Sue The Iron

It's Not Easy Being Green

2012-01-25T05:10:00.003Z

Who could forget Kermit singing this song lol http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpiIWMWWVco he sounds so sad and yet in the end he's pleased that he's green. Of course he's not wearing a dress or platform boots!
This is my last piece as visiting artist for the Gingersnap Challenge, and the theme is green.
My tag has been inked and masked and painted and splattered with Dylusion inks, Distress Stains and Eco Green acrylic paints.
The background stamp is one of Tim's, and all the main images are Dylusion stamps from various sets. My froggy has been coloured with Inkadinks and Pitt pens.
The sentiment has been stamped on last years phone directory and torn and stuck.
I've really enjoyed being a visiting artist and have nothing but admiration for the Design Team who produce such fabulous work week after week.
Head over to the Gingersnap's blog to see lots of fabulous green creations.
I'm also entering this into The Craft Barns Colour A Tag challenge, and Simon Says Stamp and Show a Song Title.
Thanks very much for looking x

It's In The Bag

2012-01-22T18:58:00.001Z

This fortnight the challenge over at Stampotique is to create a pocket or a handbag calendar. As my handbags are the size of cabin luggage I decided to go with this option. I started with the gorgeous Pink Paislee paper and made a matchbook fold. I inked it through a hexagonal die with yellow and brown distress inks. The stamps are all by Jo Capper - Sandon for Stampotique. The medium bee has also been stamped on velum and popped over the top of the stamped image.

The butterflies on the inside have been stamped on velum , and the papillon on the Pink Paislee paper. The callendar pages have also been put onto the same paper which has been perforated at the top so that it can tear away as the year goes by. The calendar has been stippled with the same yellow and brown DI's. I've had these vellum's for years, it's nice to actually use them.

The vellum quote is from a stack that I've also had since time began.

I really enjoyed this challenge, thanks very much for looking x

I'm also entering this into the following challenges;

Rogue Redhead Designs - use vellum

Fashionable Stamping - Butterflies or Bugs

Week 3 Already!!

2012-01-18T09:28:00.007Z

I can't believe it's already my third week as visiting artist over at Gingersnap Creations. I was so chuffed to be asked, and then the panic set in, but I'm still here :o), and this weeks challenge on the 'get Organised' theme is to use your favourite papers. Mmmm, well I have about 6 'favourites' from plaint white ready to be inked, to Basic Grey which I should have bought shares in, but I settled on Graphic 45's Steampunk Debutante as todays favourite lol.

My box started life as shiney and red and full of Lush goodies so it was already 10/10 in my book, and the fab thing was, the more I messed about with it, the more the smell wafted about. I LOVE Lush - that fragrance you get as you walk past the door. It makes my husband choke, but you can't have everything :o)
I had to cut up my lovely papers, which made me cry a little inside, but these things have to be done.' I've decoupaged bits and bobs, such as the top hat and her wings.

I've layered up the flowers here and added a bit of hologhraphic glitter for some sparkle. You can see this better I R L.

This side was made with the Graphic 45 paper, and some Hunkydory toppers that I got in a kit. I'm not usually a big fan of toppers, but I thought these fitted in nicely.

This is Hunkydory velum that I've inked over with Pine Needles Distres Ink. The images are Graphic 45 stamps that I've stamped onto tissue paper and torn around and stuck on. The dress form has been stuck onto a scrap of velum, then ribbled for a bit of texture. The heart on the ladies head is in antique silver (not real lol) and says 'memories'

This one shows it a little better, can you tell I love my new little camera :o)

The lid is my favourite bit, I love this falling guy sheet, and I've layered him and the bird up, added a couple of cogs that have been UTEE'd and stamped into, a little bit of hardware and a tassel that's been in my drawer for soooo long it squinted when it saw the sunlight.

I really enjoyed making this, and I can't wait to get over to Gingersnaps to see what all the fabulous 'snappers have creatated.

Thanks very much for looking x

I'm entering this into the 2 Sisters challenge, which is Use Metal, and

Simon Says Stamp And Show which is anything but a card.

Anyone For Tea??

2012-01-11T05:10:00.011Z

Continuing with the Gingersnap theme of getting organised, I thought I would finish my Mum's Christmas present.When I say finish I of course mean get it out of the loft and start it!
The theme this week is ribbon - well they arn't called challenges for nothing are they. I love ribbon, buy it all the time (only joking I'm on a spending ban) but I'm just rubbish with it. I cannot even tie a bow that doesn't look like the cat's slept on it, and if I put it on a card it just looks like it's hiding a mistake lol. So appologies made in advance here's the inside of the box.

The ribbon is seam binding in blue and white that's been woven together and die cut. The Tanda lady has been stamped on acetate, and the flowers are Tim's trimmings that have been dyed with distress ink. I varnished the inside of the box as it's to go in my Mums kitchen. Posh tea bags to the front lol

I started by gessoing the box, then I painted it with pale blue acrylic, dry brushed over with teal, then over the top again with a hazelnut paint dauber. The sides have been stamped with a mixture of TPC and Sir Tims stamps. I was just going to put a little of the 7 Gypsies tissue paper on the top, but I got to the stage where it looked awful so I had to carry on sticking. The ribbon weave and lady were meant to go on the top, but I liked it better with her on the inside. I've varnished the outside as well so hopefully it will be quite hard wearing.

Back to the seam binding for the rosettes with a K&Co brad in the centre.

This is the first time I've actually made something for a present so I hope my Mum likes it (it's her birthday in March so it's not tooooo late) I enjoyed making this, it looks nothing like it did in my head, but I quite like it.

Thanks very much for looking x

I'm So Excited, And I Just Can't Hide It....

2012-01-04T05:05:00.005Z

...'cos I've been invited to join Gingersnap Creations as a visiting artist for January. The theme this month is Get Organised, and this weeks challenge is to use a set/collection of stamps. I thought I would get organised by making myself a calendar page. This again has been inspired by the fabulous Kate Crane and her monthly pages.
I've chosen some of Sam Poole's Creative Expression stamps, Snowdays and a journal set. I love these stamps as they ink up really nicely, and they're not toooo fussy to cut out.
The background has been inked with some Dylusion inks. It was going to be a blue page, but then I added a bit of yellow, and before you know it, it was green. Funnily enough that happened the last time I used these two colours together - who knew eh! The trees in the background are mostly Tim's, and the children have been coloured with the Dylusion's and Inkadinks.
Please get yourselves over to Gingersnap Creations and check out the fab inspiration over there.
Thanks very much for looking x

You Gotta Have Friends (And a Kate Crane DVD)

2011-12-31T12:59:00.001Z

The challenge this time over at Stampotique is a Wish For The New Year. My wish is to see more of my friends and family. Real life can be a bit of a treadmill and before you know it it's Christmas again and another year has gone by. For my birthday I bought myself the fab Kate Crane's art journaling DVD's, (I knew it was no use relying on hints to get this) and armed with my shiny new A4 journal, some Dylusion inks and paints, and the bottom drawer of my Stampotique stamps collection I decided to take the plunge and do a journal page.
Sooo I painted it in blue, pink and purple, hated it, and decided to tear it out lol. Then I remembered what Kate had said on the Art From The Heart taster day - that she NEVER tears out a page from her journal (let alone the 1st one) so I carried on with the splatting and the stamping and the bottle tops and the credit card painting and in the end I quite liked it!
I think that Karin and Marci look like X Factor finalists, and twinkie is just about to deck Louis Walsh :o)
So a Happy New Year to everyone, and may all your wishes come true (as long as they are legal and don't interfere with mine lol)
Thanks very much for looking x

Christmas Fishes

2011-12-07T11:42:00.000Z

So much for my week off work to play at making Tim's tags, real life strikes again lol. Finally found a bit of time to play yesterday, and it's non-traditional Christmas time over at Stampotique , so red and green must never be seen! It's amazing isn't it that as soon as you are banned from colours those are the only ones that you want to use :o).
So for my alternative Christmas, I've inked some card and stamped and embossed the French Text stamp in a holographicy type EP. Then I've stamped the ribbon stamp around the edge ( I had to break out the stamp positioner for this, and I always amaze myself when it works). This has been joined with the long splatter - love this stamp it goes with everything!. The tree has been stamped on the card then stamped again and cut out so I could attach my fishes with jump rings. The Christmas Fishes has been made on my labeling machine and inked over with blue Stazon. Of course a Christmas tree decorated with fish bones could only mean one thing - this is the House Of Kitty....
I've made a little dangly thing for the corner using Jo's star that was in Craft Stamper, and some beads and jump rings. It's all been stuck then sewn down (by hand, it's too cold now to stay in the conservatory any longer than I need to ) onto a brown (see still no red or green) card blank.
I think it's 'alternative' enough 'cos my husband gave it the uhhhhh..... look and that little shake of his head that means 'what has she done'.....:o)
My daughter gets it, she just says ah Stampotique!
Having to wait in now for a new printer, the hamster running mine has finally given up the ghost. Thanks very much for looking and don't forget to eat todays choccy from the advent calender before anyone else gets it!

So Here It Is Merry Christmas Everybody's Having Fun...

2011-11-26T16:45:00.012Z

Or we soon will be 'cos Mr T has put us on countdown to this years 12 Tags of Christmas. Will I have the right equipment nah but I'll still be playing :o)
My little Christmas stable has taken 2 days to make and another to photograph 'cos we only seem to have sunlight between the hours of 1 and 1.20 then it's back to darkness.
My wooden frame has been gesso'd, then painted in blue, lilac and brown to make it look old and battered, and edged in Inca Gold in green to make it look even older. I stamped some snowflake stamps with Indigo Blu glue and sprinkled some Cosmic Shimmer snowflakey stuff over.
The backing plate has been painted blue and stamped with Tims snowflake stamps and embossed in white. The reindeer has been die cut, then stamped and embossed, painted in silver and then ribbled, My ribbler is certainly having a new lease of life lately lol.
The 'Christmas' is one of Tim's Stickers from the Holiday set, and this has also been coated in the snow.

The tickets have been cut from the Alterations die from the Christmas Kraft Resist stash and inked in Broken China and Tea Dye DI's, and stamped with images from the Mini Holiday set and embossed in white. The numbers have been painted in white acrylic paint and grungified.

The Santa has been cut from Graphic 45 paper and stuck underneath a fragment, and the image in the corner is also a sticker that has been stuck on Grunge Paper.

More of my crocheted flowers, I tried to do some snowflakes but I couldn't get the hang of them. I really must practise but it's hard when I only know three stitches lol.

I'm entering this into the following challenges:

Simon Says Stamp And Show - Tickets
The Stampman - 12 Tags of Christmas Techniques - Day 5 2010 Painting and embossing on metal
Shopping Our Stash - Christmas/Winter - had the fragments and numbers for years :o)
Fashionable Stamping - I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas.

Thanks very much for looking x

Tando Creative Online Class

2011-11-23T11:23:00.001Z

Here's my finished frame for the Tando Creative Online Class. Now a smarter person would have taken photographs as they went along but...doh!!

Anyhoo I tried to stick to the brief, but I really wasn't happy with any of the (numerous) backgrounds that I created, so I ended up by using the Tando cogs mask directly on to the backing board and using gilding flakes.

