Stamping Sue Style

Embellish it !

2012-01-27T12:00:00.002Z

Another 2 weeks have zoomed by and it's time for another challenge over at The Stamp Man. This time it is the lovely Siobhan's turn to host the challenge and we would like to see embellishments ! Simple as that, so dig out your flowers, ribbons and anything else you can lay your hands on ! As usual there is a £10 voucher for the winner. Make sure you check out the rest of the DT's fabulous work.

Those of you who know me will be a little surprised to see pink, I'm not a big fan, but this stamp just called out to me to use it !
I started by stamping the background using the Tim Holtz French Marketplace stamp set and the birds are from the Darkroom Door Love Birds set. I blended Victorian Velvet DI over the card and then I gave it a coat of Gesso which I wiped off with a baby wipe. For the embossed panel I used the Cuttlebug Victoria EF, I rubbed Tattered Rose DI over the inside of the folder and then stamped inside it using a stamp from the Tim Holtz Reflections set, then embossed the card.

I watercoloured the main image, which is a Stampedous stamp called Rose Corset, with DI. I added some tiny self adhesive pearls down the front of the corset. The ticket is cut from acetate and then stamped with black Stazon. The rose is made from a piece of the embossed panel using the Tim Holtz Tattered Flowers die and I've cut two of the smaller flowers from Crinoline and tipped it with Victorian Velvet DI. The lace, ribbon and stick pin are from my stash.

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:

My Time to Craft - Your Favourite Embellishment - I love making flowers
Simon Says Stamp - Anything Goes
Charisma Cardz - Pretty in Pink
Paperplay - Lovely Lace
Moving Along With The Times - Blooming Marvellous

Happy Birthday Kathryn !

2012-01-21T14:17:00.006Z

Today is the birthday of my best friend, Kathryn, and the card I'm sharing with you is her birthday card.

As I always have to post her card, as she doesn't live near to me, I've kept the embellishments quite flat so that it would go in the envelope ! I started with the background and used a Wendy Vecchi background stamp which I've stamped in Coffee Archival ink. I've then blended Stormy Sky DI over it. The butterfly wings are from an Oxford Impressions set and I've stamped them with the Coffee Archival ink too. The doily is a Tim Holtz die that Santa very kindly brought me, and I've blended Old Paper, Tea Dye and Vintage Photo DI over it. The luggage ticket is also a Wendy Vecchi stamp and has been aged using DI.

The main image is one of my favourite stamps at the moment and is also from the Oxford Impressions set as is the sentiment. They've both had Old Paper and Stormy Sky DI blended over them. The ribbon is seam binding and I've used Weathered Wood and Faded Denim Distress Stains to colour it. The card has arrived safely and, unlike last year, I actually remembered to write on the inside too !

I'm also entering this card into the following challenges:

Sentimental Sundays - Ribbon (+ sentiment)
Addicted to Stamps - Use the colour blue

Boat Trip!

2012-01-19T08:00:00.001Z

For my Katzelkraft DT piece this week I decided to do a scrap book page. These are a rare occurrence for me as I don't really like doing them, but after I saw the new Scrap 365 magazine I felt inspired to have a go ! The photo's are from our holiday last year which was on the Isle of Skye. My other half went out on a very little boat to see the Sea Eagles, needless to say I kept my feet very firmly on dry land !

The background paper is a piece from a Tim Holtz paper stack. I've blended DI over it and then flicked it with bleach. (I was really good too as I didn't flick any on to my clothes !) I stamped the swirl across the bottom using my new favourite colour Iced Spruce and I also stamped the birds and the text with the same colour. The swirls were cut from cardboard that I'd peeled the top layer off then I used a Snowcap Paint Dabber and Ice Spruce and rubbed them over the top.

The piece of journalling is written on a die cut from the Artful Dwellings die which I've dipped into Old Paper re-inker which had water misted over it. I did the same for the 'Voyage' shape too. The letters down the centre are Grunge Board and I've inked them with Old Paper and Walnut Stain DI. I might have another go at a scrap book page, but I don't think it will be any time soon !

The stamps I've used are Paris Monuments, Paris Postal and Norris and JMC Quotes, all of which are available excusively from The Craft Barn in the UK or from Katzelkraft in France.

I'm also entering this project into the Simon Says Stamp and Show challenge which is Anything but a Card.

Bugs and Butterflies !

2012-01-15T08:00:00.003Z

Well the last two weeks have zoomed by so that can only mean it's time for another challenge over at The Fashionable Stamping Challenge ! For the challenge this time we would like to see bugs and butterflies, so nice and easy !

I needed a card for my other's half's Mum as it was her birthday last Monday so this challenge fitted in perfectly ! I started with the background and as usual you can't see alot of it, but I had fun making it ! I stamped various stamps from an Elusive Images set with Versamark then used Pan Pastels over the top. The small butterflies are The Stamp Man stamps. The border along the bottom is a Wendy Vecchi stamp and I stamped the image and then lightly drew around the shape of the stamp and cut it out, then blended DI around the edge. The main image is also a Wendy Vecchi stamp, which I stamped then watercoloured using DI. I then masked it over and stamped over the top with a Katzlekraft text stamp.

The ribbon is seam binding that I've coloured using Wild Honey Distress Stains. The butterfly is a Tim Holtz mini die and the swirl is the Tim Holtz Elegant Flourish die.

I'm entering this card into the following challenges :

Crafty Cardmakers - No flower embellishments
Anything Goes - Anything goes
For Fun Challenges - Anything goes
Charisma Cardz - Happy Birthday
Alphabet challenge - Y is for you choose
Pan Pastel UK Challenge - Anything goes

I hope you get chance to join us for this challenge.

Red is the colour !

2012-01-13T12:00:00.000Z

It's time for another challenge over at The Stamp Man and this time we would like to see Red ! A little or alot, whatever your heart desires. There is the usual prize of a £10 voucher to spend in The Stamp Man shop so it's got to be worth giving it a go !

Now, I have to be honest, red is not a colour I like to use alot of so I opted for a splash rather than going the whole hog ! The project I'm sharing with you is a little gift for my other half for Valentine's Day. I started out with the idea of making a glasses case (as he's lost the original one that came with the glasses !) but I soon realised that the Grunge Paper wasn't flexible enough, so I changed it to a pen case ! I'm going to fill it with Gel pens but for the purpose of the photograph I've used some biros I had to hand. I blended DI over the Grunge Paper using Tea Dye, Vintage Photo and Walnut Stain. I then used the swirl stamp from the Tim Holtz Reindeer Flight set, stamping with Archival Coffee ink.

The sentiment is from the Stuff to Say stamp set and the heart is from the Good Thoughts set. The heart is stamped onto Grunge Paper that I've coloured with Distress Stains Fired Brick. The ticket is also coloured with Fired Brick and then the ticket stamped onto it from the Bits n Bobs stamp set.

Simple project this time but I did enjoy stitching the Grunge Paper and will have a think as to what else I can make with it !

I hope you get chance to join us for this challenge.

It's a man thing !

2012-01-06T13:00:00.007Z

Well that's the first week of 2012 almost over, it's quite scary how quickly time flies past you ! The card I'm sharing with you today is testament to that as this is for my Brother-in-law's birthday, which is today, and it only seems like 2 minutes since I was making cards for his last birthday !

The inpsiration for this card came from the very talentend Joanna(or Asia) K and her post that looked back over 2011. I loved the colour combo and design on her June project and it gave me the push I needed to do this card. Thanks Joanna !

I started by covering a piece of card with pieces from an old french newspaper. I wanted it to be quite shabby so didn't cut the pieces, just tore them from the pages. I then used DI to age it, you can't see that much of it in the end though ! I then stamped images from different stamp sets including Oxford Impressions, Tim Holtz, Katzelkraft and Stampin' Up. I cut the images down to form a collage style background. For the pen nibs I masked them off and then stamped the text over them. The main image is an Oxford Impressions stamp and I've cut it out using an oval deckled Nestability and given it the DI treatment.

The pen nib is stamped onto metal and then cut out and I've gone round the edge with a metal working wheel to finish off. The hands for the clock were added before I stuck it down (amazed at how I remembered to do that! ) and the buttons are from my stash.

I'm also entering my card into the following challenges:

Daring Cardmakers - Colour combo
Cards for Men - Recyclying ( I recycled the french newspaper)

The wind has dropped quite alot today, thank goodness, let's hope it stays that way !

Dragonflies !

2012-01-05T08:00:00.001Z

For my Katzelkraft DT project I'm sharing a birthday card that I've made for my brother-in-law's birthday. I decided to keep it simple, which for me was a huge achievement !

The stamp set I've used is Wings and I've stamped with Versamark and then blended Pan Pastels over the top to create the background. The main image is made using Terra- Sahara that I've smoothed over a piece of mount board. I then sprayed the stamp with water before stamping into the Terra. When it was dry I used Stream Colourwash and Blonde Moments Pearl Pigment over the top.

The sentiment was done on my PC then I used DI around the edge. I wasn't sure when I finished that I liked it, but I've slept on it and I'm happy with it, but simple isn't me !

The stamps I've used are available exclusivelly from The Craft Barn in the UK and from Katzelkraft in France.

As I'm writing this the wind is howling outside and the rain is battering the window.... roll on Summer !

New Year...New Stash !

2012-01-01T08:00:00.004Z

First things first, Happy New Year to everyone ! To be on the safe side I've scheduled this post as I most probably won't be up and about too early !

It's time for the first challenge of 2012 for The Fashionable Stamping Challenge. We thought that most of you would have new stash from the big man in red, so what better way to start the year than to have an Anything Goes and New Stash challenge. Remember, you must include some stamping on your project and for this challenge you need to include in your post what new stash you've used.

I was really cross with myself as I wanted to take a 'before' photo before I started to alter this box. The box was a dark red and had a sort of leatherette texture. I gave it a coat of Gesso, which went pink ! Then I coated it with Baby Blue acrylic paint and distress the edges with a darker blue acrylic paint and then a white Paint Dabber. The top panel was stamped using Paper Artsy stamps and also the Stampin' Up Sanded background stamp.

The flowers were made from white card that I stamped with a Wendy Vecchi text stamp and then I used the Paper Artsy Scallop Flower die. I assembled the flowers and then used my new Melting Pot to coat them with UTEE to make porcelain flowers. For the leaves I blended Weathered Wood DI over some white card stock and then screwed it up to break the fibres. Then I used DI direct to the card and then ironed it on the reverse side. I used the Tattered Leaves die to cut the leaves out. The text is a Wendy Vecchi stamp that I've masked off and stamped each line separately.

The tickets are made using the Tim Holtz Sizzlit die and then I've stamped the words from the Tim Holtz stamp set Stuff to Say. The pearls are self adhesive and I stuck them in a swirl shape.

The metal panels are made using a Ten Seconds Studio border mould. I embossed it by running it through my Big Shot then refined it. I covered the panels with blue acrylic paint and rubbed it off then with black acrylic paint and rubbed that off. The result is a blue tint aswell as the black distressed look. I was quite pleased with the way this turned out ! I added a Tim Holtz lock to the front to finish off.

It was great to do something different for this challenge. I hope you get chance to join us for this challenge.

I'm also entering this project into the following challenges:

Anything Goes - The colour blue plus one other colour(I'm hoping silver counts!)
Charisma Cardz - Anything goes
Secret Crafter - Anything goes
Crafts and Me - Anything goes
Simon Says Stamp - Anything goes
Stampin' for the Weekend - Anything goes
Happy Daze - Try something new

The Stamp Man Annual Awards !

2011-12-30T12:00:00.001Z

I can't believe that it's time for another Annual Awards post for The Stamp Man. Where did that year go ! I would also like to take the opportunity to thank my followers, old and new, for your continuing support. It really does make the difference. This year has not been an easy one for many of us so it's great to have a community that you can immerse yourself in and leave it all behind.

So, without further ado, let's move on to the awards and what you need to do to join in. We would like to see your favourite/ best craft project from 2011. You will also need to take the 2011 Awards blinkie, which is on my sidebar, and add it to your blog to be in with a chance of winning. There will be a random draw for the winner and 4 runner up prizes. Check out the main blog to see the fantastic prizes !

I chose my project from the Curls and Swirls challenge back in February. You can find the details here. I love swirls so this was a great challenge and coupled with distressing and sepia tones I was in heaven !

I hope you get chance to share your favourite 2011 project with us at The Stamp Man.

I would also like to wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year !

Joyeux Noël !

2011-12-22T08:23:00.002Z

For my Katzelkraft DT post this week I'm sharing the last Christmas cards I shall make for this year......hurrah ! As much as I enjoy Christmas and making my Christmas cards, I also am relieved when they're all done ! I resorted to making 2 of the same design to help things along too !

The Katzelkraft stamps I've used are from the Noël Demi Plaque 01 set. The main image has been cut out using Nestabilities and then I've used Distress Ink around the edges. The sentiment has been cut out by hand and then given the same DI treatment. The papers are from my stash and I've zipped round the stripey piece with my sewing machine.

The flower is made from Grunge Paper that's been covered with Crinoline and then dyed using Distress Stains. The swirls are made using the Tim Holtz Mini Flourish die and the numbers are cut using the Tim Holtz Mini 25 die.

The stamps that I've used are available exclusively from The Craft Barn and from Katzelkraft in France.

I hope you all have a lovely Christmas and wish you all the best for 2012.

Travel at FSC

2011-12-18T08:00:00.001Z

The last 2 weeks have flown by and it's time for another challenge over at The Fashionable Stamping Challenge. This time we want to see some travel on your work, so anything that is travel related and of course remember you need to stamp !

I've used a combination of stamps from Wendy Vecchi, Katzelkraft and Stamp-it. The tag is cut using the Tim Holtz tag and book plate die and I've cut it from Kraft card. I've blended Gathered Twigs and Walnut Stain DI around the edges.

The book plate has been cut from metal and distressed with black acrylic paint. The Taj Mahal stamp is from Stamp-it and I bought it ages ago and I think this is only the second time I've used it !

I hope you get chance to join us !

It's all about techniques !

2011-12-16T12:00:00.001Z

It's my turn to set the challenge over at The Stamp Man and you may know that I love finding new techniques ! So, the challenge that I have set you is to use a technique you've not used before and let us know in your post what the technique is ! Simple !

