - Standard Circles Large S4-114

Spellbinders Nestabilities Die - Classic Scalloped Circles Large - S4-124

Metal Corner Embellishment

Images from www

Ceremony Share

Graphics Fairy

Recycled

Old CD

Tissue Paper

Black Satin Ribbon

 You can find some of the materials here:

- Metal Embellishment from Wild Orchid Crafts

- Spellbinders, Ranger Paintdabber, Cosmic Shimmer from The Stampman

Playing with Alcohol Inks

A short while ago I challenged myself to come out of my comfort zone... and ... try something different, most of all start using the craft products / items I have instead of hording them. Well a bunch of alcohol ink bottles have been sitting on my shelf for ages and to be honest I did not really know what to do with them.

There is a challenge on the stampman challenge blog I would like to enter but the alcohol ink part was scaring me off so to speak. So.... with my new found courage I started to experiment with my inks.

First I tried the dabbing technique on glossy card... mmmmm the result is ok but I'm not overly enthused by it. Then I saw a video on Andy Skinners Blog about an alcohol ink technique, dropping ink in water and scooping it out with paper. Well I tried it today but I'm still not sure.

The 4 on the left are glossy card... the 3 on the right normal paper en ink and water technique. I guess I will have to keep practising... or come up with something else. I will let you know :)

Special Gift Card

After I had seen a card like this at the stampman, I had to make one. I searched the web and found a tutorial here. I wanted to make a card anyway because I promised a friend to make a card for her niece... a girly one. I decided to use the lovely "Once Upon A Springtime" collection from Graphic 45, he he... about time because the papers were getting dusty on the shelf :)

I have to admit I am not a 'cute' and 'girly' style person, somehow I like this paper as it reminds me of Beatrix Potter. Pink is, just like red, not a colour I use very much... but... I have been challenging myself lately to step out of my comfort zone and to go for it!

Let me know what you think :)

Materials I used are

Bazzil Card Stock - pink

Wild Orchid Crafts - Vintage Seam Binding Rose Petal

Sizzix Tim Holtz Alterations On The Edge - Brackets

Graphic 45- Once Upon A Spring Time

Spellbinders Nestabilities  - Petite Oval Large S4-138, Petit Scalloped Ovals Large S4-139

Die-Namics die - Butterflies

 You can find some of the materials here:
- Graphic 45 Paper from A Trip Down Memory Lane

- Vintage Seam Binding from Wild Orchid Crafts

- Tim Holtz Dies, Spellbinders Nestabilities from The Stampman

Black, White and Red

Yesteday I had another craft session with Christine, although a lot of laughing went on we both actually produced a card. I'm still not very confidant with my stamps and I messed up a couple of times... but he... it's all part of the fun we said. Luckily we had some music in the background... a free (first life) preformance from my hubby on the guitar ~smile~.

I finally got to try out my new Framies 5 stamps from Aspects Of Design, they are compatable with the Nestabilities Labels #5. I got the black and white paper (Anna Griffin Inc.) from The Stampman sale..... love it!!

Materials I used are

Paper Mania Cards - 5" x 7"

Black and Red cardstock

Wild Orchid Crafts - Red Lace

Aspects Of Design - Labels 5

Nestabilities Die - #5 S4-229

Die-Namics die - Butterflies

 You can find some of the materials here:

- Red Lace from Wild Orchid Crafts

- Aspects Of Design stamps, Nestabilities & paper from The Stampman

Graphic 45 Communique Collection - Altered Wooden Cigar Box

This started with a wooden Cigar Box ( 6" x 10") living in our attic for years. This handmade sigarbox, given to my husband during his work travel in the Philippines many years ago, had his name engraved in it. When I found it while we were clearing out our loft,  I immidiately confiscated it to alter and re-use it.

After using sandpaper to ruff up the surface I painted the hole box with white gesso (mistake, I should have used black gesso), on top of that I added black acrylic paint. I then modpodged the Graphic 45 Communique Collection Papers (which I had been hording for ages) on top of that. I finished it with another layer of modpodge on top to seal and protect it.

Last but not least a finishing touch by adding a trim on the edge, red felt on the outside and inside bottom of the box. I like things simple and clean - speaking for itself, that is why I decided to leave it without any more embelishments because the paper is too beautiful to mess it up ~smile~.