This looked a little too stark so I toned it down a bit by spraying over with Radient Rain in a pinky/purple colour. The embelis are mostly Graphic 45 papers, and the matching Hampton Art stamps, and Tim Holtz & Wendi Vecchi stamps. The butterfly is grunge paper covered in washi tape, then stamped over with the WV stamp and embossed. The dragonflies are Tando chipboard and they have been coverd in Perfect Pearls and alphabet beads.

Graphic 45 Steampunk Debutante paper stuck onto chipboard with a frame over the top, topped up with Glossy Accents. The cog has has been painted in gold acrylic and stamped and heated until the paint bubbled.

More Graphic 45 paper under a Tim Holtz Fragment.

Tando cog with acrylic paint and UTEE with a lie detector charm.

Texture paste corner covered in Perfect Pearls and various bits and pieces.

I really enjoyed makin this, and the tutorial was amazing - I shall certainly do more of these.

Thanks very much for looking x

It's Sketch Time At Stampotique

2011-11-20T09:29:00.002Z

The challenge for this fortnight over at the Stampotique challenge blog is to follow a sketch. I havn't done a sketch challenge for ages, and I must admit my mind went blank when I looked at this one... THEN I thought of Miss Snottie and the rest fell into place lol.
I stamped the Divine Miss S on cream card and cut her out with a nestie (after cutting her hair out first). The kraft card has been ribbled and pricked around the edges.
The music panel is from the TH Christmas Kraft Resist stash, and it's been inked with the Barn Door Distress Stain which I didn't want, didn't need and now you try taking them off me! The colouring power is brilliant - I love 'em :o)
I wanted the Snottie one to look like she was coming through a paper burst, so I tore the TH Kraft Glassine paper from the centre outwards. This is fab to tear as it doesn't run away from you - if you want it to tear you have to give it a good old tug!
I gave her a Christmas hat just so you know it's nearly Christmas :o)
The strip down the middle of the kraft resist is from the TH lace Alterations die. I cut it in gold mirror card then ribbled it to give it a German Scrap look. My husband (bless him!!) took one look and said 'why have you put Space Invaders on a Christmas card' Don't be stooopid I said, it's lace ohhhhh....... yeah I can hear the music playing and they're fireing their little missiles and that's that die ruined forever...
Anyway, that's one more Christmas card done - it's really sneaking up on me this year (same as last year, the year before, the year before that... can you see the pattern lol)
Enjoy what's left of the weekend, please excuse any spelling mistakes 'cos spell checker seems to have gone walkabout, and thanks very much for looking x

Better Late Than Never!

2011-11-19T17:02:00.000Z

Way back in May I did a workshop with Janet & Michelle at the Stampman, where we started to decorate a wooden box. Fast forward to November, and I thought it was time that I actually finished it :o)

The box was gesso'd then painted in blue and brown acrylic paints. It's also been stenciled through a honeycomb mask with DI's in blue and brown. The dress form and wings are Tim's dies, as are the buttons and thread holder. These have been stamped and embossed in various DI's. The ribbon around the edges is the TH lace die, and this is already up there on my favourites pile!

The sewing machine and scissors are from Tando Creative, and I'm entering this into their November challenge which is Blue & Brown.

Thanks very much for looking and enjoy what's left of the weekend x

The Stampsmith Ribbon & Lace

2011-11-14T20:52:00.003Z

The challenge for November over at The Stampsmith is ribbons and lace. I really struggle with this type of thing, but I guess that's the challenge...
The background has been stamped in Faded Jeans with a stamp from the Postcard plate, and the lovely Serena has been stamped in coffee archival and tinted with Broken China. The paper is one of Anna Griffin's that I've had since time began.
My little crochet flowers were done in front of the computer, with a lot of re-winding of the tutorial. My Grandma taught me the basic stitches many (many) years ago, but it's not something I've done much of. She could do the most amazingly fine work without even looking at what she was doing - she certainly didn't pass that on to me, but at least I can do the flowers now without the sound on lol.
I'm also entering this into the Fashionable Stamping Challenge which is In Times Gone By.
Thanks very much for looking x

Tag It On

2011-11-06T20:32:00.004Z

The challenge at Tag it On this week is Mr Magorium's Wonder Emporium. My challenge to myself was to do it without any cutting and sticking or 3d 'stuff'.
I started by using some TH masks inking with various distress inks. Lots of stamps, mainly Scrollswork stamped in distress and coffee and black archival.
The main images were stamped on tissue paper and torn (see not cut lol) out and stuck down with watered down pva.
I've used black and white acrylic paints and various lids from my evergrowing lid collection to paint the circles.
The edges have been distressed then rubbed aroung with green and gold Inca Gold, and finally I coated it all in beeswax to give it a bit of shine and texture. The poor old tag had taken all it could manage by now, so I backed it up on some black card and gave it a bit of raffia lol.
I really enjoyed making this, and thanks very much for looking x

Down On The Farm

2011-11-06T11:47:00.002Z

Over at Gingersnap Creations the theme this month is Farm Fresh. I don't have too many (1)farm type stamps,so here it is lol. The background papers are some old K&Co that I've had for years, and they've been inked with DI's. The front one has been stamped over with a Fiskars plaid stamp to give it more of a 'farmy' feel. The rooster and sentiments are from The Paper Company.

Rocky the Cocky has been gilded (ouch) with my latest toy Indigo Blu glue and gilding flakes. Who's a pretty boy now then!

It's all been backed up onto a cork kitchen tile, and then a piece of brown card that's been ribbled. Now for a confession, I was the one person in the whole crafty world who didn't own a Tim Holtz Distress Stain (until yesterday - I now own one lol) I figured that as I had the inks, and the re-inkers why would I need the stains. But I bought the Picket Fence one to see what all the fuss was about and curse it I do like them. I've used it on the brown card and it does look pretty good in real life.

I didn't mean to have eyelet all around but I didn't look where I was putting my first set of holes (??) so unless I wanted to hang Rocky upside down (and I'm pretty sure they only do that in bad satanic films) I had to add another set.
I really enjoyed making this, and I hope it's farmy enough.
Thanks for looking and enjoy whats left of the weekend x

Planes Trains & Automobiles

2011-10-30T21:29:00.001Z

This week the challenge over at Tag It On is Planes Trains & Automobiles. For the planes tag I've used October Afternoon paper, and stamped with Scrolls Work and Tim Holtz stamps.
The trains has Stampin'Up paper in black and vanilla. I've stamped a Scrolls Work stamp with some Indigo Blu glue and rubbed in some gilding flakes. The train stamps are Scrolls Work.
The automobile tag has been gesso'd then stamped with the SW background in Chipped Sapphire. The stamps are all Timmy's except for the Planes Trains and Automobiles which are again by Scrolls Work.
Sorry about the rubbish picture, but by the time I had finished there was NO sunlight left. If you click on it it's a little bit better.
I need to go and do some ironing now :o(
Thanks very much for looking x

Eww That Smells Like Poison..

2011-10-28T10:00:00.002+01:00

.. and so it should 'cos over at Stampotique this time the challenge is to alter a poison bottle. When I first saw this I thought 'see you next time', but I decided to give it a go.
Now I'm right out of poison bottles, but I do have a nice body spray in a fetching shade of blue so I thought I would use that.
I sprayed it with some black webbing that I have had for at least two years and never tried. Note to self this comes out fast and covers a bigger area than an angry volcano.
Then I melted some bees wax in a bit of tin foil and added some red pepper alcohol ink and drizzled it down the bottle top to look like blood. It kind of ran across not down, but my poison defeats the law of gravity (and it was hot so I wasn't going to mess with it lol)

I also had another 99% empty perfume bottle (don't know why I don't throw it away 'cos it hasn't sprayed for years) so I donated it's top to alchemy... I painted it silver then gave it another blast of said webbing spray.

To make this Stampotique poison rather than any old poison I stamped the guys from the Halloween cube onto shrink plastic and attached them with wire around the top.
The poison letters have been cut with the Tim Holtz Once Upon A Time strip die.
I did enjoy making this in the end, and it looks fab now sat on my window sill with my other lotions and potions.
To see how poison bottles should look, head over to the Stampotique challenge blog.

Quick Edit. I decided that I wasn't happy with the wire, so I put the ghoolies on jump rings on a length of ball chain around the bottle.

I'm a happy bunny now lol x

Mmm Not Somewhere To Spend The Night

2011-10-27T11:22:00.004+01:00

I know I said I was through with Halloween, but that was the cute side, this is just downright spooky...
I could never understand why on films people went into graveyards, in the dark, (and always in the fog) what good did they ever expect to come of it lol.
For my spookiness I've used stamps from a Cherry Pie set (love these) a Stampendous cobweb stamp, and one of Tim's trees. This is one of my 'go to' stamps, along with his flock of birds.
The stamping has been done in black versafine, and the card just coloured with Black Soot distress ink. The bat started life as silver, but I coloured him with the Ranger black enamel accents.

I've been practicing my reverse stamping with the railings on the bottom right. The card railing is Tim's Picket Fence die, and it's all being supported by the small easel die which is fab, I can see myself getting a lot of use out of this one!
I'm entering this into the following
Gingersnaps - Black and grey
Simon Says Stamp and Show - Show one colour - any colour
Craft Room - Black and white
Tando Creative - Spooktastic

Thanks very much for looking x

Yup It's Christmas Card Time Again!!

2011-10-26T20:18:00.000+01:00

The Challenge over at The Stampman this time is Night Time. I saw some window template cards by Creative Expressions a while ago, but I was unable to get hold of any, so I decided to make my own...
So armed with some acetate, a pen, ruler and a paper trimmer, this is what I came up with.

I colour dusted my card with Stormy Sky and Chipped Saphire, then sponged around the edges with Black Soot. Tim's Tall Trees and some of the Winter stamps from Creative Expressions were then stamped with black archival ink.
The window card was stamped with a snow stamp and dusted with Chipped Saphire and Black Soot. This was then stuck over some acetate and folded over the card giving it a bow in the middle to add some dimention.

The rosette is a Creative Expression stamp, as it the zipper flower (love these!) and the hat pins. The ribbon is American seam binding. It was all then stuck onto some black card, and then the base card which is A3 folded in half.
This is going to be my Mum & Dad's Christmas card, trouble is it's going to need a deep box to fit it in (how faffy is this!!)

I really enjoyed making this, but it definitely comes under the 'special' cards catagory.
Thanks very much for looking x

Not Quite An Old Master

2011-10-24T21:33:00.000+01:00

This weeks challenge at Gingersnap Creations is Ravens. I don't know why but I thought that American Gothic would look quite nice featuring a couple of ravens lol.
The American Gothic stamp is by Lost Coast Designs and has been well loved (but not as well cleaned lol) I stamped it then coloured with distress inks. I treated myself to the Claudine Hellmuth paint brushes and they really do make a difference, if I stick my tongue out at the correct angle I can almost stay within the lines now :o)
The ravens are Hampton Arts cling stamps and they are lovely. I had to do the stamping onto another stamp to reverse it for the woman 'cos I really can't get to grips with the brayer technique.
I'm afraid I had to decapitate the ravens next and stuck them over the original happy couple. I then stamped the couple again, bit more head chopping, and stuck them on top.
Stamped it yet again just for the frame, and embossed in gold, cut out, and mounted on teeny foam pads.
The background is a bit of ribbled kraft and a page of my trusty old Mills & Boon Whirlpool of Passion!!
I saw the episode of Fame In The Frame about a month ago where John Myatt painted this picture and put Paul O'Grady in the picture. I really enjoyed hearing about the background of this painting. I didn't realise it was so iconic.
Pop over to Gingersnaps for far better examples of ravens!
Thanks very much for looking x

It's Tag Time!!