I was following the fab tags that Tim Holtz did this year, I've not had time to join in but couldn't resist having a go at this one as I loved the technique ! I also stumbled across Shelly Hickcox's blog and found another technique that I've incorporated too !

The tag is cut from Kraft card and then covered with acrylic paint. I then rubbed Versamark ink on the inside of the Snowflake EF and then embossed the tag. It was then sprinkled with white embossing powder and heated and you're left with the wonderful frosty effect. I then sanded it (this is where you understand why the tag was covered in acrylic paint) and the Kraft colour comes through the paint ! This was the alternative that Shelly came up with if you didn't have any Coredinations card (which I didn't). I love it and will definitely use this technique again !

The banner is cut from Kraft card and then Tissue Tape has been stuck on top and then it's been folded. The foliage is made using a combination of the Autumn Gatherings die and a fern punch. The little pine cones are from some old Pot Pourri and I've used a Snow Cap Paint Dabber to tip the edges. The numbers are cut using the Tim Holtz Mini Reindeer & 25 die I've then swiped the numbers with Snow Cap and cut a second set of numbers in black and just offset them (I don't 'do' glitter so this was my alternative ). The beads are from my stash and the ribbon is seam binding that's been dyed using DI and then spraying it with water.

I hope you get chance to join us for this challenge in amongst wrapping presents and writing cards (which I still need to do!)

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas !

2011-12-08T08:00:00.001Z

Well the days are ticking by and I've still got absolutely loooaaadddsss to do ! But at least I've finished off a card order for 10 Christmas cards which is a huge relief ! The card I'm sharing today is one from the order and is also my Katzelkraft DT project for this week.

I've used 3 stamp sets, Noel Demie Plaque 01, Wonderland Let it Snow and St Nicolas. As always I started with the background which I've stamped using Versamark then used Iced Spruce Distress Ink over the top. The sentiment has been stamped using black Archival ink. The main image is cut out using the Fleur de Lys Nestability and then I've rubbed some more DI around the edge.

The foliage is made using a punch and also the Autumn Gathering Sizzlit die, the pine cone is from some old pot pouri ! The gorgeous snowflake is from the lovely Linda's Etsy shop as is the seam binding ribbon which I've dyed using Bundled Sage Distress Stains.

All of the stamps are available exclusively from The Craft Barn in the UK and from Katzelkraft in France.

I'm also entering this card into the following challenges:

Pretty Little Ribbon Shop - Christmas with a Bow
Cupcake Craft - DIY - Make your own backing paper
Creative Card Crew - Tis the Season

Dressmaking !

2011-12-04T08:00:00.002Z

It's time for another challenge over at The Fashionable Stamping Challenge and this time we would like to see projects with the theme of dressmaking/corsets/accessories. This challenge came just at the right time for me as I was in the middle of making birthday cards for my nieces.

I made this card for my sister to give to my eldest niece. The main image is a BLine Designs stamp and I've used the Tim Holtz Reflections stamp on it to add some text. The word 'Love' is from an Oxford Impressions stamp set as is the tape measure. The background is made using the Tim Holtz Haberdashery set and the side panel is made using the Adverts set and it's then been distressed. I paper pierced it and then added the faux stitching with a white gel pen.

The flower is made from Crinoline which has been coloured using Spun Sugar Distress Stains as has the lace. It's then been cut out using the Tattered Flowers die and the brad is a Marah Johnson. The word daughter has been done on my PC. A few pearls and buttons and that was it!

We've had a lovely week end so far as it was another of my niece's 21st Birthday yesterday so the whole family went out together for a meal and I went shopping with her too. The only problem is...... I feel really old !

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:

Stamp with fun - Faux
PaperCrafting Journey - Anything goes
The Paper Shelter - Anything goes
Stamps & Fun - Distressing

I hope you get chance to join us for this challenge.

The Stamp Man Challenge

2011-12-02T12:00:00.001Z

It's time for the next challenge over at The Stamp Man which is to create an ornament. When I saw what the challenge was going to be I didn't feel very inspired but as I played around with different ideas it started to come together ! The prize for the challenge is £10 to spend at The Stamp Man, and if you've not seen on my side bar, there is a prize draw for all orders placed before the 15 December.

So, onto my project, I thought I would show you a before and after shot. The wooden piece above is an off cut from a staircase spindle. It's been kicking around my craft room for ages, but in true crafting style, I didn't feel I could throw it away as it looked too useful ! So, I persuaded my other half to cut it to length and then bore out a hole in the top that was candle size.

I realised after I'd taken this photo that the candle is rather banana shaped ! I think I need to find a different one to light. I started by coating the wood with Bundle Sage Distress Stains. Then I cut the mat from the largest Fleur de Lys Nestability from Grunge Paper. It didn't cut all the way through so I had to go round it with my scissors. I then used Forest Moss Distress Stains on it.

The holly leaves are cut using the Tim Holtz Holly Branch die and I've used DI on them and then Crackle Glaze. The panels around the wood have been stamped using the Mini Holidays stamp set. The letters are cut using the Vintage Market die and then using Barn Door DI on them and coating them with Glossy Accents.

The numbers are made using the Mini Reindeer & 25 die and just inked with DI. I've put our advent candle in the holder now and it had it's first burning last night ! So now it's official........it's Christmas !

I hope you get chance to join us and look forward to seeing what you create !

A special birthday !

2011-12-01T08:00:00.001Z

For my Katzelkraft DT project I'm sharing a card for a special birthday. This card is for an order and the lady in question has reached the very proud age of 100 ! The brief I received was that it was to be a celebration so I knew which stamps I wanted to use.

The stamp sets I've used are the Cirque 01 and Cirque 02. I started by making the stripey side using Distress Inks and masking off each colour as I went along. I've then used the Sizzix Tartan EF and rubbed DI over the top.

The image is painted with DI and I've added some Glossy Accents to the juggling balls. The vertical panel has been stamped with the hat and then mounted on a piece of card that has been punched down both sides with a Martha Stewart punch.The numbers have been made using the Tim Holtz Vintage Market alphabet and I've coloured the letters with DI and the covered them with Glossy Accents. The ribbon is made from seam binding and I've coloured it with Fired Brick and Wild Honey Distress Stains. The flowers are paper and started life as blue until I coloured them using Distress Stains. The sentiment was done on my PC.

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:

Divas by Designs - Anything Goes
Fab 'n' Funky - Anything Goes
Alphabet Challenge - V for Very Vibrant
Sweet Stampin - Punches and Dies
Allsorts - Pennants or bunting
Secret Crafter - Borders and Flowers
Simon Says Stamp - Anything Goes

The stamps I've used are all available from The Craft Barn in the UK and from Katzelkraft in France.

A break from cards !

2011-11-26T16:51:00.007Z

I thought I'd show you a project that I made at a recent workshop with the lovely Lin at LB Crafts. It was a fantastic day and as usual learnt loads !

The background was made with pieces of tissue paper, pages from an old book and some stamped images. We then coated it with PaperArtsy Fresco paint. The houses are all individual and we used different techniques which involved metal, paint, chipboard and inks.

The centre house below was made using the PaperArtsy crackle glaze. It's fantastic, it crackles immediately when you paint on top of it. That's definitely on my must have list !

The tree is wooden and painted and the birds were stamped and cut out.

Lots of stamping, ink and paint...... heaven !

I've not moved much today, in fact I haven't been out of the house at all ! I'm gradually getting through my long list of orders for birthday cards, which is great. Just Christmas to worry about then !

21 again !

2011-11-25T16:23:00.010Z

Ooh how I wish I was ! However, this card is a birthday card for one of my nieces. Her birthday isn't until the 3 December, but I'm trying to get ahead so I can make some much needed Christmas cards !

I started with the background and I masked off the left hand side and then stamped the swirl which is by Crafty Individuals, on the right hand side with Versamark and then blended blue and red Pan Pastels over it to make a shade of purple. On the left hand side I stamped the manikin image, which is by BLine Designs, and the words, which are from a Darkroom Door set. The fancy corners are from a Katzelkraft set. The vertical panel is stamped with the Stampin' Up En Francais background stamp and then embossed with the Victoria EF. I punched the edge with a Martha Stewart punch and blended DI over it. I used a Tim Holtz stamp from the French Marketplace set and tore pieces out of the card and then blended DI over it.

The main image is a Katzelkraft stamp and I've cut it out using Nestabilities. The ribbon is seam binding and I rubbed DI over it and then sprayed it with a few drops of Chipped Sapphire re-inker in some water. The butterfly is cut from black shrink plastic using the mini Butterfly Tim Holtz die and the letter is a Type Charm.

The tickets are all cut from crinoline using the Tim Holtz die and then inked with DI. I then stamped onto them using Katzelkraft and Oxford Impressions stamps. The '21' is made using the Vintage Market die, Black Soot DI and Glossy Accents.

I'm also entering this card into the following challenges:

Pretty Little Ribbon Shop blog - Buttons and bows
Simon Says Stamp and Show - Show us some tickets
Creative Craft Challenge - Free for all
Creative Card Crew - Monochromatic
Moving along with the times - Ribbons and bows

It's turned really cold here, I hope you're all keeping warm in your craft rooms !

Paris !

2011-11-24T08:01:00.000Z

No I'm not going to Paris, more's the pity ! The card I'm sharing with you today is my Katzelkraft DT project. It's also a birthday card that I made for my eldest niece who was 23 yesterday.

The stamp sets that I've used are Paris Monuments and Paris Postal, both are gorgeous sets ! I stamped on to the card using Versamark and then used Pan Pastels, blending 2 colours together to make a warm orange. The centre strip is stamped with the tesxt stamp from the Paris Postal set and I've blended DI over the top. The main image was inked up and then I used the text stamp for the 'kissing' technique. It didn't work as well as I'd hoped but I still like the affect.

I made the stick pin from some beads I'd got in my stash and the ribbon has been dyed using a combination of Fired Brick and Wild Honey Distress Stains, I loved the end result ! The metal frame is Tim Holtz and the beautiful metal corners are from the lovely Linda's Etsy shop.

All of the stamps I've used are available exclusively in the UK from The Craft Barn (who have free postage on all UK orders until 18 December !) and from Katzelkraft in France.

White Christmas ?

2011-11-20T08:00:00.001Z

As much as I love snow at Christmas, when it comes to making Christmas cards the thought of alot of white fills me with dread ! So, although the challenge this time at The Fashionable Stammping Challenge is 'I'm dreaming of a white Christmas' as long as it's a Christmas card then you'll be able to join us !

I'm slowly gathering some Christmas cards, as well as wading through all the birthday cards I need to make too !
So, onto my card, the embossed panel is coloured with Fired Brick Distress Stains, then I stamped onto it with a Stampendous text stamp, stamping in different directions, then I used the Distressed Stripes EF. To darken the red a little I rubbed some Walnut Stain DI over the top. The green panel is stamped using an Elusive Images stamp then I've blended Bundled Sage and Forest Moss DI over it. The stitching around the panel is faux (I have a few problems with the old sewing machine at the moment!) The tree image is by Katzelkraft and I've used Distress Stains to paint some of the different parts of the tree. The tag on the side is from a Stampin' Up set, and the letters are cut using the Tim Holtz Vintage Market die. They've been covered with Forest Moss DI and then Glossy Accents.

The holly and the branch are cut using the Tim Holtz Holly die. I've covered them with DI and then used some Distress Stickles around one edge, I've also added some Picket Fence Distress Stains to the branch.

I do hope you get chance to join us for this challenge.

The Stamp Man Challenge

2011-11-18T12:00:00.000Z

It's time for another challenge at The Stamp Man and this time Brenda has set a fab challenge. We want you to take your inspiration from one of Tim Holtz' tags of Christmas, so that means there are 48 to choose from ! You don't need to make a tag, just use the techniques as inspiration and make sure you say in your post which technique you were inspired by. As usual there is a £10 voucher up for grabs for the winner !

So, I wandered over to Tim's blog and started looking through his fab collection of tags. When I saw day 7 from 2010 I thought this was the one I was going to use as my inspiration. The background paper is from my stash and I gave it a coat of Old Paper Distress Stains. The embossed panel is made using the Distressed Stripes Cuttlebug EF, the card was given a coat of Old Paper Distress Stains and then after it was embossed I rubbed Waltnt Stain DI over the top and then some Picket Fence Distress Stains.

The flower is made from Grunge Paper which I stuck Crinoline onto as I didn't have any sticky back canvas. I then used Distress Stains, Fired Brick and Bundled Sage to colour it. I then cut the flower out using the Tattered Flowers and Tattered Leaves die and followed Tim's instructions on how to put the flower together. The Merry Christmas is from the Mini Holidays stamp set, cut out using the Wonky Rectangle Nestability. The swirl is made using the Elegant flourish die. A little bit of ideaology, some card Candi and some seam binding coloured with Fired Brick Distress Stains and that was it !

This was a great challenge and I do hope you get chance to join us.

Let it snow !

2011-11-17T08:00:00.003Z

For my Katzelkraft project this week, as you can see, I've made another Christmas card. I'm on a mission now to get as many made as possible !

The stamp sets I've used are Saint Nicolas , Wonderland Let it Snow and Noel . I started with the background and stamped the snowflake from the Noel set with Versamark and then used a Pan Pastel. The horizontal panel is a Cuttlebug EF and I rubbed Versamark over that too and used the same Pan Pastel. The main image is shaded with ProMarkers and then cut out using the Wonky Rectangle Nestabilities.

I've used the merry christmas stamp for the vertical panel behind the snowman. A nice and simple card this time, but at least it's one more in the bag !

All of the stamps I've used are available exclusively from The Craft Barn in the UK and from Katzelkraft in France.

I'm also entering this card into the Fab 'n' Funky challenge which is Baby it's Cold Outside.

The Craft Barm blog candy !

2011-11-13T18:27:00.002Z

I was just having a quick blog hop around when I noticed this at The Craft Barn ! Make sure you hop over there to find out what you need to do to be in with a chance to win this fab blog candy !

Right off for my dinner now !

Les Fleurs !