I envision using it as a correspondance box... filling it with love letters tied together with a lovely ribbon. I'm still working on the love letter part :)

Materials I used are

Wooden Sigar Box

Sandpaper... and lots of elbow greace

White Gesso

Reeves Acrylic paint - Black

Plaid Mod Podge - Mat

Graphic 45 paper - Communique Collection

Tim Holtz Distress ink - Vintage Photo

Felt - red

Vintage Trim

 You can find some of the materials here:

- Ranger & Tim Holtz products from The Stampman

Papillon Card

Yes, the Tim Holtz Papillon stamp set is definitely my favourite gifted to me by my hubby on my birthday. I'm so glad I added it to my wishlist.. I was not sure at first because these sets are so expensive... but I now have to say it is well worth it!

I used the large text stamp to create a background, using clear embossing ink and vintage photo distress ink. I added a picture I found on the net and altered it on my computer to create room to stamp a butterfly or moth (not sure ~smile~). I added a postage stamp frame, some flowers and metal corners and et voilà...

It is the first time that I enter something I made for a challenge... fingers crossed!

The Stampman Challenge #25 - Butterflies & Dragonflies

Materials I used are

Paper Mania Kraft Card & Envelope

Eco Green Acrylic paint - Mushroom & Mulch

Tim Holtz Distress Stain - Vintage Photo

Tim Holtz Distress ink - Vintage Photo

Stampers Anonymous Tim Holtz Collection - Papillon

Ranger Inkssentials - Manila Cardstock 81/2 x 11

Ranger Embossing Powder - Clear

Sizzix  Originals Die - Frames, Stamp Combo (655002)
Wild Orchid Crafts - Flowers,  Metal Corners and Vintage Seam Binding

Martha Stewart Craft Punch - Branch

 You can find some of the materials here:

- Flowers, leaves & embellishments from Wild Orchid Crafts

- Ranger, Stampers Anonymous, Tim Holtz products from The Stampman

Graphic 45 On The Boardwalk Altered Box

Boxes... boxes...  yes, I'm officially a box addict :) My friend Christine gifted me several of the 'Michaels' balsawood boxes and I have so much fun altering them. This time I used the Graphic 45 On The Boardwalk Collection (definitely one of my favourites!). I thought that by lack of sunshine outsite I will get in the 'Summer Mood' inside using these papers.... and you know what... it worked!

Inside the box is a little mini album... there is not much room for photos but I suspect that I won't have that many beach pictures this year anyway :) I love working with Graphic 45, it is so inspirational.

I am entering this box in the "Try It On Tuesday Challenge" - Boxed Up

Materials I used are
For the box
- Wooden box (Michaels)
- White Gesso
- Eco-Friendly Acrylic Paint - Ocean
- Graphic 45 - On The Bordwalk collection
- Sizzix Sizzlits Decorative Strip Tim Holtz Alterations - Mini Paper Rosettes (657177)
- Wild Orchid Crafts - Deep Ivory Cherry Blossom Mulberry Flowers
- Martha Stewart Craft Punch - Branch
- Woodware Craft Punch - Postage Stamp 1 1/2"
- Vintage trim

For the mini album
- Bazzill - Kraft Cardstock
- Wild Orchid Crafts - Vintage Seam Ribbon Bay Leaf
- Sizzix Tim Holtz Alterations Movers & Shapers - Mini Ticket Set
- Sizzix Tim Holtz Alterations On The Edge - Plaque & Postage
- Tim Holtz Ranger ColorCore Cardstock - Adirondeck Collection

You can find some of the materials here:
- Flowers, Seam binding ribbon from Wild Orchid Crafts
- Woodware Punch, Tim Holtz products from The Stampman

Message In A Bottle

With some carboot finds from last  saturday - a wooden house and a little bottle - I made this shadow box using Graphic 45 "On The Boardwalk" paper collection. Don't you just love the lady in her bathing suit, I would not mind wearing one of those - it hides a mulitude of bumps :).

I'm happy how it turned out.

Materials I used are
- White Gesso
- Eco-Friendly Acrylic Paint - Ocean
- Graphic 45 - On The Bordwalk collection
- Sizzix Sizzlits Decorative Strip Tim Holtz Alterations - Mini Paper Rosettes (657177)
- Pearl cluster
- Hand picked shells by me
- Vintage Crochet lace
- Wooden House & Little Bottle (carboot find)

You can find some of the materials here:
- Tim Holtz products from The Stampman

Change

“There is nothing wrong with change, if it is in the right direction”
Winston Churchill

My absence might not have been noticed but there have been some developments that have challenged me to find the time to blog. Work has keeping me busy and there has been little time to craft... boy do I miss it!