2011-10-23T19:01:00.001+01:00

Over at Stampotique the challenge is tags, which is always OK with me! I started by stamping and clear embossing images from the Halloween cube, then I coloured the tag in Ripe Persimmon distress ink. I masked bits off with Halloween images from the TH sheet then blended over Seedless Preserve DI.
Next I stamped the French Text stamp with water and blasted with the heat gun to dry it till it smoked lol. Then I inked through the 'Special Touch' Cracked mask with Peeled Paint DI, and finally stamped the edges with a question mark stamp and edged with Black Soot.
Prom Queen has been coloured in Inkidinks, and the sentiments stamped and cut out.
I had great fun making this though my craft room now looks like we've been burgled!
I'm just about Halloween'd out now, and there's still a week to go. Never mind - soon be Christmas!!
Thanks very much for looking x

Would You Like To Swing On A Star (Actually it's the moon!!)

2011-10-22T23:19:00.001+01:00

This month the challenge over at The Stampsmith is Halloween using at least one Stampsmith Stamp. Bit of a poser this one as I don't have any 'Halloweeny' Stampsmith stamps, so I cheated and put a witch's hat on these old romantics Ooooh scarey uh lol.
The papers are from We R Memory Keepers and I've mixed and matched a few to give it some depth. The spider and web are a couple of clear stamps that I got this time last year, and the 'boo' is there just to make you jump :o).
Check out The Stampsmith blog for some fab inspiration and the chance to win some stamps.
Have a great weekend and thanks for looking x

On The Street Where You Live

2011-10-16T22:25:00.002+01:00

I don't normally 'do' Halloween, but last year I bought myself a We R Memory Keepers Halloween pad so I thought I'd better use it. I made myself a haunted house. I traced around an old Craftwork Cards template to make myself another couple of houses. The one on the left and in the middle have been covered with the WRMK's papers, and the outsides not so carefully painted in orange acrylic. The one on the right has been alcohol inked in red, yellow and plum. The windows have been cut out and pictures put behind. These have been printed on accetate and are the 'Anabel Lee' sheet from Moonlight Journey.

The skeleton stamp is from Tim Holtz, and I've also used various Artistic Outpost stamps from the Halloween set.

My spooky bird has been cut on chipboard from the Tim Holtz die, the stamped with the cobweb stamp from A.O, and embossed in black. I've then blended purple and yellow DI's and clear embossed again.

The cat is from the same die and has been cut in Kraft Glassine, crupmpled to within an inch of it's nine lives then splodged on in black archival. This has then been heat set.

The ironwork fence is one of Tim's On The Edge dies again cut in chipboard and splodged with black and platignum inks.

I had a lot of fun making this - it's nothing like I had in my head but it will be in my front window on the 31st.

I'm entering this into the following challenges:
Gingersnap Creations - alcohol inks
Shopping Our Stash - Spooky
Simon Says Stamp And Show - things with wings

Thanks very much for looking x

Gingersnaps Colour Challenge - Turquoise, Blue & Purple

2011-10-03T22:12:00.000+01:00

The final 'Friends' themed challenge over at Gingersnap Creations this month is a colour challenge of turquoise, blue and purple. The background technique has been shamelesly stolen from Jo Capper-Sandon's article in this months Craft Stamper. Basically you put your hand in a plastic bag, dip it in the ink and dab, but Jo does it with so much more style!
The background stamp is called 'Friendly' and it's by Stampin'Up. The flowers are the Greenhouse Garden set also by SU, and they've been stamped in turquoise, blue and er purple. The quote is from a TPC stamp set. This actually looks quite pretty in real life - quite a change for me lol. I've really enjoyed this set of challenges from Gingersnap, and they've given us a heads up that October is going to be all about Edgar Allen Poe. Mmm now that is a challenge....
Thanks very much for looking x

One In A Million

2011-09-30T17:25:00.005+01:00

The theme over at Shopping Our Stash this week is black and white and one other colour. The aim of the challenge is to use some of the stash languishing at the bottom of our drawers. The backing papers I've used here are from the 7 Gypsies Paddington collection. I loved them, had to have them, then put them in the drawer with a million other sheets of 'had to haves' and never used them. Please tell me that it's not only me that does this. The ribbon has been in my stash for at least two years, but the Tim Holtz stamp is quite new. (Saying that the masking tape I used as the mask is at least 3 years old.) My steampunk guys have been masked and stamped, masked and stamped....
The card is for my Dad, I wanted to put 'One in a Million' on it but the card seemed finished as it was and I didn't want to spoil it, so that will go on the inside.
I'm also entering this into the Simon Says Stamp And Show challenge as this week the theme is Men - bless 'em - can't live with them, can't kill 'em all! - That's very un PC, how very dare I! :o)

Have a great weekend and thanks for looking x

Wanted Dead or Alive

2011-09-29T23:52:00.002+01:00

The challenge over at Dragon's Dream has been inspired by the song These Boots Were Made For Walking, so we have to show some sort of footwear on our tag.
My stamps are all by Tanda and they've all been stamped and coloured in Distress Inks. The curled up paper behind the wanted poster was a piece of glassine from a box of chocolates. How I suffer for my art lol. Thanks very much for looking x

Happy Birthday To You, Happy Birthday To You

2011-09-29T08:48:00.002+01:00

The fortnightly challenge over at the Stampotique Originals blog is Humerous Birthdays. As I'm older than my sister I've received quite a few of these over the years, but now it's my turn mwahahahaha....
I knew exactly what I wanted for this card, and it sort of kinda turned out ...yeah Ok nothing like it big surprise NOT :o)
I sprayed my cartridge paper with Dylusions and Inkadinks in pinks and purples, then added a bit of lemon and some pearly spray. I cut it out with a Spellbinders bunting die. (I pictured bunting in my head but of course it would have had to stand on it's point Doh!)
Twinkie's been painted in the Inkadinks, and it's all layered onto some Bling cardstock then acetate. I love acetate except for the tidying up of the inside - I have been know to put this off can you believe it lol.
The sentiment is computer generated and says 'Your not over the hill....But you have an excellent view! Subtle eh :o)
I was just about to photograph it this morning when I thought 'too much space' so I put in a few splats from the Long Splatter.
I really enjoyed making this - really need to tidy up though now :o)
Thanks for looking x
Quick Edit

I've just realised that my arrow isn't a Stampotique stamp and it's a Stampotique only week, so I've doodled (yes this IS why I buy stamps, I can't even doodle) and attached over the arrow. I know it's sad but I like to play by the rules.
Thanks for looking x

The Sun is Shining, The Birds Are Singing - Must Be Autumn!

2011-09-28T09:45:00.000+01:00

I did a couple of pages in my Autumn book this weekend and I've finally got time to blog them :o)

This one has been covered with Core-dinations which has been embossed and sanded. The pair image is from The Stampsmith, and has been stamped with yellow and orange DI's. The little tiles, leaves and flower centres are mica powders on a dark background that have been stamped with a Stampman image from the Nature plate. This has then been clear embossed to bring out the shine. The wooden letters have been distress inked in Spiced Marmalade and Rusty Hinge, then overstamped with the Stampman skeleton leaf stamp. The flowers have been cut with Sir Tim's die from organza that I got from Leeds market in the Summer (come on you remember Summer lol). I always used to groan when my Mum draged me off to look at material stalls - she couldn't believe it when I started ooohing and ahhhing (cope with that spellchecker) over these - 'till I told her I would cut 'em up and stick 'em on a card :o) I made the brads with the Papermania brad maker - I love this little gadget, and the punches cut through quite thick card.
I'm entering this into The Stampman challenge which is 'A Perfect Pear' and the Stampsmith Autumn colours challenge.
The next page was alcohol inked in reds and browns, the overstamped in archival with leaf stamps to remove the alcohol ink.

The two Stampsmith stamps have been stamped in brown and green inks , and the quote in Spiced Marmalade and Rusty Hinge DI. The leaves have been cut from brown card which has been painted and stamped with mica powder. This is also for The Stampsmith's Autumn colours challenge.
Thanks very much for looking x

Friends - Cheaper Than Therapy

2011-09-25T22:44:00.001+01:00

I decided to go for the inky and messy look today (I'm a real fan of yellow and green fingernails lol) so I made a 6x4 postcard. The background is a mixture of Dylusion spray inks and Inkadinks.
The stamps are mostly from Art Journey, although the bird is from The Paper Company. The guy's shirts have been painted in Inkadinks. One drop on my craft mat goes a long long way and the colours are really vibrant - I love them!
The quote stamp originally said 'Chocolate It's cheaper than therapy' and it's always reminded me of Crocodile Dundee when he's asking why people have therapist's rather than just talking to their friends, so I left the chocolate bit off. It has to be the first time I've EVER turned down chocolate!
I'm entering this into the Gingersnap challenge which is 'shared moments, and the Shopping our Stash challenge which is no coloring allowed (pens or pencils).
Thanks very much for looking x

Roll Up Roll UP Simon Says Stamp And Show Us An ATC

2011-09-23T22:19:00.001+01:00

Simon want's an ATC this week so here's mine

I wanted to use my Graphic 45 circus stamps and didn't have enough room with just one surface so decided to make a tryptich. My trapezing clown is hanging from a cocktail stick lol.

The circus stamp is from Scrolls Work Stamps.

The stamps used on the inside

are by Creative Journey.

I really enjoyed this challenge.

Have a great weekend and thanks very much for looking x

The Stampman ATC Garden Challenge

2011-09-21T15:55:00.000+01:00

The Stampman's challenge this month is In The Garden. In the top 2 I've used The Paper Company stamps and these are really lovely. The inky backgrounds have been made with Distress Inks.
The bottom one is a Stampotique background, with tissue tape, some prima paper, and the Stampotique bee's have been stamped on to tissue paper and PVA'd down. I really enjoyed making these, I should make more ATC's lol.
Thanks very much for looking

Simon Says Stamp And Show us Yer Punk!

2011-09-17T18:44:00.004+01:00

The challenge this week over at Simon Says Stamp and Show is Steampunk. I love steampunk though it did take me a long time to 'get it'.

I decided to decorate a lage box to keep my steampunk stamps in. I painted with Eco Green paints in green patina and bronze, then stamped various stamps from Scrolls Work Stamps (sadly with us no more) The dies are Tim Holtz Dress form, Birdcage, butterflies and Gadget Gears large and small. The gears have been painted with black, brown and orange then covered with crackle glaze. The silver washers have been coated with bronze embossing powder.

The sides have been stamped, and the 'steampunk' grungeboard letters have been painted and stamped.