2011-11-10T08:00:00.002Z

For my Katzelkraft DT project I'm sharing a card which I've made for an order. I tend to get swamped with birthday card orders on the run up to Christmas and this year is no exception! Heaven knows when I'll get some Christmas cards made !

As usual I started with the background and I used Pan Pastels and stamped the images with Versamark. I then stamped the text with black Archival ink. The vertical panel is a torn page from an old book that's been give the Distress Ink treatment. The horizontal panel is embossed using a Quickutz folder and then I've rubbed Distress Inks over it. The main image is from the Fleurs set and I've dropped a blob of Glossy Accents in the centre of the flower.The dragon fly on the tag is from the Wings set.

The butterfly is a Tim Holtz mini butterfly die and I've cut it from Grunge Paper and then stamped the butterfly from the Wings set on to it. The flower is cut out using the Tattered Flowers die and I've coloured it with Distress Inks.

I'm entering this card into the Cupcake Craft challenge which is 'Textalicious', use something with text on.

The stamps I've used are available exclusively from The Craft Barn in the UK and from Katzelkraft in France.

In Times Gone By

2011-11-06T08:02:00.004Z

Happy Sunday everyone ! We have beautiful blue skies and sunshine this morning, which is such a relief after the last few days ! Another fortnight has whizzed by which means it's time for the next Fashionable Stamping challenge. For this challenge we would like to see projects with a theme of 'In Times Gone By'. Check out the main blog for a fabulous passage that Dot has included which may give you a starting point and of course the other DT projects which are fabulous !

For my card I have used the gorgeous Darkroom Door set called 1920's Chic. I stamped the main image using Memento Black ink and then shaded her with ProMarkers. It was only after I'd finished that I'd realised I'd done it on 2 pieces of paper that had stuck together! Fortunately, I managed to stick it onto some card and all was not lost ! The embossed panel is a Stampin' Up EF and I stamped the card using the Stampin' Up background stamp called En Francais, before I embossed it. I've rubbed Old Paper DI over the top. The background is made using one of the stamps from the Darkroom Door set, and I've coloured the card using Old Paper Distress Stains before I stamped on it, then whizzed around the edge with my sewing machine.

The advert is from the Tim Holtz Adverts stamp set and I've added some little black gems to it. The flower is made from crinoline using the Tattered Flowers die and I've coloured it with Barn Door DI. The ribbon is seam binding which has also been coloured with Barn Door DI. The gorgeous filigree corner embellishment is one of the gorgeous items that Linda has in her Etsy shop. (The seam binding and the crinoline are from there too.)If you're looking for some embellisments that will make the difference, make sure you pay Linda's shop a visit.

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:

Anything goes - Stitching
Papertake - Anything goes with optional bling
Paperplay - Button up (button on the bow)
Crafy Catz - Anything goes
Addicted to Stamps - Shabby/Shabby Chic/ Vintage

So, as it's such a beautiful day, we're going to head off into the countryside with a pic nic. I hope you all have a lovely day and hope you can join us in this challenge.

The Stamp Man Challenge

2011-11-04T12:00:00.001Z

First of all apologies for the poor quality photograph, I'm back to photographing by artificial and that is never good ! So, we've arrived at the next Stamp Man challenge and this time the challenge is a Collage or a Collage background. This one caused me to scratch my head, I can tell you. I'm not sure now if I like what I've done, but you have to just call it a day sometimes ! Please make sure you check out the other DT members creations, they are fabulous !

I started by covering some white card with Old Paper Distress Stains and then using the snowflake stamp from the Tim Holtz Mini Holidays set and I stamped them in Archival Coffee and Sepia. I stamped the text from French Marketplace and the Postcard stamp with black Archival ink. I then pulled out some Mulberry paper that I had lurking at the back of my shelves and used Walnut Stain Distress Stains on it. I stamped the word Believe using a white dabber. I also stamped some more snowflakes using the white dabber to mount the main image on.

The swirl is cut using the Elegant Flourishes die and the buttons are from my stash. To give it a little sparkle to finish I sprayed it with Heirloom Gold Perfect Pearls spray.

I hope you get chance to join us for this challenge.

Christmas cottage !

2011-10-27T08:00:00.001+01:00

For my Katzelkraft DT project this week I've made another Christmas card, that makes the grand total of 4 ! I think I'm going to have to pull my socks up and get cracking being as it's less than 8 weeks away!

The stamp sets I've used are Saint Nicolas and Noel. I've used the snowflake stamp from the Noel set and embossed it with white embossing powder. I then blended Stormy Sky and Faded Jeans DI over the top. The main image is painted with Faded Jeans DI then cut out with Labels 17 Nestabilities.

The sentiment is from the Saint Nicolas set and I've cut it out using Nestability tags. The ribbon is seam binding that I've used Faded Jeans Distress Stains to colour and the snowflake is wooden and I've covered it with a white paint dabber.

The stamps that I've used are available exclusively from The Craft Barn in the UK and from Katzelkraft in France.

Coffee, cream and chocolate !

2011-10-23T08:54:00.006+01:00

It's time for another challenge over at The Fashionable Stamping challenge. For this challenge we would like to see coffee, cream and chocolate, so that's colours ranging from a soft cream through to a rich black (just like the really rich dark chocolate !) The prize is a fab set of Stampendous stamps, check out the main blog for the details.

I couldn't resist using my Pan Pastels again and started by using the snowflake stamp from the Tim Holtz Mini Holidays stamp set. Stamped with Versamark and then rubbed the Pan Pastel over the top. The side panel is made using a Rubber Stampede stamp and Coffee Archival ink, the stitching is faux. The main image is also from the Mini Holidays stamp set and I've used the Fleur de Lys square Nestabilities.

The ticket is from the Tim Holtz Odds and Ends stamp set and the flourish is the Tim Holtz Mini flourish. The flower is cut from crinoline using the Tim Holtz Tattered Flowers die and then I've used Antique Linen DI to give it a touch of cream. The brad in the centre is a corduroy one from my stash. The snowflake is wooden and I've added a piece of Candy and then covered it with Glossy Accents.

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:

Fab 'n' Funky - Distressed or torn
Winter Wonderland - Vintage Christmas
One Stop Craft Challenge - No Designer Paper
Bling it on - No Designer Paper
Moving along with the times - Vintage

Right, I'm off to watch the Rugby World Cup Final now looks like it should be a good match !

Christmas at night !

2011-10-21T12:00:00.001+01:00

When I saw the challenge for The Stamp Man this time I hadn't got a clue what I was going to do for my DT project ! The challenge is 'night time' and the prize is a £10 voucher to spend at The Stamp Man.

So, thinking cap on, this is what I came up with ! I got my brayer out for the first time in ages, I love the effect of the brayer I just don't seem to be able to make it do what I want ! I started by punching a circle from a Post It and then brayering over the top with Adirondack Stonewashed and Denim ink then used some Black Soot DI around the top edges. I sponged some Wild Honey DI around the moon shape so it wasn't so stark. I masked off the bottom part and sponged some DI along the edges to give the impression of hills. The trees are from the Reindeer Flight set of stamps by Tim Holtz as is the reindeer.The small leaves and branches are cut using the Tim Holtz Sizzlet die called Autumn Gathering. I've used a white gel pen to draw around the edges. The word is from the Mini Holidays Tim Holtz stamp set and I stamped it using a white paint dabber, dried it with my heat gun then rubbed Faded Jeans DI over the top.

The snowflake is wooden and I've used the white paint dabber on it too and added a button to the centre. The ribbon is seam binding and I've used Faded Jeans Distress Stains to colour it. To finish I sprayed the whole project with Glimmer Mist, Marshmallow, you can't tell on the photo but in real life it's added a lovely shimmer to it.

I'm entering this card in the PaperPlay challenge which is to use black.

I hope you get chance to join us for this challenge !

Tulip birthday !

2011-10-16T17:39:00.005+01:00

I've been playing again with my Pan Pastels and thought I'd share all the wonderful colours that I shall be dabbling with !

The card that I've made is for a woman at work, it's her birthday on Tuesday and I wanted to use bright colours so I thought I'd combine the red, yellow and green. I stamped the text from a Wendy Vecchi set and the star with Versamark. I then blended the Pan Pastels over the ink.

This was the result ! I sprayed it with a misting of hairspray to seal it (not quite the right thing but it seems to work!)

I stamped the tulip, from the same Wendy Vecchi set, with Versamark too and blended more Pan Pastels over it. The little green 'blobs' are made using a Viva Paper Pen. The background panel is part of a master sheet I made using the plastic bag and ink technique. I've stamped the border stamp which is another Wendy Vecchi one, along the bottom.

The sentiment is from a Papermania set and the frame is part of the Tim Holtz Tag die. I've cut the butterfly using the Tim Holtz Mini Butterfly die from acetate and then used alchol inks. I put three blobs of Viva Paper Pen down the centre and unfortunately they merged together ! Some buttons and a bit of Ideaology and that was it ! Just need to remember to post it now tomorrow morning !

We've got one of my nieces coming round tonight for a meal. She decided that for her birthday instead of a present she would like us to cook her a meal ! So, there's a bit of smoked salmon, skate wings and creme brulee, I think that should go down well !

I'm entering this card into the Our Creative Corner challenge which is Totally Transparent - I've used some acetate for the butterfly.

Good luck !

2011-10-13T19:54:00.004+01:00

Thank goodness there's only one more day to go until the week end......it's been a very long week ! The card I'm sharing with you is one I've made for a lady at work who left today. I wanted it to be a bit quirky so it would suit her !

I started by making the background, which was inpsired by the latest Craft Stamper magazine. Take a plastic bag and 2 or 3 different coloured inks, I used Distress Inks, and put your hand in the bag and scrunch it up, dab on to the ink then onto the card ! Simple ! I then stamped on to it using stamps from different Tim Holtz sets. I blended Pan Pastels around the edge and I sealed it with a spray of hairspray. The stitching around the edge is faux. I made a master sheet using a text stamp from a Wendy Vecchi set and Pan Pastels. The vertical panel is cut from the sheet and then I then used a Martha Stewart border punch. The main image is a PaperArtsy stamp and I've stamped it onto a piece from the master sheet.

The sentiment is from the Stempelglede stamp set called Just a Note and the metal frame is one I recycled from a card I was given. The flower is made using the Tattered Flowers Tim Holtz die and the centre flower is cut from Crinoline and then I've blended Wild Honey DI over it and stamped the Wendy Vecchi text stamp on it and used a black corduroy brad in the centre. The swirl is made using the Elegant Flourishes die and then I've blended Wild Honey and Vintage Photo DI over it.

I'm also entering this card into the following challenges:

Simon Says Stamp and Show - Things with Wings
Charisma Cardz - In stitches

Father Christmas !

2011-10-13T08:00:00.000+01:00

For my Katzelkraft DT project this week I decided it was time to take the plunge and start to make my Christmas cards ! I spent quite a while just staring out of the window as I coudn't think what to do. So this is a simple card, but I am quite pleased with it !

The stamp sets I've used are Wonderland - Let it Snow and Noel - Demi Plaque. I started with the background and used my new favourite thing which is Pan Pastels. They are gorgeous ! I was lucky to win a set of 12 from the lovely Lin at LB Crafts. You may see quite alot of them in my projects ..........
I started by stamping the holly stamp with Versamark then rubbing the Pan Pastel over the top. Then I stamped the Season's Greetings stamp with Forest Moss DI. To tie the background in with the date stamp I rubbed Black Soot DI down the edge of a ruler then rubbed it up and down on the background.

The main image and the date are both cut out using a rectangle Nestability and I've rubbed Bundled Sage and Forest Moss DI around the edge. The ribbon and pearls are from my stash.

The stamps I've used are available exclusively from The Craft Barn in the UK and from Katzelkraft in France.

Wendy Vecchi Style !

2011-10-09T08:00:00.002+01:00

We've zoomed through another 2 weeks so that means it's time for another challenge over at The Fashionable Stamping Challenge ! For this challenge we want to see anything but a card. Check out the main blog for the rest of the DT's work and for the prize.

When I saw what the challenge was going to be this time round I decided it was an opportunity to alter a frame I bought ages ago. I also spotted that the challenge this week over at Simon Says Stamp and Show is to make a project in Wendy Vecchi's style. I've got a couple of Wendy's stamp sets so decided to give it a whirl ! I have to say I've really enjoyed making this project. I started by covering the frame using a technique I saw in the latest Craft Stamper magazine. I used lots of different scrap pieces of paper and I also stamped onto some of them using the text stamp from the Art from the Heart stamp set. They're all stuck down with PVA glue, then another coat of PVA over the top and while that was still wet I sprayed it with water mixed with alcohol inks. I think I needed a darker colour as it didn't show up as well as I was hoping. I used Walnut Stain Distress Stain to add some 'splodges'. The letters of the word 'dream' are grunge letters which I've covered wth black acrylic paint and when they were dry I sanded them and rubbed Rusty Hinge DI over the top.

The butterflies are cut using the Tim Holtz Mini Butterfly die from Grunge Paper. The tulips are from the Art from the Heart stamp set and they're also stamped onto Grunge Paper that I've blended DI over. The spotty flower is an Inkadinkado stamp and again I've stamped onto Grunge Paper then cut the flower in half. The text in the centre is from the Be Happy..Make Art set as is the border across the top. The bottom border is from the Art from the Heart set and the swirl is cut using the Elegant Flourishes die from Grunge Paper.

I'm entering this project into the Simon Says Stamp and Show challenge which is to show THE Wendy Vecchi Style; One Stop Challenge which is Anything goes and By the Cute and Girly which is also Anyting Goes but there's also a blog hop which I'm just off to do !

I hope you get chance to join us at The Fashionable Stamping Challenge.

The Stamp Man Challenge

2011-10-07T12:00:00.001+01:00

I love Autumn and so for my DT project for The Stamp Man I decided to indulge myself and use all of those lovely colours ! The challenge, before I forget to tell you, is circles ! The prize is a £10 voucher to spend at The Stamp Man.