Also blogger is doing my head in... I am having problems leaving comments on blogs using my blogger account. I have no idea what is happening but... every time I want to leave a comment it is asking me my blogger details... and again... and again... It is driving me crazy :(

This all coinsides with a new computer we just bought... giving me a headache with the new filing system... I keep losing my files grrrrrr! Oh my... am I too old.. maybe I need an update LOL.

Most of all I am so very sad that my all time favourite craft shop - The stampman in Skipton - is closing it's doors after many years. Although the mail order service, their own stamp range, shows, challenges and swaps will continue as normal... I will so much miss being able to visit the shop. Jill and Ian are wonderful people with great knowledge through the many years of experience in the stamping business. They are the pioneers and it seems so unfair that they are so much affected by the current economic crisis.

They have a massive sale on (until June 20th) as they need to clear the warehouse before they move to smaller premesis. Don't miss this oppertunity to grab a bargain and visit them! In whatever way they continue I will always support them... they are just an amazing couple!!

The Stampman Shop
The Stampman Blog

Simple Needs

More cards....

These cards I made in the past couple of days... somehow I feel I might get addicted to cardmaking... who knows.  Number 3 is my favourite.. don't you just love this guy with his boney knees :)

Altered Tin With Foiling Technique

Another product from a viritual crafting session with Christine. This time we decided to try the foiling technique.

First you glue the items of your choice -  in my case the split rings and butterflies - on the tin with glossy accents. Then you glue the crumpled aluminium foil on top with pod-podge. You work on the foil covered bits with an embossing tool to make them stand out. Paint the tin with colours of your choice. To give it that vintage look paint it over (once dried) with black acrylic paint, before the black paint is dry wipe most of it off until you have the effect you are looking for. You can finish it of by emphasising the bits by rubbing some Rub 'n Buff over them. And this is the result:

Thank you Christine.. it was fun again!

I first saw this technique on youtube at CapricornArtist73 . Meanwhile there are more great tutorials of this technique available, the best I think is from Rachel, she is easy to follow and a great artist.

Materials I used are

Old tin
Aluminium Foil (extra strong type)
Lumiere Acrylic Paint - Pearl Violet, Pearl Turquoise and Halo Blue Gold.
Black Acrylic Paint
Mod Podge - Matte
Inkssentials Glossy Accents
Split rings
Chipboard butterflies
Run 'n Buff - Metallic Rub-Ons Set

You can find some of the materials here:

- Lumiere Paint and glossy accents from The Stampman

A nibble in the weekend

This turned out to be quite an experience...

Steampunk card

Just finished a birthday card for a friend, those who know me are aware of the fact that I'm not a card maker... but funny enough I'm starting to enjoy it :)

Materials I used are

Graphic 45 Steampunk Debutante 

Black cardstock

Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Vintage Photo (my favourite!)

Tim Holtz Glassine paper (for the little flowers)

MFT Die-Namics - Butterflies

Skeleton Leaves - Turquoise

Paper Mania - Bling

You can find some of the materials here:

- Graphic 45 paper at Samuel Taylor

- Skeleton leaves from Wild Orchid Crafts

- MFT Butterflies Die - Crafts and Me

- Papermania and Tim Holtz products from The Stampman

Treasure hunting

Charity shops have a wealth of treasures waiting to be discovered... look what I found this week...

Do you remember?

Need more space, finding new storage solutions… you might recognise this challenge with our ever growing stash. I started a sort of (stash) spring clean with the aim to reorganise and clear out. No need to mention that I was not able to let go of anything! When you are a crafter, every piece of material is a possible – future – project.

While reorganising I found my very first purchase ever… 2 stamps I bought at The Stampman in 2000. I was not actively crafting back then… it actually took another 9 years. Once bitten by the bug.. there was no hope for me and I thought... when did it get so out of hand he he...

Can you remember your very first purchase?

Shadow Box

It must be about 3 years ago that I stitched the swan pattern. Those who know me are aware of my love for birds and I wanted to create this shadow box ever since I stitched this pattern. The shadow box idea was part of the pattern, in fact,  included was some background script pattern and the quote.

The swan is such a graceful bird and I often watch them on a nearby canal when I feed the birds. I found the complete quote that was used for the text on the edges of this box.