The gear has been stamped, and the small gear cut and painted. I also made a foam stamp from the small gear and stamped in Distress ink.

The front has been stamped with a Tim Holtz stamp from the Steampunk set, and the label made on a label maker.

I really enjoyed this challenge as I've wanted to decorate this box for ages.

I'm also entering this into the Shopping Our Stash challenge which is Vintage/shabby chic/distressed, and the

Creatalicious challenge which is Anything Goes.

Thanks very much for looking and enjoy what's left of the weekend x

Take Time To Enjoy Life - Gingersnap Challenge

2011-09-15T10:09:00.001+01:00

The challenge this week at Gingersnap's is to use crimpers (that's a ribbler to us Northerners lol) I was looking for my TH glassine paper when I came across these Sara's Surfaces 'tag in a bag'. I stamped the bag with a couple of Wendy Vecci HUGE bacground stamps then ribbled away. The Art Declasified stamp has been stamped in coffee onto my new favourite La Blanche card and edged with Broken China & Tea Dye. If you look really really closely you'll see the TH ribbed glassine under this.

The tag has been inked in blue DI's and stamped with TH swirls. I'm not sure that I'm a fan of this card, the ink just sat on top and bled so I heated with a heat gun and that didn't work so I finally covered with embossing powder. I think the quote is a Just For Fun stamp that I've had forever. The flower stamps are by Kanban, and a bit of seam binding to finish.
I really enjoyed making this, and I love the idea of a tag in a bag. Thanks very much for looking x

Black and White and a Hint of a Tint for Stampotique

2011-09-14T22:54:00.001+01:00

The challenge this time over at the Stampotique blog is to use black and white and a hint of another colour. So in the spirit of re-cycling, I took the empty box from the cats food pouches and made a stamp box.

It's been gesso'd, then painted in black acrylic, then stamped and embossed with white embossing powder. The small and medium bees are Stampotique stamps, and the large one is from The Stampman. These have been stamped on tissue paper and pva'd onto the box. The back and sided have been left plain.

Then I made a flower out of organza, put the flower on, took the flower off. Put the flower on, took the flower off. Moved it over a bit, then finally took it off altogether. Thank goodness for Pinflair glue lol.

The poor old cat couldn't understand why I had her food box, but none of it was coming her way :o)

Thanks very much for looking x

London Calling

2011-09-14T08:57:00.002+01:00

I've just discovered a new (to me) challenge site which is Fashionable Stamping. I really like it 'cos stamping /inkyness really is my favourite. This time around the challenge is to make a tag.
I've used a mixture of stamps from Artistic Outpost and Creative Journey. These stamps are brilliant, really thick rubber. The background is a mixture of Kanban and Graphic 45, and there is a gread deal of Diamond Glaze going on!
I really enjoyed making this, and thanks very much for looking x

A Season Of Mists And Mellow Fruitfulness

2011-09-11T09:23:00.000+01:00

Or in the case of today, lovely sunshine!! Last year we went from Summer to Winter in about a week, and this time Autumn seems to have come around in the middle of August.

The challenge over at The Stampman this time is monochrome and one other colour. I've chosen brown, 'cos it comes in lots of shades.

This started life as a childrens board book which I gesso'd and painted with brown paint and then crackled with PVA glue and white acrylic. This has then been stamped with a crackle stamp.
The leaves are cuttlebug dies, the shiney ones have been made with alcohol inks that have been overpainted with Starburst Stains, and the matt ones are brown card painted with the stains.
This is now my little book of Autumn, so who knows, it may snow next week :o)
Thanks very much for looking

Hey Girlfriend!!

2011-09-08T18:42:00.005+01:00

Here's a card I made for the latest Gingersnap Gal Pal's challenge. The stamp is from The Stampsmith so it would be rude not to enter their challenge as well with is Fabulous Faux.
So I blew the dust off my melt pot, choked a little 'cos it's been a long time, and made some faux porcelain flowers. The centres have been filled with green micro beads - they look just like the bobbly liquorice allsorts lol.
The paper flower centre are from Harrogate last year.
I used clear UTEE but it is now an amber colour, I don't know if this is because of the flex or if I have overheated it. It's fine for dark colours, but some of these flowers started off as pink.
Thanks very much for looking x

Hello, It's Been A While

2011-09-04T20:58:00.000+01:00

It's been far too long since I got all inky and messy, and now that I'm back from my hols and the mud has been washed away AND I had the house to myself it seemed the perfect opportunity.
This is my entry to the Stampotique bookmark challenge. The base card is from LaBlanch and it really is fab - well worth a go. It's been inked sprayed and painted and it took it all in it's stride.
I've used various spray inks and Tim Holtz and Prima masks.
It's been a while since the Heads in a round has been out - I love their curious expressions, and the Bla Bla Bla stamp is just how I was feeling today lol.
I've edged it all with some Ranger copper tape just to keep the sides from getting ratty (and 'cos it's shiney mmm)

This is how it looks when it's on the book - hands up who remembers where Hairy Mclarey's from lol.
Sincere thanks to everyone who's e-mailed me asking if I'm ok. I know it looks like I drop off the planet ever now and then, but I'm still here and life is good.
Thanks very much for looking x

Ride 'em Cowboy

2011-05-16T21:58:00.001+01:00

I've been stalking the Gingersnap Creations blog for a while now, and have finally taken the plunge with the latest challenge which is to use twine on a Wild West themed piece.
The stamps are all from Tanda, and I've paperpieced the cowboys.
The card behind has been made using the faux leather technique with masking tape and DI's, and mounted onto a die cut cork tile.
I really enjoyed making this, and thanks very much for looking x

The Stamp Man Poppy Challenge

2011-05-07T19:50:00.001+01:00

This weeks challenge at The Stampman is poppies. I'll let Janet explain:

Onto this weeks challenge which is to use a POPPY in your creation. Here in Skipton the British Legion are very active and my Husband is organising a fund raising concert on the 25th October. He asked me a while ago if I thought I could get some cards together to sell at the concert and Jill and Ian have so kindly allowed us to have a Poppy challenge week to try and get some more cards together. So this week we would like to see Poppies on your creations. If you would like to donate your creation to The concert here in Skipton you can post your work to The Stamp Man (address at the bottom of this post) but you are not obliged to - you can enter the challenge with any Poppy themed project and will be eligible for the prize and top places whether you send them in or not.

For my background paper I made an inkpad a la Tim Holtz to stamp my Clarity Poppy Fields stamp. The poppies are TH's tattered florals cut with felt. I've photocopied one of my favourite war poems by John McCrae and cut out with a Nesties label die.
For the base I used a Stampman Framie embossed in gold, and the quote in the middle is another Clarity stamp.
Lot's of gold Krylon around the edges to finish off.
I really enjoyed making this, and can think of no better cause.
Thanks very much for looking x

Free As A Bird

2011-05-05T10:19:00.000+01:00

A really quick post 'cos I am being hustled off MY computer lol. This is my piece for the latest Crafty Individuals Challenge, which is Free as a Bird.
I've painted up an old beer mat and crackled the background. My CI Whitby Abbey stamp has been stamped onto tissue paper and stuck down with matte medium. I love this stamp and I bought it from a craft shop actually in Whitby. We go to Whitby every year , walk up the steps to the Abbey, comment on how unfit we are, and walk down again! :o)
The background is a piece of muslin that I've inked up and fringed.
A Timmy bird, and tree stamp in the background, and the little tag is stamped onto some CI paper.
It's all been stuck onto a piece of acetate to help it keep it's shape.
Thanks very much for looking x

Give Us A Hand

2011-05-03T19:48:00.000+01:00

This is a canvas that I flipped and decorated the back of. Lots of Tim Holtz tissue tape to cover the frame, stuck and sealed with matte medium.

The inside is a piece of sticky backed canvas that I've transfered the image from some Prima paper onto. I've also frayed the edges, this was very theraputic, took me back to the 70's and my size 10 flared jeans ( I'd be happy to wear flares again if I could get into a 10, or 12,or... lol)The photo ribbon and little frame are holding images from Graphic 45 paper.
I'm entering this into the Lets Ink It Up - embelish it challenge, and
Simon Says Stamp and Show - hands.
Thanks very much for looking x

Papers - Prima Moulin Rouge/Graphic 45
Stamps - Kanban/7 Gypsies/
Tissue Tape/lock and key/photo ribonTim Holtz

Stampotique Sketch Challenge

2011-04-29T20:00:00.002+01:00

This fortnight Kim has chosen to have a sketch for the Stampotique challenge. It's Stampotique stamps only, and I'm ashamed to say that this is the first time Prom Queen has been inked!
The DP's are all Marah Johnson's for Creative Imaginations. They've been distressed, inked, and generally mistreated :o)
Prom Queens's been stamped directly onto the paper, then coloured with a white pen to give her the black and white grungy look.
The nuts and screws are rub-on's, and I added a little star charm just to finish off.
Then I walked away - yup left it at that, no kitchen sink thrown at it (ok I wanted to watch the Royal Wedding - hey it gave us a day off work so it was the least I could do).
I really enjoyed this challenge, and there are lots of fab examples and a chance to win a $30.00 gift certificate over at the Stampotique challenge blog.
Thanks very much for looking and have a fab weekend

A Little Resistance Is A Good Thing - The Stamp Man Challenge

2011-04-28T10:17:00.000+01:00

Here's my entry to the latest Stamp Man challenge which is to use resist techniques.
The white card has been stamped with the Stamp Camp bubbles stamp, and embossed with white embossing powder. This was coloured with Brilliance inks using the little finger daubers - Yay clean fingers for once!
My Stamp Man stamps have been stamped onto black card and embossed in white, then the embossing has been coloured with Stazon. I really like these labels stamps, they work so well with the dies, and are great for the easel cards.
It was nice to make a 'pretty' card for a change :o) Thanks very much for looking x

Life's A Beach....