I started with the background and stamped it using a Stamp Man skeleton leaf and the butterflies from the Tim Holtz Papillon set. The embossed panel is made using a Quickutz EF then I've rubbed lots of different coloured DI over the top. The stitching is faux, as I decided to add it after I'd stuck everything else down ! The main stamp is a Scalloped Butterfly stamp from The Stamp Man that fits perfectly with the scalloped Nestabilities. The butterfly is a Tim Holtz die and it's been cut from card that I stuck some old book pages on to. I used a Viva Paper Pen for the centre dots.

For the leaves I used a freebie stamp from the Craft Stamper magazine and stamped it onto Grunge Paper that I'd blended DI over. The letters are made using one of those cubes of little letter stamps.

I'm also entering this card into the following challenges:

Paperplay - Autumnal Colours
Papercutz - Keeper of the Crows - Fall project
Fussy and Fancy - Fall or Halloween
Stampin' for the Weekend - Colours of Autumn
Crafty Cardmakers - Anything goes
Papertake - Anything goes

I hope you get chance to join us for this challenge.

A bit mod !

2011-10-01T17:35:00.004+01:00

First of all I would just like to share that I've won the Pan Pastels giveaway over on the lovely Lin's blog ! Can't tell you how made up I am ! So, now that the excitement's over, the card I'm sharing is one I made for a card order. I was a little nervous about doing this one as the brief was black, white and silver, which I don't normally do. Anyhow, the lovely Chris Dark came to my rescue with a fabulous image, as the other part of the brief was for it to have a Lambretta on it !

So I decided with the colour restrictions it had to be 'mod' ! I started by masking off the white card and sponging Black Soot DI to create the black and white stripes. I then used my Scor-Pal to create the black panel with the scored lines. I typed the word Lambretta in different sizes on my PC and used that as the background to the image. The image has been shaded with Pro-Markers and I've added some Glossy Accents to the lights.

The numbers are cut using the Tim Holtz Vintage Market die, covered with Black Soot DI and then Glossy Accents. The frame is on the tag die by Tim Holtz and I've cut it from metal that has been mounted onto humungo tape and black card. I then cut out the inner piece so that the numbers would fit, and used this cut out piece as a frame for the text. A few nail heads and a piece of ribbon and that was it ! I kept it quite simple as I didn't feel grungey was the right thing for the person this is intended for.

I'm also entering this card into the following challenges:

ABC Challenge - A is for Anything goes
Paperplay - White plus one
One Stop Craft Challenge - Just for Men
Simon Says Stamp - Anything goes
Anything goes - Anything goes

We've had a lovely day today, we've been up to the Peak District, which is only 30 minutes from us. It's so relaxing to sit in the sun and watch the world go by, I didn't want to come home ! I hope you've all managed to get out and about in this glorious weather.......before it disappears next week !

Two ladies !

2011-09-29T08:00:00.000+01:00

If only you knew how long it's taken me to write this post ! To say I've fallen out with the internet is putting it mildly ! For some bizarre reason my internet connection keeps failing, and it's getting way past a joke now! Anyway, while the going is good I'd better crack on! The card I'm sharing with you today is my Katzelkraft project for this week and it is also a birthday card for one of my nieces.

The stamp set I've used is Femmes 1900 I really love these images and they will be perfect for my niece ! They're stamped with black Archival ink then I've cut them out using Labels 17 Nestabilities which I've blended Broken China DI around the edge. The embossed panel is made with a Stampin' Up EF and then I've rubbed Broken China DI over the top. The swirl is cut using the Tim Holtz Elegant Flourishes die and I've also embossed this with the same EF and rubbed Broken China DI over the top too. The butterfly is another Tim Holtz die and I've given it the same treatment as the swirl and added some beads in the centre. The paper is from the Vintage Shabby paper stack, which I picked up at the week end after I sold some cards unexpectedly ! I have to say it is rather gorgeous so it took me ages before I could bring myself to actually cut into it !

The ribbon is seam binding which I've coloured with Broken China DI and the flower is cut using the Tattered Flowers die from crinoline then I've tipped the edges with Broken China DI. The sentiment was done on my PC.

The stamps I've used are available exclusively from The Craft Barn in the UK and from Katzelkraft in France.

Right I shan't linger as I don't know how much longer my connection will last..........

Good luck !

2011-09-28T16:27:00.003+01:00

Today has been a very sad day for me as my boss has left our company. As a PA even though you try hard not to get attached it's not easy, especially when they're a lovely person. The card I'm sharing with you now is what I made for him.

The stamp is by Vintage Memories and I've stamped it with black Stazon and then cut it out with Labels 18 Nestabilities. I've used Faded Jeans and Stormy Sky DI around the edge. The embossed panel is made using the Distressed Stripes EF and I've used Faded Jeans and a little bit of Walnut Stain DI. The horizontal strip of paper is a scrap piece from my stash and I've distressed it with DI. The background panel is made with Faded Jeans DI and I've masked off the card to make the Scottish flag ( my boss is from Edinburgh).

The buttons I picked up from a little craft shop on the Isle of Skye, so added the perfect authentic Scottish touch ! The tickets are cut using the Tim Holtz die and then stamped with a stamp from the Odds and Ends Tim Holtz set. The Good Luck stamp is a random stamp I have in my stash, I've no idea who it's by !

I'm also entering this card in to the Simon Says Stamp and Show challenge which is Show Men Only.

I could not believe how warm it was when I left work this afternoon ! I'm definitely not complaining and long may it continue as long as I get to see some of it at the week end too !

The Fashionable Stamping Challenge

2011-09-24T18:14:00.006+01:00

Well that's another 2 weeks that have flown by ! That means it's time for another challenge over at The Fashionable Stamping Challenge. The challenge this time is one of my favourites, which is Vintage. Make sure you check out the challenge blog for the rest of the DT's fabulous projects and of course the prize !

I made this card for my sister's Pearl wedding anniversary and as she's away on holiday at the moment I know I'm safe to show it ! I made the background using a Stampin' Up background stamp called En Francais and as I didn't want it to be too dark I used Versafine Smokey Grey ink. The hearts are a Martha Stewart punch and I've threaded embroidery thread around the edge and added a pearl. The swirls and border are both Tim Holtz dies.

The main image is one of my favourite stamps and is by B Line Designs. I've stamped it in Smokey Grey again and used some Faded Denim and Stormy Sky DI around the edge and some pearls. The date is done on my PC and then I've used the Tim Holtz FileTabs die to cut them out. The ribbon is some seam binding and I took apart a stick pin so that I could change the beads to pearls.

I hope you get chance to join us in this challenge. I am experiencing blogger problems at the moment and it won't let me leave any comments and keeps signing me out ! So I promise I will visit, but can't promise I will be able to leave a comment !

The Stamp Man challenge

2011-09-23T12:51:00.004+01:00

It's time for another challenge at The Stamp Man and this time we would like to see a pear or a pair ! The prize is the usual £10 voucher to spend at The Stamp Man.

I don't know why but this week my mojo just didn't want to make an appearance ! I started this card 3 times and in the end just had to go with it. So, I started by stamping the trees from the Tim Holtz Reindeer Flight stamp set on the Basic Grey paper with Olive Archival ink. The embossed bpanel was made using the Cuttlebug Stars EF then I rubbed Forest Moss DI over the top. I used the December calendar stamp from the Tim Holtz Mini Holidays to make the background for the pears.

The pears are made using a solid pear stamp from The Stamp Man. I stamped it using Olive Archival ink, and I used a stamp from Tim Holtz Reflections stamp set before I stamped them. I then cut them out and then embossed them using the Textile EF. I then rubbed Versamark over the top and sprinkled clear EP over the top. The ticket is made using the Tim Holtz Ticket die and I've used a Stampin' Up stamp for the date.

Well that's my first Christmas card made, I need to get back into the swing of things as I haven't got any Christmas cards left from last year !

Autumn Tag

2011-09-15T08:00:00.001+01:00

For my Katzelkraft DT project this time I decided on a tag. The more I make, the more I seem to be getting really hooked on them !

I started by gluing some torn pieces of an old book to the tag and then used Wild Honey Distress Stains all over it. I then blended Wild Honey and Forest Moss DI around the edge. The stamp set I used is called Automne and I inked up the leaves with Archival Olive ink then tipped it around the edges with Archival Coffee.

I stamped the text onto a scrap piece of old book paper and then blended Wild Honey DI over it. The leaves are made from Grunge Paper that I stuck a page from the book onto before die cutting them. The die is the Tim Holtz Tattered Leaves and I've added a Type Charm to finish.

The stamps I've used are available exclusively from The Craft Barn in the UK and from Katzelkraft in France.

Fashionable Stamping Challenge

2011-09-11T08:00:00.003+01:00

It's time for another challenge over at The Fashionable Stamping Challenge, and this time we would like to see a Tag ! Check out the main blog for the rest of the DT's fabulous tags and also for the prize !

I started by puttings drops of Scattered Straw, Shabby Shutters and Bundled Sage re-inkers on my craft sheet and then spritzed it with water (this seems to be my favourite technique at the moment!) Then I stamped with Archival Olive ink using the Wendy Vecchi 'Art from the Heart' stamp set. The sentiment is from the 'Be Happy...Make Art' set. The butterfly is from an Inkadinkado stamp set.

The tulip is stamped onto Grunge Paper that I've blended Forest Moss and Wild Honey DI over. The Tim Holtz Mini Flourish is also cut from Grunge Paper and I've used Wild Honey Distress Stains on it. I stamped the head of the tulip onto some shrink plastic, punched a hole then shrunk it ! The ribbon is seam binding that has been coloured using Forest Moss and Wild Honey Distress Stains. The eagle eyed among you will have spotted a 'splodge' on the right hand side - lesson that was learnt is don't use Red Pepper alcohol ink on another project next to your finished projects !

EDIT: Unfortunately the weather has taken a turn for the worse today, here on the Isle of Skye, but lucky for me the cottage we're staying in has Wi-Fi so I'm taking the opportunity to enter a few challenges ! I'm entering this project into the following challenges:

By the Cute and Girly - All things bright and beautiful
Papertake Challenge - Anything goes
Creative Card Crew - Anything goes
Paperplay Challenge - Use 2 or more stamped images
Crafty Catz - Ribbons
Stamp Something - Anything goes
Allsorts - Flowers and Swirls

I hope you get chance to join us for this challenge.

The Stamp Man Challenge

2011-09-09T12:00:00.000+01:00

It's time for another challenge over at The Stamp Man. This time we would like to see black and white with one other colour. The prize is a £10 voucher to spend at The Stamp Man.
This was most certainly a challenge for me not being able to reach for my Distress Inks !

I started by making the background using the stamps from the Classical Instruments stamp set by Aspects of Design. I distressed the edges and then lightly rubbed some Black Soot DI around the edge (couldn't not use them at all !) The vertical panel is made using the Allegro Cuttlebug EF.

The main image is also from the Classical Instruments set and I've paper pierced around the edge and used a black pen for some faux stitching. The corduroy brad is from my stash. The swirls are made using the Tim Holtz Mini Flourish die and the ribbon is seam binding that I've used Wild Honey Distress Stains on to change the colour.

I hope you get chance to join us for this challenge.

Birds galore !

2011-09-02T08:00:00.001+01:00

This is a scheduled post as we are on our way to the Isle of Skye today ! The card I'm sharing with you is another one I made for my other half's birthday. He's mad on wildlife and photography so we're hoping that Skye will have alot to offer us !

I started with the background and I put drops of Tea Dye, Old Paper and Scattered Straw re-inker on my craft sheet and then spritzed it with water. I then 'swooshed' the card onto the craft sheet, I love the colours that came out as a result ! I then used the Automne Katzelkraft stamp set with Archival Coffee and Olive ink. Both birds are from the Darkroom Door Love Birds stamp set. I cut the smaller one out using a square Nestability and masked off part of one of the text stamps to add 'Little Bird' to it. I stamped the larger bird then stamped it again onto a Post It note and masked it off while I over stamped it with the text. The two leaves are also from the Katzelkraft stamp set and I've stamped them onto Grunge Paper and used more DI on them.

The sentiment is from the Darkroom Door set and the frame is cut using the Tim Holtz Tag die. I've then cut out the inner part to make it large enough so you can see the text, covered it with Walnut Stain DI and then coated it with Glossy Accents. The swirls in the background are made using the Tim Holtz Elegant Flourishes die and I've covered them with Vintage Photo DI and then Crackle Glaze.

Les Papillons !

2011-09-01T08:00:00.001+01:00

The project I'm sharing with you today is my Katzelkraft DT project. Since I've photographed it I think it needs a little more, but I will have to ponder on that one !

I started by covering the chipboard with torn pieces from an old book. Then I stamped onto them with the Wings stamp set, blended DI over them and then covered them with Gesso. When that was dry I stamped again on top of the Gesso. The butterflies are cut using the Tim Holtz Mini Butterflies die.

I've die cut a piece of card using the Tim Holtz Baroque die and then stamped onto it using a stamp from the Nature Quotes stamp set. The final page has a die cut using the Tim Holtz Elegant Flourishes and 3 more butterflies.

The letters on the front are cut using the Vintage Market die and to make them stand out I've hand drawn a black line around the edge.

All of the stamps I've used are available exclusively from The Craft Barn in the UK and from Katzelkraft in France.

The Fashionable Stamping Challenge

2011-08-28T08:00:00.001+01:00

It's time for another challenge over at The Fashionable Stamping Challenge. This time we would like to see either ribbon or lace or both!

This card is for my other half whose birthday is on Thursday. I'm pretty sure he won't look on here ! It's also another 8 x 8 inch card. I'm starting to get used to the extra space ! I started with the background and stamped randomly using Darkroom Door photographic and bird stamps. I did use a Tim Holtz mask, but as the design grew I covered it up !! I used a piece of DP and tore the edges and stamped the small birds from the Darkroom Door stamp set. I then tore a page from an old book and gave it the DI treatment with Forest Moss and Bundled Sage. The thin vertical panel is a stamp from the Tim Holtz Stuff to Say set. The main image and text are also from the Darkroom Door bird set and I've made photo corners for it.

The swirls are made using the Tim Holtz Mini Flourish which I've blended Distress Ink over and then painted with Crackle paint. The tickets are stamped using the Stuff to Say set and the all important ribbon is made using seam binding which I've coloured using Forest Moss Distress Stains. The corner embellishments are Candi by Craftwork Cards. The sentiment is also from the Darkroom Door bird set and I've cut it out using a Fancy tag and added a Philosophy tag.