The Swan

Did you too see it, drifting, all night, on the black river?
Did you see it in the morning, rising into the silvery air -
An armful of white blossoms,
A perfect commotion of silk and linen as it leaned
into the bondage of its wings; a snowbank, a bank of lilies,
Biting the air with its black beak?
Did you hear it, fluting and whistling
A shrill dark music - like the rain pelting the trees - like a waterfall
Knifing down the black ledges?
And did you see it, finally, just under the clouds -
A white cross Streaming across the sky, its feet
Like black leaves, its wings Like the stretching light of the river?
And did you feel it, in your heart, how it pertained to everything?
And have you too finally figured out what beauty is for?
And have you changed your life?

Mary Oliver

Materials I used are

The Goode Huswife cross stitch pattern - Wintergreen Swan

DMC Threads

32 count linen - Bayleaf

Tim Holtz Distress Stain - Walnut Stain

Tim Holtz Tissue Tape - Sketchbook (Butterfly)

Tattered Angel Glimmer Mist - Chocolate Covered Cherries

Metal Crown

Real Eggs &  Moss

You can find some of the materials here:

- Tim Holtz products from The Stampman

Art Gives Me Wings To Fly

This bank holiday weekend I crafted with a friend. Wow... it was so much fun to 'viritual craft' with Christine in Canada on skype... are we not lucky to live in a time where this is technically possible!

We decided a project for our meeting, creating a textured background using modelling paste and stamps. I used a small canvas as my background. It is a wonderful technique where you add a layer of modelling paste and stamp on it to create the texture you want. Deep etched stamps with basic shapes like swirls etc. work best. It helps when you spray water on the stamp before you stamp into the modelling paste.. it makes it easier to remove your stamp again.

The Tim Holtz Butterfly Die I had for ages and never used it... finally found a project to use it on and I love it!!

Thank you Christine for a wonderful time!

Materials I used are

Galeria Acrylic Medium - Heavy Carvable Modelling Paste

Eco Green Crafts Acrylic Paint - Ocean

Lumiere Acrylic Paint - Pearl Violet

Tim Holtz Distress Stain - Peeled Paint

Cosmic Shimmer Ultra Thick Embossing Crystals - Lapis Jade (for the butterfly)

Sizzix Tim Holtz Alterations - Fanciful Flight (656635)
Wild Orchid Crafts - Flowers,  Metal Corner and Skeleton Leaves

Martha Stewart Craft Punch - Branch

Bling

You can find some of the materials here:

- Flowers, leaves & embellishments from Wild Orchid Crafts

- Lumiere Paint, Cosmic Shimmer and Tim Holtz products from The Stampman

Challenge swap project

Christine (Paisley and Peackock Emporium) and I have done a challenge swap... basically we made a kit for each other - with a possible project suggestion. It was so much fun to source all the bits for her :)

We also included something we made for each other.. we called it "The Red Challenge". Red, because both of us like the same colours and find the colour red difficult to work with. I made an altered matchbox for her using red lace :)

Meanwhile my parcel arrived and Christine has made a video while she opened the box.. do watch because she is so funny :)

Award

Look what a wonderful award I received from my blogging friend Sussie at http://lotusblommansblog.blogspot.com/ thank you so much your so kind and I'm  honoured! I love your blog too!!

I have to pay it forward to 5 blogs that have less than 100 followers (I know I'm cheating ~smile~) ... so here we go... in no particular order...

1. http://paisleyandpeacockemporium.blogspot.com/
Christine loves to create Mandalas (like me) and is currently on a crafting journey... experimenting with her new hobby with excellent success I must say! She is a wonderful person and a good friend, we chat and laugh a lot together.

2. http://terrisbloomingideas.blogspot.com/
Terri is an artistic and creative blogger, her work is always well executed and I love all her different projects. She was my first swapping partner and helped me over the first hurdle of sharing projects with fellow crafters. She is kind and fun and we have become friends and crafting buddies :)

3. http://scrapaloes.blogspot.com/
Loes is a fellow Dutchie and an amazing crafter. I'm sure when she creates she shares a bit of her soul too. Her work is always jaw dropping!

4. http://debbie-thedolphins.blogspot.com/
Debbie is just amazing, she designs for magazines, Magnolia and so on... her techniques and cards are stunning. She amazes me every time with her creations!