2011-04-24T18:43:00.002+01:00

WOW 3 posts in 1 day!
The theme this week at Just For Fun is squares, so I've done a canvas. I sprayed it with Dylusions in green and blue, then stamped some tissue paper with various Crafty Individuals stamps, all with a beach theme, and used beeswax to stick it down.
I stamped some stampboard squares with the same stamps, and used my trusty glue gun to stick them down after edging with gold pen.
I'm also entering this into the Crafty Individuals simple square challenge.
That's me done for today, thanks for looking and enjoy the Bank Holiday tomorrow x

Oh No Need A Guy Card

2011-04-24T15:55:00.000+01:00

It's my cousins birthday this week and I always struggle with man cards so obviously I leave it to the last minute 'cos a bit of pressure always helps right - what it makes it worse?? Ooops!
Sooo, as I can't put it off any longer, I stamped my Stampsmith cyclist onto a piece of stampboard in blue and green, the put some gilding flakes as a border and carried on with the blue and green round the edge.
The background has been brayered then overstamped with the SU Scratches stamp.
Because the stampboard is so weighty I've cut the background card again and eyeleted it all together. A bit of manly twine to give it a butch feel and all done.
This is for the Stampsmith challenge, which is Spring this time.
Thanks very much for looking x

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T12:13:00.001+01:00

Happy Easter everyone, I hope the bunny has been round and left lots of chocolate :o)
Here's a wooden frame that Ive altered with my new fabby Inca Gold paints. I sooooo like these - they're just grown up finger paints (though I think you're meant to use cut n dry foam or something).
The frame's been painted with the Inca, then overstamped with a Wendy Vecci background stamp.
The inside is sticky backed canvas which has been sprayed with Dylusions then sprayed again with water to create a faux bleach effect. Trust me it's there but David Bailey I am not!
The Wendy Vecci flowers have been layered on Grungepaper, and the butterfly is more sticky back canvas.
I'm entering this into the following challenges
Happy Daze - something wooden
Artstic Stamper - layers
Sunday Stampers - wings
Simon Says Stamp and Show - favourite Tim technique - (faux bleach)
Thanks very much for looking x

Strike a Pose - Vogue

2011-04-20T22:10:00.000+01:00

Here's a card that I made for the Let's Ink It Up challenge which is 'stitching' either real or faux. Well as you can see I am indeed a very tallented sewer as I am able to make any stitch over half an inch long - none of that delicate stuff for me! :o)
Thing is I need a needle the size of a small planet for me to be able to thread it/see it/find where I left it stuck in the sofa!
The DP is some that I've had for a couple of years, but it's so nice I havn't been able to cut into it. My Tim Holtz Vogue lady is stamped onto an original paper pattern from 1980 something - thanks Mum for not throwing ANYTHING away.
The die is Tims and I've cut it in kraft card, then stuck on a layer of pink paper, then stamped Vogue again on tissue and stuck on top to add some texture. The 2/6 is an alphabet set from MSE, and the 'beauty' stamp is from Rubbadubadoo.
Thanks very much for looking, and for me the weekend starts now, so have a very happy Easter x

The Stampman Challenge - Embossing

2011-04-17T09:30:00.000+01:00

Had a little play yesterday and made an ATC for the first time in ages. I was actually popping the grungeboard letters out so that I could use the waste as a mask when I thought may as well use the letters as well :o)
The background has been stamped with the SU friendship stamp, then I've masked and sprayed with Dylusion sprays in lime and vanilla custard, and a homemade perfect pearls and DI one.
I've stamped the TH bird stamp in black then in brown as close as I could to it just to blur the edges a little.

The grungeboard letters were coloured with black soot DI, then tripple embossed in Moon Glow Two Toned Morning Glory/Azure Teal. This looks really nice where it has bubbled and the black soot is showing through.
I'm entering this into The Stampman embossing challenge, and
The Artistic Stamper Layers challenge.
Thanks very much for looking and enjoy your Sunday x

That's Nice, What Are You Going To Do With It??

2011-04-14T19:30:00.000+01:00

If I hear these words once again I swear I'm going to sell my family on e-bay!! Actually I don't know what I'm going to do with it, but I like it anyway :o)
This is my entry to this fortnight's Stampotique challenge, which is to use book/newspaper.
I remembered an article by Rachel Jackson in April's Craft Stamper (sorry I can't find a link) and decided to give it a try.
The book was painted white then the hole cut. The pages were torn away and the edges painted and distressed with Brushed Corduroy DI.. The tissue paper covering is by 7 Gypsies, and I've overstamped it with Stampotique Butterfly and Papillon stamps. This was then covered with beeswax. I've finally gotten to grips with this, I turned up the heat on my melt pot and it went on perfectly.
I've stamped the butterfly again twice and attached to the inside.
The die cut butterflies bottom right have been cut with the TH die and dipped in the bees wax.
I'm also entering this into the Simon Says Stamp & Show challenge as this week it's distressed.
Thanks very much for looking x

She's a Dedicated Follower of Fashion

2011-04-09T20:41:00.000+01:00

I've been in a card making mood today, so I struck while the iron was hot and made another.
My Alluring Lady is from The Stampman. I bough her from the Harrogate show, and she stamps perfectly. The embossing powder is Cosmic Shimmer, and is perfect for the LBD. The background paper is Graphic 45 Curtain Call and it's soooo beautiful.
The frame is also from The Stampman, and it's cut with the nesties Labels 5. It's a fab way of making the most of your sentiment.
I'm entering this into the following challenges
The Stampman - Embossing
Sir Stampalot - Ladies and fashion
Thanks very much for looking x

Sunday, Monday Happy Daze....

2011-04-09T20:01:00.002+01:00

I'm sorry but if I have to have that going round in my head you can share... Who'd have thought that Richie Cunningham would have ended up a big Hollywood producer :o)

Anyway, the challenge on Happy Daze's Facebook is The Great Outdoors, and here's my offering
The background is Dylusion's ink sprays in blue, lime and the very lush vanilla custard.
The Stampotique tree has been stamped over the top and coloured with brushed corduroy DI. The quote is from a Rubbadubadoo magnetic set, and it comes out every Spring. Tim's birds to finish off, then the fiddly bit - adding the charm and gems for leaves. I now have to put this photo on the Happy Daze Facebook page....
HELP :o)
Thanks very much for looking x

Probably The Best Circle In The World

2011-04-09T00:01:00.003+01:00

No I'm not boasting, it's just a little hint to where the circle came from lol. Yep I've been stealing beer mats again to make a hangy thing for this weeks Just For Fun circle challenge. The idea was to colour with gold UTE, then emboss through my creaky old Bug. Then I wanted to highlight the embossed parts with brighter UTE's All went well until I added the green and purple and re-heated, the embossing disappeared! I was really surprised at this, I thought it would have held it's shape. Never mind, I just heaped the UTE's on top then embossed again.
The dashing chappies are from Artistic Outpost, and the charm is by Tim Holtz.
I really enjoyed making this, so thanks very much for the challenge x

Crafty Individuals Challenge 1 Simply Square

2011-04-08T23:44:00.001+01:00

Here's my entry to the first Crafty Individuals challenge which is Simply Square. I've used CI 297, and stamped it onto some card that had been coloured with some spray inks.
It's all been mounted onto a card that has been covered with some CI paper, and stamped with Prima stamps. This was such a simple idea but cutting in a straight line was hard enough, but sticking it all down Aaaaagh.
It's fab that Crafty Individuals are doing their challenge - it's a beautiful stamp range, and their other 'stuff' is brilliant.
Thanks very much for looking x

Grungy Monday Take 2

2011-04-08T23:06:00.004+01:00

It' s week 2 over at Grungy Mondays, at Studio L3, and this time we have to use Multi Medium as a mask just like wot Tim does! The stamps are bright purple foam cut from Tim's new small butterfly die and stuck onto the packaging they came in :o). One's a bit crinkly now 'cos I forgot to move it when I started with the heat gun doh!
The base is a Tim (there's a pattern emerging) die on mountboart. My poor Cuttlebug is struggling now, I think I NEED a Vagabond to help him out (in my dreams - groan on Bug)
The background is a Wendy Vecci stamp and I've stamped the multi medium over this. I've then used yellow, orange and green distress inks over the top.
I've used a Stampotique butterfly and sentiment and an old clear stamp butterfly that I've had for ages, and given them all a good coating of distress stickles. I've stuck the old pen nib on for artistic effect lol
Do you see the stitching around the Papilon - yeah well I did that! This is definitely as far as my stitching abilities go.
I'm also entering this into the Simon Says Stamp & Show challenge as this is 'Anything But A Card' and mine is a hanging thingy!
Thanks very much for looking and have a fab weekend x

Grungy Monday - Free as a Bird

2011-04-03T16:03:00.000+01:00

The Lovely Linda has started a new challenge so that we still get our weekly fix of Sir Tim. The first Grungy Monday challenge is Number 10 of the 12 Tags of Christmas 2008.
For my effort I've used Broken China re-inker with a blue Perfect Pearls, through the clock/cog mask. I've then oversponged with Peeled Paint and Forrest Green DI, and turned it all green, but still with a lovely sheen.
Crackle Bird has been stamped onto grungeboard and embossed in black, then painted with Heirloom Gold PP.
The strip behind the bird has been cut with the rosette die and the butterfly tissue tape.
Bits of hardware added, then a seam binding ribbon through the top to finnish.
As The Stampman's challenge is All Things Tim this time, I'm entering my tag into that.
I really enjoyed making this, and to see other fab Timmy examples click on the link :o).
Thanks very much for looking and enjoy what's left of the weekend x

Wherever I Lay My Hat

2011-04-01T19:04:00.000+01:00

Here's my entry for the Simon Says Stamp And Show challenge, which this week is 'Hat'
I've stamped the jazz musicians around a felt band and attached to my hat with my new favourite toy, a cool melt glue gun. How did I ever manage without this??
The rest have been stamped and cut out, along with the Graphic 45 papers, and attached with the Tim Holtz pin thingies.
You can't really see in the photograph, but there are peacock feathers around the side.
Thanks very much for looking and have a great weekend x

Who Would Live In a House Like This - Stampotique Triptych Challenge

2011-03-27T22:12:00.001+01:00

Those girl's (and guy) over at Stampotique are not making thing easy this week, the challenge is to make a triptych using only Stampotique stamps. This is the first time I've made a triptych (except for the one that's in the bin), and it took me hours but it was great fun.
I inked a couple of sheets of card with Dylusions and Glimmer mists, then left these to dry overnight. I stuck these together, then cut out to make the triptych shape. The Welcome Door and border have been stamped on some Basic Gray and stuck on. Kitty has been stamped on my Killer Bees paper.

The Stampotique tree has been stamped in the same BG paper and the bat has been added from the Halloween cube. The bla bla bla and daisy's were stamped directly onto the card. This was a very scary bit for me lol.

I was reminded of that old Lloyd Grossman programme Through the Keyhole, where he looked round famous peoples houses, so I added the words. Next came the fiddly bit, I made the closure with a couple of spacers, jump rings and a piece of silver chain. The door opens by opening the chain clasp.
I really enjoyed making this, so thanks for the challenge and thanks for looking x

Just For Fun - Falling in Love Again - Attack of the Killer Bees 2

2011-03-27T21:05:00.001+01:00

The Just for Fun challenge this week is to fall in love with your stamps all over again and try a different technique with them. I've got a couple of lovely bee stamps, and I wanted a honeycomby type stamp to go with them. Now having raided the kids piggy banks for Harrogate last week, (just kidding - or am I.....) :o) I decided to make my own. So out came the hexagon stencil and the funky foam and hey presto my own stamps stuck onto some old packaging. Now I'm thinking Stampers Anonymous, Paper Bag Studios.. Maybe not lol.

Meanwhile back at the challenge... what I do not do with my stamps is stamp directly onto the project. When I first started cardmaking the done thing was to stamp, colour, cut it out and stick it on (sound familiar) and this is what I still do. So armed with my new stamps I decided to make my own backing paper. I used my giant hexagon first in Mustard Seed and Scattered Straw distress ink, then overstamped the small hexagons with the honey coloured one. I threw some clear embossing powder on and hoped for the best. Then I brayered a pale yellow over the top (doesn't show up too well on the photo) THEN I got really brave and overstamped my killer bees (The Stampman and Stampotique) and clear embossed again.