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:

Papertake Challenge - Dies to die for
Fab 'n' Funky - Mono Madness
Crazy 4 Challenges - Male themed card

I hope you get chance to join us for this challenge. Check out the main blog to see the other DT projects and for the prize !

Happy 1st Birthday !

2011-08-22T17:57:00.004+01:00

Well that was Monday ! I have to say Monday's don't agree with me..... I don't suppose I'm alone there !

This card is for an order, I'm not overly keen on making cards for children, but I quite liked how this one turned out. I visited Mo Manning's store and her images always seem to hit the mark for children's cards. I started with the background which is a technique I spotted in the latest Craft Stamper magazine. I used Post It notes cut into strips as masks and then sponged Stormy Sky DI over them. I've coloured the image with Pro Markers and cut it out using the Rectangle Nestabilities. The letters are all cut using the Tim Holtz Vintage Market Sizzlet die, they've been covered with Stormy Sky DI and then Glossy Accents.

The rosette is made using the Tim Holtz Rosette die and I stamped letters randomly over the card before I cut it out. I've gathered a piece of ribbon and mounted the centre, including the no.1, on the top. The border is made using a Martha Stewart punch and I've blended Stormy Sky and Faded Denim DI over it. A few buttons from my stash and that's it !

I'm entering this card into the following challenge:

Papertake Challenge - Bingo - (I've used ribbon, buttons and a free space)

Katzelkraft project

2011-08-18T08:00:00.001+01:00

For my Katzelkraft project this week I've made a card that was inspired by watching a colleague doodle while we were in a meeting together ! Fascinating where your inspiration comes from !

The stamp sets I've used for this project are Wings, Fleurs and Nature. I started by making the background, I stamped with black Archival ink and blended Barn Door and Spiced Marigold DI over the card. I then covered it with Gesso and scraped off the excess. When it was dry I stamped the word nature randomly over it in black Archival ink. The three panels are stamped with black Archival ink and then distressed.

The butterfly is stamped onto acetate and then I've added gems to the centre. The metal frame has been treated with Alcohol ink and then mounted over the text on silicone.

I'm also entering my project into the Simon Says Stamp and Show challenge which is 'bling'.

All of the stamps I've used are available exclusively from The Craft Barn in the UK and from Katzelkraft in France.

Fashionable Stamping challenge !

2011-08-14T09:00:00.002+01:00

I am very pleased to let you all know that I've been asked to join the DT for the new challenge blog Fashionable Stamping ! The challenges are all about stamping, no digi's allowed, so right up my street, as it were ..... The challenge for the next 2 weeks is Handmade Flowers, so any project where you've actually made the flowers yourself. Check out the main challenge blog for the prize and also the fabulous work by the other DT members.

For my project I started by opening my Tim Holtz Compendium of Curiosities to look for a new technique. I settled on page 49 Shabby Chic, which I absolutely love so you will no doubt see it again ! The stamps I used for the technique are from Tim Holtz French Marketplace and the swirl is a Craft Individuals. I then made the roses from a PaperArtsy Grunge flower die, I've wanted to have a go at making porcelain flowers for some time. I haven't got a melting pot so I used a Versamark pen and then coated the roses with UTEE. I had to do this 3 or 4 times but it worked quite well in the end.

The main image and the balloon are B Line Designs stamps which again, I absolutely love ! I stamped them with black Archival ink and then covered them with clear EP. I then used Tea Dye, Vintage Photo and Wild Honey DI around the edges.

The vertical strip is made from a stamp from the Tim Holtz Papillon set, again I've stamped it with black Archival ink and then covered it with clear EP. The lace is from the lovely Linda's Etsy shop (if you haven't paid it a visit you really must!) and I've sprayed it with water with a few drops of Tea Dye re-inker in it. Finished off with a Type Charm.

I'm entering this card into the Simon Says Stamp and Show challenge which is to use a Tim Holtz technique.

I do hope you get chance to join the challenge and look forward to seeing all your wonderful flowers !

The Stamp Man Challenge

2011-08-12T17:16:00.003+01:00

So it's time for another challenge over at The Stamp Man which this time is Anything goes with Summer colours.

For my project I've made an 8" x 8" card, which is a first, I've wanted to have a go for ages. It definitely puts a different spin on your design... there's so much more space!
I started with the background which is covered with Shabby Shutters and Peeled Paint DI then I've stamped the butterflies from the Tim Holtz Papillon stamp set in Archival Olive green. The five panels were all covered with Distress Stains Wild Honey. On two of them I stamped using the Aspects of Design Butterfly Beauties using Archival Coffee. I've also used the mini mask from the Florets set and sponged more Wild Honey DI over it. The two embossed panels are made using the Cuttlebug EF Bloom Dots and a Quickutz EF. I've then used the Wild Honey DI direct to paper method. The flower is made using the Tim Holtz Tattered Flower die and I've cut it from card that's been 'swooshed' in re-inker blobs that have been sprayed with water. I've also used crinoline for a couple of the layers that have been coloured with Distress Stains Wild Honey.

The swirls are cut using the Mini Flourish die and the ticket is stamped with a stamp from the Stuff to Say set. The small flowers are cut using the Tattered Flowers die from shrink plastic. I've then covered them with acrylic paint, let it dry and stamped the centre with the small flower from the Aspects of Design set, punched a hole and then shrunk them ! The die cut butterfly is a left over from a class I did at the wonderful LB Crafts. The ribbon is made from seam binding that I've sprayed with re-inker mixed with water.

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:

Crafty Catz - Emboss it
Papertake Weekly Challenge - Grow your own
Charisma Cardz - Distressing

Sunday Tag !

2011-08-07T17:31:00.003+01:00

We've had a really lazy Sunday today, but then isn't that what Sundays are for ! I managed to spend some time in my craft room too and decided to make a tag. I have to say I am falling in love with the Tim Holtz Distress Stains, so you may see them featuring alot in my work !

I cut this tag using the Tim Holtz Sizzix die and then covered it with Wild Honey Distress Stains. I then stamped the images from the Tim Holtz French Marketplace set of stamps with Coffee Archival ink. I've also used a stamp from the Papillon set and stamps from a Darkroom room set called Love Birds.

The flower is made using the Tim Holtz Tattered Flowers die and I've cut them from Crinoline which I bought from the lovely Linda's Etsy shop. I sprayed the flowers with water that had a few drops of Scattered Straw re-inker in it. The swirl is the Tim Holtz mini Flourish. The letters are cut using the Vintage Market die and then inked with DI and covered with Glossy Accent. I cut the postal mark from the French Marketplace and then gave it the same treatment. The ribbon is seam binding and I've then coloured it using the Wild Honey Distress Stains.

I've entering this tag into the Simon Says Stamp and Show challenge which is to make a tag.

Well that's it for today, need to go and sort of work clothes and boring stuff like that now ready for tomorrow.

Good Luck !

2011-08-06T21:07:00.000+01:00

I made this card for a good friend who has recently left work. She is a very special lady who has given me a lot of support so I will miss her.

The background was made using a stamp from the Stampin' Up set called Baroque Motif and the the flower stamp is from an Inkadinkado set. I've stamped them using Coffee Archival ink and then blended Wild Honey DI over it. The vertical panel and the flower are made from the Tim Holtz Kraft Resist stack. The sentiment is from the Tim Holtz stamp set called Stuff to Say and I've stamped it onto a scrap piece I had left over from the water and alcohol ink technique. It's been cut out using Labels 18 Nestabilities and mounted onto brown card.

The border punch is a Martha Stewart and the swirl is a Marianne Creatable die. The flower was made using the Tattered Florals Tim Holtz die and the brad is a Marah Johnson.

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:

Papertake Weekly - Anything goes
For Fun Challenges - Anything goes
One Stop Craft Challenge - Sentimental
Fab 'n' Funky - Friendship

Katzelkraft DT project

2011-08-04T08:00:00.002+01:00

For my Katzelkraft DT project this week I've cased a project that I saw in the latest Craft Stamper magazine. Storage is always an issue and when I saw this folder I decided to give it a go.

I swirled Wild Honey and Walnut Stain Distress Stains on to my craft mat then sprayed it with Heirloom Gold Perfect Pearls spray. I then pressed the pre-cut mount board that I'd covered with paper, onto the craft mat. I then blended Wild Honey and Vintage Photo DI around the edge and did some 'splodges' of Distress Stains (which I loved doing!)

I've then stamped using Walnut Stain DI and black Archival ink using stamp sets Paris Monuments, Paris Postal and Adore. The lettering on the front is made from Grunge Board letters that have been covered with black acrylic paint, sanded and then I've rubbed Vintage Photo DI over them.

All of the stamps I've used are available exclusively from The Craft Barn in the UK and from Katzelkraft in France.

I'm entering this project into the following challenge:

Sew Many Challenges - Anything Goes

Happy (belated) Birthday Eli !

2011-07-31T16:03:00.005+01:00

I should have posted this yesterday, as that was my niece's birthday, but I have to be honest I've been feeling a little out of sorts lately and so it completely slipped my mind ! At least I actually gave her the card on time, which is an achievement!

So, better late than never, onto the card. I started my using a technique I spotted over at The Craft Barn a couple of weeks ago. It's where you take a plastic container fill it half way with water and then add drops of alcohol inks. You then dip your card into the water and the alcohol inks cling to the card and create wonderful designs. I then stamped on top of the card with a Viva Silicon text stamp and went round the edge with Walnut Stain DI. For the ruffle I used Tissue Tape and then zipped around the edge with my sewing machine. The background was made using the text stamps from a Darkroom Door set called 1920's Chic. The main image and the piece of text are also from the same set. The little bottle of Chanel is from this set and I've stamped it and then covered it with Glossy Accents. The two hearts are from a Wendy Vecchi stamp set called Art from the Heart.

The little balloon is a B Line stamp and I've added a Type Charm to it. The bow is made from Tim Holtz ribbon which I've coloured using a re-inker in Antique Linen, put a few drops in a mister and then sprayed the ribbon. The button is off some piece of clothing long abandonned ( probably because it no longer fits !) but the button found a good home !

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:

Fashionable Stamping - Anything Goes
Simon Says Stamp and Show - Anything Goes

The Stamp Man challenge

2011-07-29T12:00:00.001+01:00

It's time for another challenge over at The Stamp Man and it's my turn to host the challenge which is stitching ! I do love to stitch on my cards it just finishes it off ! The prize for the challenge is a £10 voucher to spend at The Stamp Man.

I started by making the background using the Tim Holtz Adverts stamp set. The vertical panel is cut using the Tim Hotlz Rosette die. The main text is from the Tim Holtz Stuff to Say stamp set. The flower is made using the Tim Holtz Tattered Florals die cut from Kraft Resist stack.

The swirl is also cut from the Kraft Resist stack using the Elegant Flourishes die. The letters on the ticket are cut using hte Vintage Market die and then I've rubbed Walnut Stain DI over the top.

I hope you get chance to join us for this challenge !

'A' is for.......

2011-07-21T08:00:00.001+01:00

For my Katzelkraft project this week I'm sharing a chipboard letter that I've altered. I found these letters at our local garden centre several weeks ago and I've been waiting for inspiration to strike !

I painted the letter first of all with Gesso and then used Walnut Stain Distress Stains to colour it. I've then used the Fleurs set of stamps and stamped them with Archival Coffee ink. The text is stamped with Archival Black ink and the stamp is from the Nature Quotes set of stamps.

I've used Tim Holtz Ideaology to decorate it and I've edged it with Tissue Tape and then distressed the edges with black acrylic paint.

The rose is made using the Scalloped Flower die by Paper Artsy and I've done some freehand embossing on the metal. I'm entering this project in to the Simon Says Stamp and Show challenge which is embossing ( freehand embossing on the metal rose).

The stamps I've used are available exclusively in the UK from The Craft Barn and from Katzelkraft in France.

Blog hop extended !

2011-07-20T09:00:00.001+01:00

If you've not had chance to join in with the blog hop over on the ABC Challenge then there's still time as it's been extended until 10AM Wednesday 27 July ! The challenge is 'Y' is for Yesterday, this could be an old stamp or even an old challenge. Check out the ABC Challenge blog for the details of all the fabulous sponsors and the prizes on offer.

Good luck !

Happy Birthday Libby !

2011-07-18T08:00:00.000+01:00

Today is a special day as it's my god daughter's birthday.......Happy Birthday Libby !!!
Unfortunately, I don't live close to her so I don't get to see her very often.

For Libby's card I've used a Mo Manning image which I've shaded with ProMarkers and cut out using Labels 18 Nestabilities. The embossed panel is made using the Happy Birthday Cuttlebug EF which I've blended Tattered Rose DI over. I've used a text stamp from a Wendy Vecchi set for the second panel.

The swirls are made using a Marianne Creatable die. The background is stamped using a stamp from the Baroque Stampin' Up set.

The flower is made using the Tim Holtz Tattered Flowers die and Grunge Paper which I've blended Victorian Velvet DI over. The brad is one of the gorgeous Marah Johnson brads. The button and the charm are from my stash.

Hope your week has started off well !

The Stamp Man Challenge

2011-07-15T12:00:00.000+01:00

It's time for another challenge over at The Stamp Man, and this time would like to see anything T!m ! So get out all of your ideaology and Tim Holtz stamps and show us what you can do ! Make sure you check out the fab creations that the DT have made !

If you visit regularly you'll know that I'm rather partial to Tim Holtz products, so this challenge was a real pleasure ! The stamps I've used are from the Papillon and Good Thoughts sets. I started by blending DI over some white card stock, using Brushed Corduroy and Faded Jeans. The border is made using the Tim Holz Sizzix border die Scrollwork and I've used Walnut Stain DI to blend over it. I stamped the text stamp from the Papillon set onto white card and then distressed it using Brushed Corduroy and Walnut Stain DI. I then zipped around the edge with my sewing machine.

The butterflies were stamped onto white cardstock using black Archival ink and then I've blended Antique Linen and Scattered Straw DI around the edge. The swirl is made using the Tim Holtz Sizzix die Elegant Flourishes and I've blended Walnut Stain DI over it. The clip and metal tag are from the Tim Holtz Ideaology range.