5. http://faeriemooncreations.blogspot.com/
Theresa has such a fun blog... I'm always smiling when I read her posts. She creates wonderful art works and just spreads happiness!

Some pictures to share

Some pictures of our Easter walk... just close to our home...

www.flickr.com

Work In Progress

Off course I just love working with the colour turquoise....

This is a Mandala gift for a friend... I'm making slow progress... the mandala is painted with Cosmic Shimmer Iridescent Watercolour Paint and the edge of the frame with Lumiere acrylic paint.
 

I'm waiting for something I ordered - that is going to be added to the frame. Will post the finished project hopefully soon.

Wedding Mini

This is my very first mini album... my wedding album. We don't have many pictures because it was a simple and quiet wedding. We went to the registrar office in Edinburgh, 'dragged' 2 people of the street to be our witnesses and got married. This was July, 8 years ago.

I made the pages of the mini with the ATC die and used my favourite colour paint (turquoise) to colour the chest. After it was dry I used the Lyndy's Stamp Gang Moon Shadow mist to create a more vintage look. The chest is still a work in progress.. it needs some embellishments on the outside.

Materials I used are

Sizzix Bigz die - Artist Trading Card (656332)

Tim Holtz Paper Pad - Shabby Vintage

Sizzix Sizzlits Decorative Strip - Tim Holtz Mini Paper Rosettes &  Upon A Time Alphabet

Sizzix Tim Holtz Alterations - Caged Bird (656634)
Paper Mache Treasure Chest
Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Vintage Photo
Adirondack Acrylic Paint Dabber - Pool
Lindy's Stamp Gang Moon Shadow Mist - Tawny Turquoise
Prima E-line flowers

Martha Stewart Craft Punch - Classic Butterfly

You can find some of the materials here:

Martha Stewart Punch, Papier Mache Treasure Chest at Samuel Taylor

Lyndy's Stamp Gang & Tim Holtz products from The Stampman

Act Of Kindness

Look what I received in the mail on Saturday, isn't it just adorable! Sussie was the winner of my OWOH prize and she sent me a thank you card. Also included was an ATC... I'm so excited about that because it's my very first received ATC!

Thank you Sussie for your kindeness, you are a special lady.

Altered Matchbox

What can I say... I'm mad about boxes... big... small... square... round... you name it. Today I finished work early and had some spare time to play. Altering this little matchbox was so much fun to do, I like doing little projects :) Red is not my preferred colour but somehow I loved working with it today, it matches this paper perfectly.

Materials I used are

PaperMania - Petal Elegance 1.6cm midi punch (PMA 258104)

Martha Steward Craft Punch - Classic Butterfly

Graphic 45 6x6 Paper Pad - Curtain Call

Cardstock/Paper - Red and Black

Reeves Acrylic Paint - Mars Black

Cosmic Shimmer Mist - Lava Red (to colour the seam binding)

Cosmic Shimmer Watercolour Paint - Enchanted Gold (for the butterfly)

Trim - Cream

Lace - Red 

Vintage Seam Binding - White

Paper Mania Adhesive Stones - Red

Tim Holtz Ideology - Hitch Fastener

Ranger Inkssentials - Glossy Accents

You can find some of the materials here:

- Most products are from The Stampman

Tim Holtz Kraft Glassine... Love it!

Glassine is a very thin and smooth type of paper which is air and water resistant. It is generally translucent unless dyes are added to color the paper or make it opaque. Source: Wikipedia

The Tim Holtz Kraft glassine paper is wonderful to work with, especially when you like the grungy / vintage look. It is perfect to emboss, stamp, ink, easy to tear - leaves a great edge - and looks even better when you wrinkle it. It feels a bit like wax paper.

I tried to make some flowers today and I think they look really good. I used a flower punch for the tiny flowers and the Tim Holtz Tatterd Flowers die (the smallest flower on the die) to cut the other size. You will notice how easy it is to cut this paper with a punch... it might even be good for the punch too as it is like wax paper :)

Materials I used are

PaperMania - Petal Elegance 1.6cm midi punch (PMA 258104)

Tim Holtz Kraft Glassine - 36 papers on the pad

Sizzix Tim Holtz Alterations Die - Tattered Florals (656640)

Paper Mania Adhesive Stones - Jade

Ranger Inkssentials - Glossy Accents

You can find some of the materials here:

- Paper Mania Products - can't remember where I bought it :) 

- Tim Holtz Kraft Glassine and other products from The Stampman