This is how it ended up, just cut up an wrapped arround a candle jar. I'm really chuffed with this 'cos it started life a piece of white card and ended up as something else, and I like that. So thanks again to Just for Fun - your challenges are really challenging and I love it! Thanks very much for looking x

Feeling Blue (and brown) and blue (and brown) The Stampsmith Challenge

2011-03-27T09:12:00.000+01:00

Here's my entry to the latest Stampsmith Challenge which is Blue and Brown. I got myself into a right tizz with this, I started by cutting out a card blank with the die, but it seemed to be too much of the same shape. I was surrounded by die cut Basic Gray in various shades of blues and browns, and I could not get it to look right.
I finally settled on these and Marilyn (she makes any card look good).
I added a bit of lace and some flowers. The stamping says Celebrate in Style - something that Marilyn always did.
Thanks very much for looking and have a fab Sunday x

Simon Says Show Us A Word

2011-03-27T08:29:00.002+01:00

Simon Says Stamp And Show has been making his demands again, and this time he wants a word. Now everybody knows that the bird is the word BUT I've chosed smile! This is the woman I want to be, just look at her not a care in the world. She's not got a pile of ironing the size of the National Debt in the corner. And I bet she doesn't get her hair colour from the Boots counter!

Anyway, Im not bitter lol. My tags been cut out with Sir Tim's die, and the papers are Basic Gray. My lovely lady is from Paperbag Studios, and even though I'm a stamp tart she's still one of my favourites.

The 'smile' is a hugh Heidi Swapp stamp that's been done on shrink plastic. The butterfly is from Wendy Vecchi (love her stamps, so easy to cut out).

My latest favourite is the seam binding ribbons, and I've made a dangly bird charm. Ooo the air was blue as I tried to attach these to the tiny jump rings I can tell you....

I really enjoyed making this, and thanks for looking x

Life's Too Short To Stuff A Mushroom (or alter a matchbox)

2011-03-17T17:44:00.001Z

I love Thursdays, it's my day off work, and it's the new Just For Fun Challenge. This week it's time to try a new format. I've made cards and ATC's but never inchies or twinchies. To be honest I just don't get them (no offence you inchie/twinchie folk out there - I didn't get ATC's or acrylic paint for years either :o) )
Sooo I decided that my new format would be a matchbox, and not just any old matchbox, this one has extra long matches which are fab for lighting Yankee Candles when they've burned down a bit.
The papers are Basic Gray Scarlets Letter (though this one is black and white) I would hate to attempt to alter a smaller matchbox, the combination of being ham fisted and blind as a bat unless in full sunlight would make it impossible lol.
I'm also entering this into the Theme Thursday challenge which is Black and White.
I think it's customary to put bits and bobs into the matchboxes - I'm going to put the matches back into mine!
Thanks very much for looking x

Art Journey Challenge You Used WHAT??

2011-03-15T18:47:00.001Z

Here's my entry to this month Art Journey Challenge which has been set by Jo Capper-Sandon and is called 'You Used What? The what in question on my piece is a self adhesive cork floor tile. Because it's self adhesive it stuck easily to my chipboard covered book. It's very flexible too so it went around the corner without too much bother.

The stamps are all by Art Journey from various plates. I stamped onto the cork itself with black versafine and it took ages to dry so I eventually blotted it with a tissue and hopefully it's dry now. I love versafine but it's THE messiest ink lol.

The ribbons down the spine is seam binding, and 'cos it's cork I used cut down push pins to attach the images. I had to venture into my OH's tool box to find the pliers to do this - I think it's at least a flogging offence to do this, a mans tool box is his castle in our house :o)

Thanks very much for looking x

The Stampsmith Challenge - Something Different

2011-03-13T20:08:00.001Z

Here's my entry to the latest Stampsmith challenge which is 'try something different' This is the first time these stamps have seen ink but I shall certainly use them loads.
(The smaller picture show the colours better, but the bigger picture is clearer - I blame the camera lol)
I've inked up some glossy card with alcohol inks in blues and red/pinks, then stamped over in black archival.
I've threaded some seam binding in Sea Moss and a pinky colour (it took me ages to tie the bow - I had to use the 'bunny ears' method lol ).
The backing paper is from the Prima Botanical range, and it's all put together onto an 8x8 card.
When I decide who I'm giving this to I will sort out the sentiment.
I enjoyed making this card, it's not like me to faff with ribbons, so it made a nice change.
Thanks very much for looking x

The Future Comes One Day At A Time

2011-03-13T10:56:00.004Z

When I saw that this weeks Simon Says Stamp and Show challenge was to use metal I crossed it off my to do list. I've only used metal a couple of times and I wasn't too thrilled with the results. But when the Just for Fun challenge was to use a new technique, it seemed the right time to get the old metal sheet out again.
The roses have been coloured in alcohol inks in shades of blues, greens, and reds.
The leaves and butterfly are Paper Artsy dies, and have also been coloured with DI's. The sentiment is from the same Paper Artsy set and I thought that it finished it off nicely.
The background is a cork kitchen floor tile. I couldn't believe that the Tim Holtz die would cut through it, but it went straight through!
I'm also entering this into The Sunday Stampers challenge, as this week it's brown.
Thanks very much for looking and have a great Sunday x

The Stampsmith Challenge - Travel

2011-02-27T18:54:00.000Z

Here is my entry to the latest Stampsmith challenge which is travel.
All of the stamps are from the Stampsmith's Parisien plate. They've all been stamped onto shrink plastic, then attached to card which has been cut out with postage stamp scissors.

I made a tiny keyring with keys and bead chain. I had to attach the shrink plastic with jump ring 'cos although I'd punched holes before I shrunk it, they were too small to put the bead chain through.
These are lovely stamps to use, but then I love anything with a French feel.
Thanks very much for looking x

How Does Your Garden Grow

2011-02-26T19:49:00.000Z

The challenge this week over at Stampotique is faux barnwood which is a technique demonstrated by the Technique Junkies. I've tried this before but never had much luck, but this time I used my Eco Green acrylic paints and I'm very happy with the results. These paints are really creamy and a little goes a very long way and a lot makes a right old mess! The base colour is blue patina, and the top is butternut.
I've then stamped the garden flowers background stamp directly over the top. I've stamped and cut out the medium bee and the flower girl, and coloured her with DI's. I've also covered her hair/petals with glossy accents. I've had to bring this into the sitting room to dry, 'cos last week I left an ATC in the conservatory and it was so cold that it cracked.
The rub-on's are Basic Grey - I LOVE Basic Grey, but rub on, (in my best Michael Caine voice) You're Having A Larf ! They did not want to rub off at all!!
I really like this stamp, it's pretty without being sickly cute.
I enjoyed this challenge, it's always nice when a plan comes together :o)
Thanks very much for looking x

Attack of The Killer Bees

2011-02-26T16:20:00.001Z

Was it Joan Collins that 'stared' in this lol. This bee reminds me of the Father Ted joke about small and far away - my bee is normal size and the background is far away! Go on watch it, you know you want to..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25N-4zrk390 This is my entry to the Simon Says Stamp and Show challenge. This week it's stripes, and if you look at Bruiser the bee, you'll see his stripes. (A tentative link I know but I'm sticking with it) My puzzle piece has been alcohol inked, then stamped with Tim's birds, and the Stampotique grass stamp. The background has been stamped with Paper Artsy stamps in Archival ink, and wiped away before dry. Bruiser bee is by The Stampman, and the sentiment is Paper Artsy. I couldn't resist adding Wendy Vecchi's spider - almost as tall as the grass - again its far away.....
A very enjoyable challenge, and thanks for looking x

The Stampman Challenge Curls and Swirls

2011-02-26T12:52:00.001Z

I've had some texture paste for a while now so when I saw The Stampmans's curls and swirls challenge coming up it seemed the perfect time to try it out.
The wooden frame cost a pound, so you can guess where I got it from. It's been gesso'd and painted with an aqua paint dabber for the bottom coat, the Dylusion's teal for the top coats. I love this paint 'cos you can still see what's underneath.
My swirls are Golden texture paint put on through a stencil, then sprinkled with ultra fine glitter while it was still wet.
I didn't know what I wanted to put inside the frame, but once it had been painted it seemed to scream Christmas. So to shut it up I cut up a sheet of my Websters Pages and stuck onto the corners. The stamped image is from Hampton Art and has been stamped onto the centre of the Websters paper, and very lightly watercoloured.
This is my first attempt at painting a photo frame, and I'm quite pleased with it. Just need to put it somewhere safe now for Christmas.
Thanks very much for looking and have a great weekend x

Steampunk ATC's for the Stampman Challenge

2011-02-20T15:40:00.001Z

I've fianlly got round to making my Steampunk ATC's for this months Stampman challenge.
When I first saw steampunk I did not get it at all, and I didn't like it, but it's really grown on me, and now I still don't get it but I DO like it... a lot.
Here are my efforts, the stamps are a combination of Scrolls Work, the Artistic Stamper, and 7 gypsies. The watch parts are from e-bay, and the chipboard cogs are from Eco Green.
I hope whoever gets mine likes it, and thanks very much for looking x

Last Push Friday - Again!

2011-02-18T18:55:00.002Z

I made a resolution to not leave my Christmas cards to the last minute this year, but it seems like I fell at the first fence. I really wanted to enter Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Challenge last week as it was downloads, and I'd got this fab couple of sheets from Art From The Heart last year. But as usual I left it too late...
BUT this weeks challenge is 'creatures' so I'm still OK :o) My apologies for the rubbish photo but I've tried it all over the house and this is the best I can do.
The backing papers are all AFTH, and the card is 8x8. The sentiment is printed on Safmat and says 'To the rest of the world we are a normal family' Definitely one for my sister next Christmas.
I'm also entering this into Winter Wonderland's challenge which is 'It's begining to look a lot like Christmas', and Sketch Saturdays sketch challenge.
Thanks very much for looking and have a great weekend x

Just For Fun Challenge 3 For The Wings of a Bug

2011-02-17T20:37:00.000Z

You know when you get an idea and it all comes together and everyone lives happily ever after - no me neither except for this tag. The JFF challenge this week is Wings of a Bug, and I was struggling with that part, but THEN postie brought my new Stampotique stamps, one of which is a butterfly/moth.
I wanted to do a nice bright background, so I used my favourite Dylusion paints in red, yellow and green. The stamps are from Scrolls Work and Paper Artsy, and I've stamped with bright Stazon's.
My grungy dude (do we still say dude lol) and the quote below him are from a Paper Artsy plate. I did him once then realised I'd cut his arms off when I tried to stick his wings on :o)
I really enjoyed making him, so thanks very much for the challenge, and thanks for looking x

Simon Says Stamp And Show Us A Tag

2011-02-17T19:56:00.001Z

It's tag time over at Simon Say Stamp And Show, it's always nice to make a tag as I've run out of people to send cards to lol.
I used Dylusion paint to create my background, then stamped over with a polka dot stamp. I used a Prima Moulin Rouge stamp to create a bit of a background texture.
The papers are also Prima Moulin Rouge and they are gorgeous, it really hurt to tear one up :o)
The Eifel Tower is from Craftwork Cards, and I covered it in masking tape, stamped with the same background stamp, and added a bit of brown ink.
Thanks very much for looking x