I'm also entering this card into the following challenges:

Simon Says Stamp and Show - Stitching
C.R.A.F.T. Challenge - Butterflies
Paperplay Challenge - Things with Wings
Stampin for the Weekend - Wings and things
By the Cute and Girly - Things with Wings

I hope you get chance to join us for this challenge.

Paris tag !

2011-07-14T08:00:00.001+01:00

Is it me or is Blogger having a mid-life crisis !! If you knew how many times I've had to log in and out......I've definitely got more grey hairs now !

So, moving on, my Katzelkraft DT project that I'm sharing with you this week is a tag. I don't do these very often, but I am starting to get the bug !

The stamp sets I've used are Paris Postal and Paris Monuments. I've used Kraft card for the tag and then blended Walnut Stain DI around the edge. I've stamped the images in Coffee and Black Archival ink. I used Walnut Stain Distress Stain to colour some Tissue Tape. The frame is made using the Tim Holtz Sizzix die.

The discs along the bottom are recycled from a belt from a pair of jeans, I've even managed to use the same jump rings !

The stamps I've used are available exclusively from The Craft Barn in the UK and from Katzelkraft in France.

Hope you all have a great day.

Here come the girls !

2011-07-10T18:42:00.000+01:00

I had an order for some cards from a lady at work and they're all for little girls. I was dreading making them as I'd not got a clue what to do. My mojo has been somewhat lacking of late, and as cards for 'little people' aren't really my forte I thought that I would spend most of the time looking out of the window ! Anyway, I managed to dig deep and I'm quite pleased with the first two I've made.

I've used a Mo Manning image for all of the cards and shaded them with ProMarkers. I cut this image out using Nestabilities Labels 3, sponged some DI around the edge before removing the die. The tulips are from a Wendy Vecchi set and I've stamped the flower head onto card that I've blended Wild Honey DI over and the stalk and leaves onto card that I've blended Shabby Shutters DI over. The text stamp is also from the same Wendy Vecchi stamp set.

The number is made using the Tim Holtz Vintage Market Sizzlie die and I've blended DI over it and then covered it with Glossy Accents. The border punch is a Fiskars.

I've used Nestabilities Labels 18 to cut this image out. The papers are My Minds Eye and a scrap piece from my stash. The border punch is a Martha Stewart and the die is a Marianne Creatable.

The number is made using the Tim Holtz Vintage Market Sizzlit die and I've done the same thing as on the first card with the DI and Glossy Accents. The frame is a die cut using the Tim Holtz Tag die and the name is done on my PC.

Well that's 2 down, 2 to go !

I'm entering the following challenges:

Simon Says Stamp and Show - Show a Flourish (on my second card)
Bearly Mine challenge - Anything goes
Papertake challenge - Anything goes
A Spoon Full of Sugar - Sewing (on both cards)
Papercutz - Ice cream cone (on my first card)
Alphabet Challenge - J is Just for one word (my first card)
Allsorts - Free and easy July ( I think this means anyting goes!)
Crazy 4 Challenges - Summer theme (My first card is summer themed)

Paris Monuments !

2011-07-07T08:00:00.001+01:00

For my Katzelkraft DT project this week I've made a card using the Paris Monuments stamp set, which also happens to be in the sale over on the Katzelkraft main site.

I decided to go bright with this card and used Olive and Barn Door DI to shade the background card. I stamped the flourish in Archival Olive ink to make a border. The embossed panel is made using the Fleur de Lys EF and then I rubbed Viva metallic paint over the top and then some DI.

The Paris text is stamped onto some Grunge Paper that I've blended Barn Door DI over then cut out using Labels 4 Nestabilities. The main image has been stamped with black Archival ink onto card that I've blended Olive DI over. I then highlighted some areas using bleach and a fine paint brush. I stamped the monument again onto shrink plastic, punch a hole with my Cropodile before shrinking it.

I love how the shrink plastic still keeps the detail of the stamp. I then added the bottle cap and the bottle cap label. Quite a bright card for me, think I need to have a lie down now !

The stamps I have used are available exclusively in the UK from The Craft Barn and from Katzelkraft in France.

ABC Blog Hop !!

2011-07-06T10:00:00.000+01:00

Over on the ABC Challenge blog we're having a blog hop ! Check out the main blog for details of all of the fantastic prizes on offer ! If you've followed the right path you should have arrived here from Clare (Distressed Miss).

You have until 6PM (GMT) Monday 18 July to complete the blog hop. Comments must be left on all of the blogs and the winners will be chosen at random and announced on the ABC Challenge blog.

So onto the challenge for the blog hop which 'Y' is for Yesterday, we want to see your favourite images from the past.

I got myself in a muddle as I only read part of what I should be doing so thought the challenge was 'Y' is for Yesteryear !

I started by using the Polka Dot stamp by Stampin' Up which I stamped with black Archival ink onto card that I'd blended Antique Linen, Scattered Straw and Tea Dye DI over. The vertical panel was made using a Wendy Vecchi text stamp, the words are from a Dark Room Door set and I've stamped them with black Archival ink.

The main image and the text stamp are both from the same Dark Room Door set of stamps. The ribbon is from my stash as are the buttons.

So, the next place you need to 'hop' to is Hanna. Enjoy the rest of the hop and good luck !

The StampMan Challenge

2011-07-01T12:00:00.000+01:00

It's time for another challenge over at The StampMan. For this challenge we have an optional sketch for you to follow, but you must use alcohol inks. The prize for the winner is the usual £10 voucher to spend in The StampMan shop.

I decided to follow the sketch as well as using my alcohol inks. I've not used them in a while so it felt good to get them out and my fingers were a wonderful shade of dark sludge !

I started by using Terra Cotta, Butterscotch and Lettuce alcohol inks and dabbing them onto white glossy card stock. I then stamped the sentiment from the Tim Holtz stamp set called Good Thoughts. The side panel is from the gorgeous paper stash Kraft Resist, and I blended Shabby Shutters and Forest Moss DI over it then gave it a gentle rub with a cloth to reveal the resist text. The background was made with a stamp from the Tim Holtz Papillon set, and again I've given it the DI treatment.

The heart is stamped onto a piece of Grunge Paper which I blended Barn Door DI over first, then cut it out and stuck on top of the first stamped image.

The flower is made using the Tattered Flowers Tim Holtz Sizzix die and also using the Lin Brown technique which you can find here. I'm off to one of Lin's workshops today, so should be a fab day!

I hope you get chance to join us for this challenge.

The StampMan ATC challenge

2011-07-01T09:00:00.000+01:00

The new challenge for the ATC swap over at The StampMan is Vintage.

I'm not sure that I've hit the mark with this one, but I must admit working on something so small always is a big challenge for me ! I've used the Tim Holtz stamp sets Haberdashery and Adverts. You can't see it very clearly but I stamped the background with Old paper DI using a stamp from the Haberdashery stamp set. The advert is stamped with Archival Coffee ink.

I hope you get chance to join in with the swap this month !

Something a little different !

2011-06-23T08:00:00.002+01:00

For my Katzelkraft DT project this week I decided to give an altered book a whirl ! I didn't have a hard back book so thought I'd try it with a paperback.

The stamp sets I've used are French Quotes, Nature, Fleurs and Physalis. I started by gluing the pages of the book together with Multi Matt medium. I then painted the cover with acrylic paint. The swirly pattern is made using a stencil and Viva Terra Sahara, when it was dry I sprayed it with Juniper Glimmer Mist. I used the Fleur de Lys EF then rubbed Viva metallic paint over the top. The birds are from the Nature set and I stamped them onto Grunge Paper. The flower was made with Grunge Paper and a stamp from the Nature set. The frame is made using the Tim Holtz Sizzix Tag die. I blended DI over it and by accident I dropped some water on to it. I quite like the effect so dropped a few more drops on it !

I used some paper that was from some packaging for the inside panels. I used DI and then stamped them with Black and Cobalt Archival ink.

The brad in the centre of the flower was dabbed with some Espresson Alcohol ink. The letters on the spine of the book are made using the Tim Holtz Sizzlet Vintage Market die. I've inked it with Broken China DI then covered them with Crackle Glaze.

The butterfly was stamped on to acetate and I stamped the antenna onto some more packaging paper. The butterfly was coloured on the reverse with ProMarkers.

All of the stamps I've used are available from The Craft Barn in the UK and from Katzelkraft in France. There is a sale on at the moment at Katzelkraft so you could bag yourself some bargains !

I'm also entering this project into the Simon Says Stamp and Show challenge which is to 'Show some Metal' (my metal are the brads).

X is for ..........

2011-06-22T09:00:00.000+01:00

It's time for another challenge over at the ABC Challenge and this time we would like to see 'X' is for 'X' marks the spot ! We would like to see projects with a pirate theme. The sponsor for this challenge is Bunny Zoe's Crafts who is offering a £10 voucher.

When I saw the challenge for this week I have to admit I wasn't looking forward to it, but I hopped over to Mo Manning and lo and behold there was a lovely image that sparked my imagination !

I also dug out my Pro Markers, which have been feeling a little abandonned, and shaded the image then cut it out with a square Nestability. The top left square was made using a stamp from Stuff to Say stamp set by Tim Holtz and I've stamped it with Archival Cobalt ink. I stamped the numbers horizontally and then vertically without re-inking the stamp.

The bottom left corner was made using the Divine Swirls EF and I've rubbed Stormy Sky DI over the top. The paper is from my stash and was just big enough for the job ! The words were done on my PC and then the banner was cut out by hand.

I hope you get chance to join us this week.

Really late DT post !

2011-06-18T17:59:00.003+01:00

Ever had one of those weeks when you can't wait for it to end, well that's the one I've just had ! This post should have been posted yesterday, so I'm on catch up !

This is my DT card for The Stamp Man challenge which is to use a dragonfly or butterfly on your project. I started by making the background using DI's and the blocking technique. I stamped the centre panel with an Aspects of Design stamp. The side panel is embossed using the Distressed Stripes EF.

The mesh is stamped using an Aspects of Design stamp from the Florals set and the dragon fly is stamped onto acetate using an Aspects of Design stamp from the Cluster of 3 Dragonflies set. The letters are cut using the Tim Holtz Vintage Market Sizzlet die and I've used Walnut Stain DI and Glossy Accents on the letters.

Baby Naming Card

2011-06-16T18:30:00.000+01:00

For my Katzelkraft DT project this week I'm sharing a baby naming card that I've made for an order.

The stamp set I've used is the Paris/Adore set which has this lovely baby stamp in it. I started by making the background using the blocking technique with Distress Inks then I've stamped over the top using Victorian Velvet DI. I've used Labels 18 Nestabilities to cut the image out and I've run the larger shape through my Big shot using the Swiss Dots EF.

The letter A is made using the Tim Holtz Victorian Market alphabet Sizzlet die, I've then covered it with silver embossing powder.

The stamps I've used are available exclusively from The Craft Barn in the UK and from Katzelkraft in France.

Another gift box !

2011-06-09T08:00:00.000+01:00

I'm away on holiday at the moment in (sunny?) Norfolk ! So I hope this post turns up on time !

The Katzelkraft DT project I'm sharing with you today is a another gift box. I've used the Fleurs set of stamps and also the Paris/Adore set.

I've stamped the flowers with Archival Olive and Black ink and then blended Wild Honey DI over it. I then stamped a piece of white card with the daisy flower and then blended DI over it and used the Tim Holtz Rosette die.

The centre is from the Paris/Adore set of stamps and I've stamped it onto Grunge Paper and blended DI over it.

The stamps I've used are all exclusively available from The Craft Barn in the UK and from Katzelkraft in France.

Gift box

2011-06-02T08:00:00.001+01:00

My Katzelkraft DT project this week is a gift box that I made as part of my Mum's birthday. I really love making boxes they really add that special touch, and my Mum loves them !

I used the Fleurs set of stamps and started my using the blocking technique with different coloured DI's. Then I stamped the flowers using black Archival ink, but for one of them stamping onto some scrap first so that it was paler.

The flower is made using the Tim Holtz Tattered Flowers die and the lovely brad in the centre is a Marah Johnson. I've used the Elegant Flourishes die for the swirl. The stamps are exclusively available from The Craft Barn in the UK of from Katzelkraft in France.

Sorry this is a short post but I'm fighting with the headache monster at the moment ! Hopefully normal service will be resumed soon !

Happy Birthday Boss !

2011-05-30T18:13:00.005+01:00

Not only is it my Mum's birthday tomorrow, but it's also my bosses too ! I know for sure he won't be looking here !

I kept this card quite simple, and flat, as it had to be posted and didn't want anything sticking through the envelope to give the posty a fright !! I made the background using the Tim Holtz Blocking technique then I stamped over the top using a Rubbadubbado stamp and Mahogany DI. The script panel is stamped using the En Francais background stamp by Stampin' Up. I then stamped Mahogany DI onto my craft sheet and spritzed it with water, dipped a small jar into the liquid ink and then pressed it onto the text. The result was to get the impression of a wine ring on the card. The main image is an Inkadinkado stamp, I've used my Cropodile down one side and ripped the holes to look like it's torn from a note pad, then used Tea Dye and Walnut Stain DI around the edge.

The Happy Birthday was made by covering a small piece of card with EP and on the third layer I stamped into it with the Happy Birthday stamp. The swirl is made using the Elegant Flourishes Tim Holtz die and the letter is a Tim Holtz Type Charm.

I'm also entering this card into the following challenges:

Cards for Men - No designer papers
Charisma Cardz - Boy oh Boy ! (card for a man/boy)

Well it's been a real miserable day here today it's not stopped raining all day. At least it's the perfect excuse to spend some time in my craft room ! I hope you've all managed to get some quality crafting time in to !

Last one for Mum !

2011-05-29T17:42:00.004+01:00

This is my last card for my Mum's birthday, which is on Tuesday. It's always a challenge to make totally different cards, but I've managed it again for another year !

