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