It's All Hearts

2011-02-13T21:32:00.000Z

I've been wanting to try cutting an aperture into a card with my nesties for a while, so today I decided to give it a go. I stuck the Basic Grey Eva paper on first, then cut through the folded card with 2 sizes of nesties (I don't know which one it is, but one is from the bigger set for the Grand Calibur. It didn't quite cut through cleanly, and if I did it again I would put the cutting die next to the front rather than the back.
I put some acetate into the window to give the card some strength. The Art Journey stamps have also been stamped then layered onto more BG papers, and I've added some to the inside for strength.
I love acetate cards, but it's such a pain having to tidy up the inside.
I'm entering this into the Art Journey, The Stampman, and Basic Grey, which are all 'hearts' challenges.
Thanks very much for looking x

Her Royal Majesty The Queen....Stampsmith Royalty Challenge

2011-02-13T20:32:00.000Z

My husband and I .... :o)
Well it's a cat so 'nuff said, as a kitten she was a princess, now she's the queen.
The base kraft card was cut with a Tim Holtz die, and ribbled. It's years since this has been used, but I like the effect.
The pink layer is from Craftwork Cards and has lovely foiling. I got it in a goodie bag and everything matches beautifuly.
Princess (from the Stampsmith) has been coloured using the 'caught in crystal' technique using floor polish, glitter and alcohol inks. I've added an extra layer to the remainder and cut out her crown and the corners from this.
Her Royal Majesty stamp is from Scrolls Work Stamps, and I can see me using this loads.
The ribbon (which is actually brown and white so does match lol) is also from Craftwork cards.
Thanks very much for looking x

Lovin Ink Craft Retreat

2011-02-06T23:24:00.003Z

The girls at Lovin Ink are offering 2 FREE places on the

Lovin Ink CRAFT RETREAT on 25th - 27th March 2011

at Bolton Abbey, North Yorkshire together with some fabuous blog candy.
Wing your way over to check it out (but I hope it's me that wins lol) x

Breaking Us In Two Just For Fun Challenge 1

2011-02-06T21:48:00.002Z

No I'm not in a bad mood with Neil (well no more than usual :o) it's just that I've been listening to the brilliant Joe Jackson on YouTube, and this is one of my favourites. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6C-xazgqpPc. This is for the first challenge on the new Just For Fun site, and the theme this week is Heartfelt Wings.
My usually loving couple are from Paper Artsy, the wings are a Heidi Swapp clear stamp, and the arrow is from Scrolls Work Stamps.
The wings are stamped on Core-dinations, with That Special Touch Of Gold embossing powder, then embossed through the Cuttlebug. Finally I sanded it all down to reveal the core. It seemed a real shame to sand the gold embossing 'cos it really was like liquid gold, but I quite like the 'shabby chicness' of it now.
The red glass heart as also been gold embossed in patches, just to take the shine off a little.
If you play the song to the end, you'll see that they get back together (he must have appologised lol), the bird flies home, and they all live happily ever after SO I'm also entering this ino The Artistic Stamper challenge, which is love.
Thanks very much for looking x

There's Mighty Queer Things Going On In This Town....

2011-02-04T12:09:00.001Z

It's time for the Stampotique challenge again, and this time it's turquoise and orange using Stampotique only stamps. I must confess the only times I've used orange it's been a disaster, but hey...

This is one for my 4x4 collection, so I covered my mountboard with some Basic Grey in turquoise. I've used Dylusion's paint for the bottle top rings, and stamped 3in a round on more Basic Grey.
The quotes are also from Art From The Heart, and I think it fits in perfectly with the orange and blue town :o)
Thanks very much for looking x

Aaaahh Where Did Friday Morning Go!!!

2011-02-04T11:40:00.001Z

So, the washing's unwashed, the house looks like we've been burgled, and here I am sat at the computer :o) This is my entry to The Stampman's Oriental challenge. I'm not really a fan (no pun intended lol) of oriental, so all this stuff is really old (when I bought whatever was 'in' whether I liked it or not) I do quite like this stamp, it's by Stamp Camp and they do the best background stamps, and they're HUGE! The backing papers are from an old C&C set when it was POTD. I've coloured my ladies in alcohol ink, but you can't really see 'cos of the photo 'cos we've had no sun for weeks apart from when I've been at work. - If I knew where to find emoticons there would be one of me jumping up and down looking very angry 'cos I've SO had enough of living in the dark!
Rant over (phew)... the tassel is from Joanna Sheen, and my favourite bit is the brad - made it miself yer know (ok with the help of the papermania brad maker). This is a terrific set and really easy to use. You get the punches and the sticky bits, and lots of brads - love it!
For far far better examples check out the Stampman site.
Thanks for looking and have a great weekend.

Are Yer Dancin'?

2011-01-23T15:52:00.000Z

I bought the Dylusion paints and stamps at the back end of last year, then Christmas kicked in before I really had a chance to play. But I dug them out today and they are never going away again. The paints are gorgeous, they go on so smoothly and blend.... yum. I used green, yellow and orange for the background then sprayed with vanilla custard spray OMG I never wanted it to dry, the colours just glowed. The houses are stamped onto DI's in yellows and oranges. I defy anyone to use Dy's products and not have a big fat grin on their faces. It's like she puts something of herself into her paints, you don't aim for straight, or measure, you just slap it on and know that it will be ok :o)
Twinkie and Marci are feeling the lurve, and he's asking the age old question...
I'm entering this into Simon Says Stamp And Show's polka dot challenge. I had the best time making this - thanks very much for looking and enjoy what's left of the weekend.

It' s A Contraption Of Some Sort (and a break from the cute)!!

2011-01-21T19:29:00.002Z

4x4 Friday has a theme of Winged Men this week, I hope my entry is eligable 'cos technically the wings arn't my guys own, but then again what mens are??
It was so nice to put away the cute - no offence meant to my intrepid flyer :o) and no bought embelishments or twiddely bits :o)
I like the 4x4 format, big enought to get inky and messy, but it doesn't take forever to fill the page (I still have my phobia of blank card) lol.
The stamps are mostly Scrolls Work, together with Artistic Outpost and 7 Gypsies. Lots of Distress Inks and a smidge of Distress Embossing powder.
I'm also entering this into the Stamp Man's Distress challenge, and The Artistic Stamper's Things With Wings.
Thanks very much for looking and have a great weekend x

Can I Have A Blue Peter Badge Please?

2011-01-20T22:16:00.002Z

I got these Paper Artsy stamps before Christmas, and I've finally inked 'em up. The Stampman has a Distress challenge, and Big Bird has been distressed to within an inch of her life. In true Blue Peter style I started with a toilet roll tube and painted it with Eco Green paint in green patina.

The base is a beer mat that I stamped and tripple embossed. Big Birds body(s) have been cut out of chipboard, and coloured with acrylic paints, then stamped with the bodies. I've added some silver metal to the smaller wings.Everything has been coloured with Distress Inks and bits and bobs of Tim Holtz hardware added, and the odd swirl with a white gel pen.To distress the old bird even more she's well coated in distress stickles in mustard seed and rock candy. My scissors now have a new place to live.

I'm also entering this into the Artistic Stamper monthly challenge which this month is Things With Wings.

Thanks very much for looking x

Winter Wonderland

2011-01-16T17:56:00.001Z

I made this card in my head and I wish you could have seen it 'cos it was lovely, subtle, understated elegance however stick a tube of glitter glue in my hand and....
wayhey we're back at junior school and my tongue's sticking out and there's glitter on the cat and....:o)
Anyhoo this is my entry to The Royal Academy of Arts - no, better than that, it's Sir Stampalot's Winters Tale, Crafty Hazelnut's Trees, Simon Says Stamp and Show Masking, and last but definitely not least, Lots to Do which is brayering.
I stamped my new Art Kure stamps on glossy white, and coloured with distress inks. Then I lightly??? stickled and and 'fluffy stuffed' the roofs, and cut out.
I brayed the background with a Big and Juicy in pale blue, then added Glimmer Screens (had these 3 years - they finally made it out of the box) as masks and sprayed with glimmer mists. Note to self 2 colours is gooood 3 is baaaaaad. How can silver turn blue and green into mud??
So, started again, used the screens as masks, sprayed, then turned them over and used as stamps.
It may not be elegant but it was fun to make, and I get to spend the rest of the evening tidying up - does it get any better??
Thanks very much for looking x

A 3fer Christmas Card

2011-01-16T10:19:00.001Z

Wayhey it's the middle of January and I'm still sticking to my resolution to be more organised next Christmas. My Christmas card has been made using the Penny Black stamp of hedgehogs (ahhh) with Paws for the Winter Wonderland challenge. I've also used the Penny Black recipe, and used patterned paper, 3 buttons, twine and a charm. and finally the design is from Sketch Saturday (this is turning into an Oscar acceptance speech, and here I am sitting in my nighty :o) ) I've had these papers for a couple of years and can't remember where they came from, but the colours are really fresh and cheerful. Hedgie's have been coloured in Prisma and Promarkers with the obligatory Christmas glitter.

The buttons have been cut using a Martha Stewart punch, this is really nice 'cos it embosses and cuts the thread holes at the same time.

I really liked making this card, just hopes the glue hangs in there till Christmas!

Thanks very much for looking and enjoy your Sunday x

The Power of Love Stampsmith Style

2011-01-15T17:01:00.000Z

It's time for another challenge over at The Stampsmith, and this time it's The Power of Love. It's ages since I've made an acetate card, and I thought this card suited one nicely.

I'm really struggling to take a photograph as we have no light - even in the middle of the day I need to use flash - not good with acetate!
The background papers are fab, they are from Craftwork Cards and are foiled. I got them in a goodie back at Christmas and I love 'em.
I've used a Tim Holtz die to cut the flower, and gave it a bit of a curl.
The ribbon also came in the goodie bag and I've tied it using the unmovable knot click on the link, honestly you will never tie ribbon round a card any other way :o)
This is an anniversary card for my Mum and Dad, 52 years of wedded er bliss Mmm don't know about a card, I think they both deserve a medal lol.
A great challenge, and thanks very much for looking x

Crazy.... I Think She's Crazy....

2011-01-14T20:17:00.003Z

Here's my entry to the latest Stampotique challenge which is Put on your best mask. I've stamped and masked Karin onto some stampboard, then stamped and masked the Welcome Door, and stamped the sun.

As it's Karin I've then thrown the kitchen sink at it and stamped 2 Sticks and the hearts.

When I grow up (??) I want to be Karin, she's as mad as a box of frogs but she doesn't care lol.

I've coloured it all in watercolour pencils then UTE over the top.

I really enjoyed this, and thanks very much for looking x

And Here's Another...

2011-01-05T20:45:00.000Z

Here's my entry to Craftyhazelnut's new Christmas card challenge. The backgrounds are distress inks, and the rest is a Kanban QVC kit that I had truely forgotten I had. It's a lovely kit but I find it depressing to just pust out the elements and stick down. At least I feel like I've put a bit of something into making this one. I will be ready for next Christmas, I will I will....
Thanks very much for looking x

Not Another Christmas Card....