I started by making the background, which is covered with DI and then I've used a stamp from the Tim Holtz Haberdashery stamp set. I then covered it with Gesso and used a baby wipe to wipe away parts of the Gesso to reveal some of the stamping. When it was dry I then stamped over the top using stamps from the Paper Artsy set called Buttons 3. I used the Tim Holtz Sizzix Tag die and covered it with DI and then stamped on it using stamps from the Tim Holtz Haberdashery set and the Katzelkraft Fleurs set. I also used the Tim Holtz Mini Mask - Florets for the flowers and the leafy swirl. The sentiment on the side is from the Just a Note stamp set by Stempelglede, I used a circle punch and blended some more DI over it.

The tags are all cut by hand and I've used a small alphabet set for the text, which apologies, I don't know who it's by. The linen tape measure is by Tim Holtz from the Ideology range. The letter charm is a Tim Holtz Type Charm and the scissors are from a set of charms I picked up from a garden centre when we were out and about earlier today !

I'm entering this card into The Craft Barn's challenge which is to use one of the Gesso techqniques that they have showcased.

Another one for Mum !

2011-05-26T08:00:00.002+01:00

For my Katzelkraft DT project this week, I've made another card for my Mum's birthday. I know she won't be looking here so I'm safe !

The stamp sets I've used are Fleurs, Femmes 1900 and Paris/Adore. I started by blending DI over some white cardstock and then stamping the flower with black Archival ink. I overstamped the flower with the text stamp from the Paris/Adore stamp set. The main image has been cut out using the Fleur de Lis Squares Nestabilities and mounted on a larger size which I've stamped using another stamp from the Femmes 1900 set.

I've used the Tim Holtz Tattered Flowers die for the flower and I've used the scrip stamp again. The gorgeous brad is another one by Marah Johnson. The text on the 2 tickets has been done on my PC and then I cut them out using the Tim Holtz Sizzlet die.

All of the stamps I've used are available exclusively from The Craft Barn in the UK and from Katzelkraft in France.

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:

Little Red Wagon - Use a number
Paperplay - Blossoms and blooms
Sew Many Challenges - Flowers and lace
Bearly Mine Challenges - Die cuts and lace

'V' is for .......

2011-05-25T09:00:00.002+01:00

It's Wednesday so that means it's time for another challenge over on the ABC Challenge. We're up to the letter 'V' and what we would like to see is ....Violet on your projects.

This card was really difficult to photograph and it's still not that good but I think you can get the gist ! This is a card for my Mum's Birthday next week, I wanted to do a different fold and I've not had a go at a Tri Shutter for ages. I changed it slightly as I made it A5 size. I started by making a master sheet, using the blocking technique from Tim Holtz and also using Katzelkraft stamps and Aspects of Design stamps. The two embossed panels have been made with the Cuttlebug Stylised Flower EF and I've stamped inside using one of the stamps from the Tim Holtz Reflections set. The Happy Birthday panel is made using a stamp from the Just a Note set by Stempelglede.

The front panel has been stamped with a Katzelkraft stamp, after stamping it twice on a piece of scrap, then I've stamped over the top with a Stampin' Up stamp. I've cut it out using Labels 18 Nestabilities. The flower is made from Grunge Paper with a piece from an old book that I've stamped on. It's then been cut out using the Tattered Flowers die by Tim Holtz. The gorgeous brad is by Marah Johnson and I've attached a Word Stick and also 2 type charms that I've stuck a piece from the master sheet inside. The word 'Mum' is made using the Tim Holtz Vintage Market Sizzlit die and I've covered the letters with DI and then Glossy Accents and mounted the letters onto one of the dies from the Fancy Tags 2 set.

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:

Crafty Cardmakers - Embossing
A Spoon Full of Sugar - Things with Wings (butterfly stamps & punch)
My Time to Craft - Use a die cut
Let's Ink it Up - Focal sentiment and 3D flower

One more Golden Wedding !

2011-05-21T17:07:00.007+01:00

If you visitied for WOYWW this week, you will have seen this project half finished on my craft table. It took a bit of doing, as my mojo up and left and I couldn 't seem to get myself in gear !

The main image is a trusted Inkadinkado stamp which was requested for this card, it's been stamped with Memento black in and then shaded with Pro Markers. I cut it out using Nestabilities Labels 4. The embossed panel is made using the Vintage Wallpaper EF by Stampin' Up, I stamped on the inside of the EF with a Tim Holtz Reflections stamp then used Antique Linen, Scattered Straw and Wild Honey DI over it. The horizontal panel was made using the Paint Dabber Resist technique, the stamp is a Viva - Silikon - Stempel stamp.

The letter and the year was done on my PC and cut out using a circle Nestability. The background was inked with Antique Linen and Scattered Straw and stamped with a stamp from the Baroque Motifs set by Stampin' Up. The organza ribbon was gathered with a running stitch. The swirls are cut using a Sizzlit die. The rose was made using a Grunge Flower die by Paper Artsy, and I stamped a blank page from an old book to make it.

As seems to be the norm these days, I've had to make a box as the card won't fit into an envelope ! The corners are stamped using a Clarity stamp using Wild Honey DI.

The rose is made with some more paper from an old book that's been stamped using a Katzelkraft stamp and a Paper Artsy die. The leaves are made using Tim Holtz's Tattered Leaves die.

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:

Fab 'n' Funky - Make your own Blooms
Truly Scrumptious - Anything Goes
Secret Crafter - Anniversary
Crafty Cardmakers - Embossing

Anyone for Bingo !

2011-05-20T12:00:00.004+01:00

It's time for another challenge over at The Stamp Man and this time we have loads of choices for you! We'd like you to select some ingredients from our recipe bingo grid and make us something gorgeous! Take any 3 ingredients in a line, horizontally, vertically or diagonally and use them to make us a fabulous creation. Simple as that ! You can use more than 3 if you want to, but you must be sure to use at least 3 and let us know in your post which line you have used.

Blue	Embossing powder	Stitches (real or faux)
Torn/ripped	Ribbon	Red
Die cut	Homemade background (no patterned paper)	Sparkle and bling

The line that I've used from the grid is Die Cut, Ribbon and Stitching. I knew I definitely had to get stitching in there somewhere !

The main image is an Aspects of Design Scalloped Framie stamp, cut out using a Scalloped Circle Nestability. The sentiment is a Tim Holtz stamp from the Odds and Ends set. The little butterfly has been stamped onto vellum using Archival Cobalt ink. The left hand panel is made using a Tim Holtz stamp from the Adverts set and it's been stamped several times with Archival Olive ink. The right hand panel is made using the Cuttlebug Stylised Flower EF and I've stamped on the inside of the folder with a stamp from the Tim Holtz Reflections set with Archival Olive ink. I've then blended DI over it. Both panels have been sewn around the edge with my sewing machine. The 2 tickets are made using the Tim Holtz Sizzlit Ticket die and 2 stamps from the Odds and Ends set.

The brad and metal flower are from the Tim Holtz Foliage embellishments and the letter is a Tim Holtz Type Charm. The word 'life' has been made from Grunge Board letters and I've covered them with Olive acrylic paint, sanded them when dry and then rubbed Walnut Stain DI over them. The background paper is from the Prima Botanical paper set.

I'm entering this project into the following challenges:

Cupcake Craft - In the garden ( butterflies are found in the garden!)
A spoon Full of Sugar - Anything goes
Crafty Catz -Anything goes
Creative Craft Challenge -Vintage or Distressed (I've gone for distressed)

I hope you get chance to play along with us for this challenge !

Katzelkraft Tag !

2011-05-19T08:00:00.000+01:00

It's Thursday again so that means it's time to show you my Katzelkraft DT project for this week. I don't often do a tag but after taking delivery of the Tim Holtz Bigz die it gave me the perfect opportunity.

I used the Nature set of stamps and started by stamping the tree using a white Paint Dabber. When it was dry I covered the tag with various colours of DI and then spritzed some kitchen roll and rubbed the ink off the tree, I do love this technique it resists beautifully !

I stamped some white card using a quote from the Nature/Voyage set of stamps and then blended DI over it and cut it using the Tim Holtz Rosette Die. The centre is a flower from the Nature set that I stamped onto Grunge Paper and hand cut out. The brad and the metal tag are also Tim Holtz.

All of the stamps are available exclusively in the UK from The Craft Barn and from Katzelkraft in France.

WOYWW #102

2011-05-18T16:05:00.002+01:00

This is a first for me, I've marvelled at how brave everyone is to show their work space and thought it was time for me to show mine too !

I have this need to be able to see as much stash as I possibly can, therefore the space I get to actually craft in is very tiny ! I have tried to tidy away bits and pieces that I'm not using but they soon manage to creep back on to my table. My current project that you can see on my table is a Golden Wedding card order, which will be ready to share by the week end, hopefully. You can also see my coveted ticket that gained me entry to the wonderful Tim Holtz workshop back in February of this year which, I hasten to add, is signed by the main man himself ! So it has to take pride of place on my table too !

If you want to be brave and show yours too head over to Julia's.

Box Frame

2011-05-13T20:29:00.003+01:00

EDIT: Blogger issues meant that this post was deleted temporarily, and as it was a scheduled post for Thursday morning, it was not restored straight away and also deleted part of the post. So if you think you saw this post and then it wasn't there, this is the reason why.

My Katzelkraft DT project that I'm sharing with you today is box frame that I bought ages ago. Firstly, I must also apologise for the poor photograph, I finished it just as the light was fading and after going round every room in the house this was the best the I could do !

I covered the box with Gesso and then I sponged Stormy Sky DI over the top. The stamp sets I've used are Nature - Hummingbirds and Nature - Fleurs Grunge . The flowers are stamped on to Grunge Paper and the letter is also Grunge Paper.

I've used a 10 Second Studio embossing plate and distressed the metal with black acrylic paint for the 2 panels inside the box (hard to see I know !) The star in the middle of the flower is from a gift bag and I've covered it with alcohol ink.

I'm also entering this project in the Simon Says Stamp and Show challenge which is anything goes.

U is for .......

2011-05-11T09:00:00.001+01:00

It's time for another challenge over at The ABC Challenge and this time we would like to see 'U' is for Underneath. You can interpret this anyway you like as long there is something underneath! The sponsor for this challenge is Wags and Whiskers, check out the ABC Challenge blog for the prize.

I started by making the background piece, I used Distress Inks and stamped them onto my craft sheet and then spritzed it with water and then 'swooshed' a piece of white card stock in the ink. I then stamped using various stamps and then I added some more DI to make the colours stronger. Then I wiped Gesso over the top and used a baby wipe to take off some of it. When this was dry I stamped again using the yummy swirl stamp by Crafty Individuals.

The centre panel was stamped around the edge with a Katzelkraft stamp and the main image is from a TJ Designs set called Vintage Collage.

The sentiment inside is from a set of stamps by Stempelglede called Just a Note.

The flower is cut from metal using a Paper Artsy die. The bottom layer has been distressed using black acrylic paint and the top layer has been coloured with alcohol inks, the embossed look is done freehand. The black swirl is made using the Tim Holtz Elegant Flourish die.

I hope you get chance to join us for this challenge.

The Stamp Man Challenge

2011-05-06T12:00:00.000+01:00

It's time for another challenge over at The Stamp Man and this week we would like to see a Poppy in your creation. Janet's husband is organising a fund raising concert on the 25th October for the British Legion and they are trying to get together some cards to sell. If you would like to donate your creation to the concert, you can post it to The Stamp Man, but you are not obliged to - you can enter the challenge with any Poppy themed project and you will be eligible for the prize and top places whether you send them in or not.

For my card I used stamps from the Aspect of Design Nature set and Aspect of Design Framies. I coloured the poppy in with Pro-Markers and used DI around the edges. The poppy and the word is cut out using Labels 5 Nestabilities. The embossed panel is made using the Stylised Flower EF and then distressing the edges and giving it the DI treatment.

The background paper is from the Prima Botanical pad and I've stamped the butterflies onto it using Tea Dye DI. The bow is made from binding tape and I've rubbed Scattered Straw DI over it and frayed the edges slightly.

I hope you get chance to join us for this challenge.

Cat's out of the bag !

2011-05-05T14:50:00.005+01:00

Just thought I'd share my excitement! If you've received your Craft Stamper magazine today, like I have, you will see that The Stamp Man are featured in the Stamping Contrasts article. You will also see, if you look carefully, that I have 2 cards featured in the article ! How cool is that !

Both cards have been made using the Aspects of Design 01-Florals stamp set, amongst other things.

The whole article looks fabulous so make sure you grab a copy of June's magazine and check out what the other designers have made !

Merci !

2011-05-05T08:00:00.002+01:00

For my Katzelkraft DT project this week I've made a thank you or a 'Merci' card for a lady at work who has been very supportive over the last few months while I've been studying. I'm pretty sure she doesn't look at my blog so I'm safe !

The stamp set I've used for this card is Nature. I started by stamping the background with Spiced Marmalade DI and then using the same ink to blend over the card. Then I used the Tim Holtz Acrylic Dabber resist technique using one of the swirl stamps for the horizontal panel. The side panel has been stamped using Coffee Archival ink and then embossed using the Victoria EF and then given the DI treatment. The word 'Merci' has been cut out using Fancy Tags 2 and I've blended DI around the edge, and I've mounted it onto a piece of card that I've used Barn Door DI on and also stamped with one of the flower stamps and cut out using Labels 18 Nestabilities.

The swirl is a Sizzix Bigz die and the flower has been made using one of the Tim Holtz Tattered flowers die and the 2 smaller flowers are stamped and cut out by hand from Grunge Paper.

The stamps I've used are available exclusively from The Craft Barn in the UK and from Katzelkraft in France.

I'm also entering the following challenges:

Paper Cutz - Anything goes
One Stop Craft Challenge - In stitches
By the Cute & Girly - Anything goes

T is for ........

2011-05-04T09:00:00.001+01:00

It's time for another challenge over at The ABC Challenge and this time we would like to see 'T' is for two images. The sponsor for this challenge is Wild Rose Studio and the prize is a Milton stamp.

I think I've gone a bit astray on this challenge as it wasn't supposed to include text in the 2 images, but I'm hoping I'm forgiven !

I started by stamping the background with a stamp from the Tim Holtz Haberdashery set using Bundled Sage DI. The manikin is from the same set and I stamped it with Adirondack Pesto ink. The second image is a PaperArtsy stamp and is stamped with the same ink. The needle book is stamped onto some linen and then I've zipped around the edge with my sewing machine.