2011-01-05T20:25:00.000Z

Oh Yes it is.... This is the new, improved and organised Sue The Iron, who refuses to do last minute again this year (but you do it so well I hear you cry :o) ) So it was Christmas Eve and I was doing my family cards AGAIN, before wrapping the presents AGAIN!! it's not like Christmas came early or anything but orgainised is not my middle name.

SO here is the first of this years cards which is for the Stampotique challenge of a die cut and a punch.
The Basic Grey papers have been cut with the new Grand Calibur Spellbinder dies. I havn't bought the machine 'cos I know I won't get my monies worth, but I can run the smallest two through my Cuttlebug. I thought it would make easel cards nicely, and it does, but after a couple I'm bored so thank goodness I didn't buy the machine. I really do have the attention span of a gnat unless I'm getting inky.
The card base and top's outside is lots of DI's, and my new Stampotique tree has pride of place. The punch is the corner rounder that has gone round my sentiment. See I have to play by the rules, I couldn't claim the snowflake as that is a die cut lol.
Thanks very much for looking, and Merry Christmas (is that tooo organised lol) x

Santa Brought Me These....

2011-01-05T19:32:00.000Z

No not the 3 wise men, but these gorgeous Art Journey stamps. It's the first set I've bought from there but I would love some more (damn you spending ban!!) lol.
The challenge this month is embossing powder. I've created my background with distress inks onto a piece of stampboard. I'd forgotten how wonderful this is to stamp on. The barbed wire stamp has been embossed with That Special Touch of Metal copper embossing powder and WOW this is just like liquid metal - love it!
See how I've underlined the 'friends' at the bottom - how lucky was that! :o)
Check out the challenge blog for inspiration and the chance to win a $10.00 (that's Euro's but I can't find that key - does a keyboard have a Euro key??) gift certificate.
Thanks very much for looking x

It's A New Year!

2011-01-04T19:40:00.001Z

And I hope it's a happy and healthy one for everyone!

To say that I spend half my life looking through peoples blogs, I can't believe that I've just stumbled upon The Kathryn Wheel. She has completed an amazing calender of 2010 and is all set to do it again this year. Always being one to start (and then quite often give up) something, I thought I would give it a go. Look I've filled in the first couple of days then I ran out of things to say lol. Note to self, do bigger bits to write in then you can fill 'em with long words and look smart :o) I don't know why but I just really wanted to stamp the fish.
Anyone can join in so please check out Kate's fabulous blog and be inspired. x

Tim's Twelve Tags Of Christmas Day 6 (on day 7)

2010-12-07T17:04:00.001Z

I was trying to play catch up today and make 2 tags, but these are taking ages to make, so I'll just have to do them as and when 'cos they're taking over my life and Christmas is a comin'. I bit the bullitt and cut through my texture fade like Tim sugested, and it does work nicely :o) It's a lot bluer in real life, and the gold paint showes up more, but I feel like I'm living in a cave at the moment with only a couple of hours of sunlight a day!
I didn't have any holly, so I've given my reindeer a nice snug scarf. I'm really enjoying these tags, but it takes me hours to make then another half hour to tidy away. How Tim thinks these up every day, photographs and blogs em I don't know! Do we think he's telling porkies and he's been secretly creating them since July lol. Thanks very much for looking, and pop over to Artyjens to see all the other amazing tags x

On The Fifth day of Christmas

2010-12-06T17:53:00.003Z

....I was already a day behind 'cos it's day 6 now! Here is tag 5 from Tim's 12 tags of Christmas, and I have to say it's my favourite so far. Not a single Timmy stamp in sight I'm afraid, the Santa is Hero Arts, and the holly is Elusive Images. My craft room is so cold now my paint dabbers are solid so I've used embossable tape and tinsel embossing powder around the edges. I didn't have the green crackle paint so I've used mustard seed. Santa's beard has more 'fluffy stuff' on than you can shake a stick at. This comes out every Christmas lol.
It's the first time I've ever tried to colour metal and I'm really pleased with the effect, and I LOVE the heated organza. I don't remember who's blog I saw it on but they said to heat organza ribbon with a heat gun and it goes crinckly - it looks lovely unless you heat it too much then it melts lol.
I've used a hat pin and some letter beads as I'm running really short on embellishments now - I don't care what the tag is tomorrow, it will have googly eyes around the ribbon 'cos that's all I've got left :o)
Just need to make today's tag now ....
Check out the fab tags on Artyjen's Tim's Splinter Group to see how they should have turned out, and also Jennie's blog at the Artistic Stamper as her challenge this month is Christmas.
Thanks very much for looking x

Tim's 12 Tags of Christmas Day 4

2010-12-04T16:46:00.001Z

On the 4th day of Christmas my true love gave to me.... another tag! Lot's of substitutes this time as I don't have the paper pad, the facets, or the bling. Soooo it was an image from my Crafty Images CD, a fragment, a couple of charms, and some nail art from the pound shop lol.
Santa's weight loss is due to having to be stretched to tag size - if only life was so simple, stick your photo in the computer and stretch yourself to the correct shape. Think I would need to have the ceilings raised though :o)
I didn't think my fragment was working but I kept on adding the alcohol ink and it turned out fine.
I did the wish tag too but thought it looked better without. Tell me what you think.

Now I'm looking at the picture I quite like it :o) Thanks very much for looking and don't forget to check out everyone's amazing tags at Artyjen's Splinter Group x

Tims 12 Tags of Christmas Day 3

2010-12-03T23:17:00.000Z

I'm really enjoying Tim's latest set of tags, I've discovered that I can die cut tissue tape, but that my tape flowers need a little working on lol. I think in the video he calls it a pile of garbage - not far wrong there...
I've also discovered that I never know when to stop (too much snow) - actually that's a lie I KNOW that I never know when to stop - and that when Tim says snip off the branch, he doesn't mean cut the poor birds legs off :o)
A bit more improvising today, I didn't have the correct tree or a nice mossy nest. The only greenery not covered under 2 feet of snow is my aloe vera plant, and she bites! So I've used some prima leaves for the nest and instead of tinsel. And at eleven o'clock there was no way I was dying ribbon (plus I havn't managed to get yesterdays dye of my hands yet) so it can think itself lucky that it's got a bit of organza.
Can't wait for tomorrows tag 'cos this is sooo much more important that real life isn't it lol.
Just need to do the linky thingy at Artyjens Splinter Group then it's off to bed for me. Thanks very much for looking x

Simon Says Stamp and Show Us Yer Tags!

2010-12-02T18:49:00.002Z

It's the most magical time of the year.....
when Tim does his 12 days of tags. I've never even attempted these as they look sooooo complicated, but this year I've got a couple of days off (maybe more if it keeps on snowing:o) so I'm going to try and give 'em a go.
I havn't got any cut and dry felt, so I had to improvise with an old sanding block and some ordinary felt to make my inkpad, and it worked fine. It's a brilliant technique so of course I've ordered the real deal (at 8.30 this morning - I bet you can't get hold of this now for love nor money :o) )
I've had to play a few substitutes with the stamps, but I'm pretty pleased with the result - in fact it's the first time I've actually enjoyed making something in ages, and that is what it's all about isn't it!
I'm entering this into the Simon Says Stamp And Show challenge which is tags, and also linking it to Artyjen's Tim's Splinter Group.
I wonder what Himself has got in store for us tomorrow, I for one can't wait to see.
Thanks very much for looking x

A Distressing Tim Holtz Christmas

2010-11-28T23:26:00.003Z

Oooh I really struggled with this one - the first 2 attempts went in the bin (on the floor and stamped on actually). I know that Tim is meant to be grungy but it's Christmas - and that means happy and sparkly, so here's what I've ended up with.
I made this card for the Stampman Tim Holtz Christmas, and the Simon Says Stamp and Show Distress Ink challenges.
The background is just a hugh foam snowflake stamp stamped and white embossed, then inked over with shades of blue distress inks.
I've embossed the trees texture fades onto velum then cut out. The 25 is also part of a texture fade. I've stamped the snowman with my new favourite, Chipped Saphire this is just sooooo nice. I waited till it was nearly dry then added a bit of sparkly embossing powder that only caught in patches. There's more torn vellum behind.
The chandelier drops are from Craft Obsessions and they are lovely!
Thanks very much for looking x

How Much Is That Moggy In The Window - Stampsmith Challenge'With Gratitude'

2010-11-28T23:02:00.000Z

As soon as I saw this stamp from The Stampsmith I had to buy it, because this IS my mog! She's 10 years old now but still has no idea that she's actually a cat. She sits on top of chairs, sleeps on our bed and is always the first to be fed :o).
It's getting really had to craft now, 'cos I do all my stuff in the conservatory and it is soooo cold (well it is snowing outside) that my glues won't stick. In fact the only thing that is flowing freely is my nose! I know, far too much information there
My Princess Perfect tag will go on a gift to my lovely neighbours who feed her when we go on holiday. Obviously in her mind it should be them that thank her :o)
I've just choped the stamped image up a bit to insert the pillow, and given her some jewels (in real life it's a flea collor lol).
The tag and frame have been cut using the Tim Holtz die. This is great because it cuts throgh chipboard (and pizza boxes)
Thank very much for looking x

Inkurable Stampers - Shabby Chic Christmas

2010-11-24T15:30:00.000Z

Here's my entry to this month's Inkurable Stampers Shabby Chic Christmas challenge. I must admit I'm not really sure where shabby chic ends and grunge begins, but I hope this is OK. It's got a bit of lace on so that's shabby chic right?? :o)
My Christmas Angel is by Lost Coast Designs, and I got her from Happy Daze.
I hope that glitter and velum is shabby chicy 'cos there's lots of both here.
Thanks very much for looking x

Three Muses Challenge - Shoes

2010-11-24T11:21:00.002Z

Here's my entry to this weeks 'shoes' challenge by The Three Muses.The background was inked and stamped, and the quote is from Ginger's House. This is such a brilliant blog you must go and visit.
The girl is from Stampotique, and I got the stamp from Happy Daze. I've had the shoe stamp for ages but I don't know where it came from.
Thanks very much for looking x

So - How Many Men Does It Take To Change A Lightbulb?? Take A Word 4

2010-11-22T07:17:00.001Z

Here's my entry to this weeks Take A Word challenge,which is Men, and it's asking that age old question...
I've brayered and bleached, and stamped and embossed my canvas background, then added lots of men.
Obviously there's a woman there to oversee proceedings, but it seems like none of them can change the lightbulb!
The stamps are by Paper Artsy, Scrolls Work, Artistic Outpost, and Crafty Individuals. The US Mail has also made a contribution in the form of Mr EA Poe.
I really enjoyed this challenge, and thanks very much for looking x

She Was A Girly Girl

2010-11-14T19:45:00.004Z

Here's a card I've made for the Stampotique (Girly Girl), Basic Grey (Wings) and Sketch Saturday challenges. The background paper is by Blonde Moments, and is so vibrant in real life.

I've dressed Marcy in Colour Me Silly, and the buttons are Urban Prairie.

Marcy's wings are by Heidi Swapp, and her crown is again by Blonde Moments.

Thanks very much for looking - now I have to go and iron :o(. Enjoy what's left of the weekend x