The letters are grunge letters and I've painted them with Olive acrylic paint, sanded them and then used Walnut Stain DI on them. The white ribbon is Tim Holtz and the pins are from my stash, I took the original pearls off and changed them to green to blend with the card.

I hope you get chance to join us for this challenge.

The Stamp Man ATC swap

2011-05-01T21:26:00.004+01:00

It's time for the next ATC challenge over at The Stamp Man and the theme for this month is Friendship.

I was fortunate to see Barbara Gray at work over the week end which prompted me to get my brayer out again. I've never had much success with the brayer so it doesn't get an outing very often.

I started by masked off a circle then brayering using Denim, Lettuce and Pesto Adirondack ink. I stamped the flowers from the Aspects of Design Butterfly Beauties stamp set using Pesto Adirondack ink. The butterflies are also from the same stamp set and I stamped one onto vellum. The ticket is cut using the Tim Holtz ticket die and I've used the Tim Holtz Tattered Leaves die for the top right hand corner using just small portions of the leaves. The letter 'F' is a Tim Holtz Type Charm.

I hope you get chance to join in with this month's swap !

Papillons box !

2011-04-28T08:00:00.001+01:00

The project I'm sharing with you today is my Katzelkraft DT project. I spotted this wooden box at a local garden centre and thought it would be a great project to alter.

I covered the box with Gesso and then used acrylic paint. All of the images are stamped onto white tissue paper using Olive and Black Archival ink. The stamp sets I've used are the Physalis et petits oiseaux and the Nature/Voyage Quotes sets.

As the images are stamped onto tissue paper the images can be used in reverse as the ink comes through the quite clearly. I've used Multi-Medium Matte to stick the images to the box. The butterfly has been stamped onto vellum and then I've used a Viva pen to add the pearls down the centre. The lock is from the Tim Holtz Locket Keys Ideology set as is the key.

I started out to make a metal rose for the lid, then thought that the lid wouldn't open so opted for a flatter flower. I've used the PaperArtsy scalloped flower die for the large flower and then the Tim Holtz Tattered flowers die for the 2 smaller flowers. I just cut a small circle for the centre. The swirls are cut using the Tim Holtz Elegant Flourish die, and all of the metal has been distressed using black acrylic paint.

The stamp sets are available exclusively from The Craft Barn in the UK and from Katzelkraft in France.

Better late than never !

2011-04-24T08:07:00.007+01:00

This card is my DT card for The Stamp Man challenge, which I should have posted on Friday ! It's been one of those weeks, when all best laid plans went out of the window! Anyway, back to the challenge, this time we would like to see you use a resist technique. There is the usual prize of a £10 voucher to spend at The Stamp Man, and make sure to hop over to the check out the rest of the DT's fabulous resist projects.

I started by making the background which is using the Tim Holtz Dabber Resist technique, which you can find on page 37 of A Compendium of Curiosities. It's the first time I've used this technique and it definitely won't be the last ! I used Rusty Hinge and Crushed Olive DI and the stamp is from the Aspect of Design Butterfly Beauties set. The main stamp is from the Tim Holtz Stuff to Say set and I've also used an Aspects of Design Framie stamp before cutting it out using Labels 5 Nestabilities. The side panel is a piece of Grunge Paper that has been covered with a page from an old book and then I've embossed it using the Tim Holtz Rays EF. The swirl is cut using the Tim Holtz Elegant Flourishes die and covered with Crushed Olive DI.

The material across the card is cotton seam binding that I've rubbed Scattered Straw and Rusty Hinge DI over and the pleated and sewed down the middle.

I don't often use any bling on my cards but these brads by Marah Johnson caught my eye. The flower is made with my favourite die, the Tattered Flowers die by Tim Holtz and I've cut the flower from Grunge Paper that has been covered with the page from an old book and then I've used Crushed Olive DI over it.

I'm entering my card into the Simon Says Stamp and Show challenge, which is to use a Tim Holtz technique.

I hope you're all enjoying your Easter break and the lovely weather.

Nature's inspiration !

2011-04-21T08:00:00.001+01:00

For my Katzelkraft DT project this week I was inspired following a lovely walk we had on Sunday. It was a lovely sunny day and we went to an RSPB reserve near Leek, what a fabulous place !

I decided to have a change and use a gate fold for this card, the two front panels have both been stamped using the Physalis et Petits Oiseaux stamp set using Olive Archival ink. I've blended around the edge using Bundled Sage and Forest Moss DI. The flowers are all cut from vellum using the Tim Holtz Tattered Flowers die and then I used the Stylised Flower EF.

The two birds have been shaded using my Pro Markers. I've not used these in a while so it was good to blow the cobwebs off them !

The inside was stamped using the French Quotes stamp set again with Olive Archival ink, and given the DI treatment. The little charm is one of the Tim Holtz Type Charms.

All of the stamps are available exclusively in the UK from The Craft Barn or from France from Katzelkraft.

Katzelkraft new stamps !

2011-04-16T08:09:00.004+01:00

Check out the gorgeous new stamps from Katzelkraft and a special offer too, but be quick !

A Wedding Card

2011-04-14T08:00:00.001+01:00

Weddings and me are like pink and me, they just don't mix very well ! So for my Katzelkraft DT project I decided to do a not very traditional wedding card for a friend at work.

The main image is from the Paris/Adore set of stamps and has been cut out with Nestabilities Labels 18 and I've put one of the die cuts from the Fancy Tags 2 behind it. The text is also from the Paris/Adore set of stamps and I've used Tea Dye DI to distress it.

The embossed panel is made using the Victoria EF and I've used a Martha Stewart edge punch. The background is made using a swirls stamp from the Physalis et Petits Oiseaux stamp set. I've stamped it with Scattered Straw DI and then blended more around the edge with a little Tea Dye too. The flower is made using the Tattered Flowers Tim Holtz die, and I cut up the lining of a basket for the material ! The gorgeous brad is one of my precious Marah Johnson brads. I did the date and initials on my PC and used a Tim Holtz die to cut them out.

I'm also entering this card into the Simon Says Stamp & Show challenge which is distressing.

All of the stamps I've used are available exclusively in the UK at The Craft Barn or in France from Katzelkraft.

The Stamp Man Challenge

2011-04-08T12:00:00.000+01:00

It's time for another challenge over at The Stamp Man, and this time we would like to see embossing. Now that can be dry embossing, heat embossing, triple embossing etc... whatever takes your fancy ! The prize is the usual £10 voucher to spend on goodies at The Stamp Man, so it's got to be worth having a go....don't you think ?

I took the opportunity to make another twisted easel card and to complete my Mother's Day orders too ! The main image is from the Floral 01 set of stamps by Aspect of Design. I stamped it again onto a piece of mountboard and then used Scattered Straw DI before triple embossing it. I cut the large image out using Nestabilities Large Labels and used Aged Mahogany and Walnut Stain DI around the edge.

The rose was made from the pages of an old book and I used Aged Mahogany around the edge. I've used a Tim Holtz ornate plate around the word Mum.

The papers are from the Prima paper stack called Botanical.

Quite simple but I liked it in the end, I don't often use paper these days but these Prima papers are rather yummy !

I hope you get chance to join us, the closing date is 21 April.

Knock, knock .....

2011-04-07T08:00:00.002+01:00

The project I'm sharing with you today is my Katzelkraft DT project. I saw this door hanger at the local garden centre and decided to give it a whirl !

I coated it in Gesso and then, when it was dry, I sponged Scattered Straw and Old Paper DI over it. I stamped all over it with stamps from the Katzelkraft Paris /Adore set (though you can't see most of it as I've covered it up!). The main image was stamped with Archival Coffee ink. I used some brown and black acrylic paint around the edge of the door hanger.

The swirls are cut from Grunge Paper using a Tim Holtz die, then I covered them with Walnut Stain DI and Tim Holtz Distressed Stickles. The lace is a scrap piece from my stash. The ribbon around the hole is also Tim Holtz, and I swiped it with Walnut Stain DI, though the photo hasn't shown this too well.

The flower is also made from Grunge Paper and I used a Paper Artsy Scalloped flower die. I stamped all of the pieces with the text stamp and used Old Paper, Tea Dye and Walnut Stain DI. finally I sprayed it with Heirloom Gold Perfect Pearls mist, and also sprayed the rest of the hanger too. The lock at the top is also by Tim Holtz.

The stamps can be bought exclusively from The Craft Barn in the UK and from Katzelkraft in France.

I'm entering this project in to the Simon Says Stamp and Show challenge, which is anything but a card.

Spring in Provence !

2011-04-03T15:06:00.004+01:00

How lovely that would be ! Oh well never mind, April showers can be quite enjoyable too ?!?!?....
The card I'm sharing today is one of the set I made for Mother's Day. I had a couple of last minute requests from those who shall remain nameless ( but they are related to me!).

My Mum loves it in Provence and so I decided to dig out my Serendipity stamps which I was given a few years back as a birthday present. I covered some white card with Antique Linen and Scattered Straw DI then stamped the image with black Memento ink. I then added some shading with Pro Markers, but didn't go too mad as I wanted to keep the image looking shabby. I cut it out with Nestabilities Wonky Rectangles. The flowers are all cut from an old book using Tim Holtz Tattered Flowers die and I've touched around the edges with Barn Door DI.

The french sentiment is from a Katzelkraft set of stamps called French Quotes. The papers are all Basic Grey and the letters are cut using the Tim Holtz Vintage Market Sizzlet die. I stamped over the top of the letters using a Crafty Individuals stamp and then blended Tea Dye DI over them.

I'm entering this card into the following challenges :

My Time to Craft - Mum's the Word
Fab 'n' Funky - Shabby Chic
Stampin for the Week end - For Mum / Mother's Day
Allsorts - Bloomin blossoms

News just in !! The Stamp Man is having a blog candy give away ! It's already started and ends at 9PM on 26 April. You can check it out here.

One for Mum !

2011-03-31T08:00:00.000+01:00

For my Katzelkraft DT piece this week I've altered a box which I'm going to give to my Mum for Mother's Day.

I started by covering the box with Gesso and then I used acrylic paint followed by some Tea Dye DI and a white dabber. The stamp sets I've used are 'French Quotes' and 'Physalis et Petits Oiseaux'. I've stamped the images onto white tissue paper and then stuck them on to the box using Matt Medium.

I made the flower using the Paper Artsy Scalloped flower die and Tim Holtz Lost & found paper. I then sprayed it with Perfect Pearls Heirloom Gold mist. The leaves are cut from Grunge Paper and I've used Olive DI on them.

The feet are by Tim Holtz and I used Ginger alocohol ink to colour them.

The stamps I've used are all available exclusively in the UK from The Craft Barn and from Katzelkraft in France.

R is for ..........

2011-03-30T09:00:00.002+01:00

The next ABC Challenge starts today and this week we would like to see 'R' is for Roses. The challenge is being sponsored by Bunny Zoe's Crafts.

Well, being as Mother's Day is fast approaching I thought I ought to make a start. My Mum loves roses, especially the David Austen varieties, so this challenge is really well timed ! I also thought it would be good opportunity to have a go at the twisted easel style card. I have to say I quite like it ! The stamps I've used are by Elusive Images, I've had this set for quite some time, I love the main image it's so full of detail. I've blended Spiced Marmalade and Dried Marigold DI over some white card and then stamped the rose image with black Archival ink. I've then gone round the edge with a little Walnut Stain DI. The Nestability I've used is Labels 17. The background for the Rose is made using Antique Linen, Scattered Straw and Old Paper DI and I've then stamped using Stampin' Up's background stamp called En Francais with Old Paper DI. The piece on the base is made using Tea Dye and Walnut Stain DI and I've stamped using Stampin' Up's Bella Toile background stamp with Tea Dye DI.

I couldn't resist making another rose and I've used Paper Artsy's Grunge Flower die and I've cut it from the pages of an old book which I've blended Spiced Marmalade DI over and added a blob of Glossy Accents. The sentiment is from the same Elusive Images stamp set, cut out using Labels 16 Nestabilities and given the DI treatment. The letters are cut using the Tim Holtz Sizzlet Vintage Market alphabet die and I've blended DI over the letters and covered with Glossy Accents. If you've been to the ABC blog the eagle eyed among you will have noticed that these letters are missing on my card. The reason is that they weren't dry and I needed to load my card onto the DT page.

I hope you will be able to join us this week.

I'm also entering this card in to the Let's Ink it Up challenge which is die cuts/punches.

A mix of stamps !

2011-03-27T09:11:00.008+01:00

So, did everyone in the UK remember to put your clocks forward an hour ? I did but I always spend the rest of the day thinking what the time is really......lol......

The card I'm sharing with you today is one I made a few weeks back and I never got round to putting it on my blog. I've used a mixture of stamps including Katzelkraft, Tim Holtz and Stampin' Up. I started by making the background using Milled Lavender and Dusty Concord DI. I stamped the main stamp twice so that it gave a fainter second image. The main image is a Katzelkraft stamp and she's been cut out with a circle Nestability and mounted onto a Labels 3 die cut. The ribbon is TIm Holtz and I've added a thin piece of black, which actually is from a tag from a piece of clothing I bought. The horizontal panel is embossed using the Victoria EF and then I've used Milled Lavender DI.

The flower is made using the Tim Holtz Tattered Flowers die and the button and charm are from my stash. The text is another Tim Holtz stamp from one of his new sets. ( I love this stamp ! )

As seems to be the norm now, my card was too big for a normal envelope ! So I made a box, using Milled Lavender and Dusty Concord DI, the corner stamps are by Katzelkraft. The flower is made using the Tattered Flowers die and some Paper Mania paper.

The tickets are made using the Tim Holtz Sizzlet die and the words are from another of his new stamp sets.

I'm also entering this card into the following challenges:

Totally Stampalicious - Paper piercing
My Time to Craft - Ladies Day

Well we've got a very grey cloudy day again today, which is a little disappointing as we were hoping to go out and take a pic-nic. Never mind, we'll have to have a carpet pic-nic instead !

Hope you all have a lovely Sunday.